Questions About Pin Removal From Wrist

Hi,

I had surgery on my wrist at Mayo, and recently completed my 1st post op follow-up where I saw 3 embedded pins on my latest x-rays. These pins are not permanent, and was placed in an arm cast to return in a month to get the cast and pins removed. I was told I had a choice of either getting it removed in an examination room with, I believe, a local anesthesic, or in the OR. Watching YouTube videos of people getting it done in an examination room or clinical room, made me a bit uneasy. Especially with the doctor’s grasp of the pin slipping a bit and the digging they have to do to find it. The other big concern is how it feels as the pins are twisted to get out. Has anyone had pins removed this way? How was it? I hear you can feel the pins being removed from the bones (as the local doesn’t apply that far down the incision). Can you tell me what that felt like? With these fears, I am learning towards getting them removed in the OR, but I don’t know if that means I can’t make my PT appointment later on in the day.

I am trying to get more information in order to decide, as my doctor told me that it’s my decision to make.

Thanks.