Broken elbow, ulna, humerus

Posted by sanderso @sanderso, Feb 7, 2023

Should plates and screws be removed after healing. Also suffered from staff and strep infection. On antibiotics as long as plates and screws are in place. Have heard that the bones will have holes where the screws have been. Not sure the best option.

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sanderso | @sanderso | Feb 9, 2023

What has been other’s’ experience with removing hardware after a break then infection.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Feb 10, 2023

Welcome @sanderso, you might find this related discussion helpful:
– Should I have Tibia Hardware Removed after Healing? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hardware-removal-1/

@don34 @shieldmom @jenniferhunter @sueinmn @cindylu85382 offer helpful information, albeit for a different area of the body.

Perhaps @elainepow1 @jime707 @ddsack @anno @dmk have shoulder and arm experiences to share with you.

Is your surgeon recommending that the hardware be removed?

sanderso | @sanderso | Feb 10, 2023

Thank you very much for your response. This is all related to my husband who fell one year ago. Surgeon is apprehensive to remove the hardware for fear of riling up the dormant infection. And also the possibility of weaker bones because of the holes that would remain in the bone from the screws. There are 40 pieces of hardware! Our infectious disease dr would like the hardware removed. They both believe the infection is on a plate. By removing the hardware would take care of the infection. If hardware stays in place, my husband will be on an antibiotic for the rest of his life. He is healthy and young enough that they both agree this is a difficult decision.

Any experience and expertise from others would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much!