Question: Why Does My Orthopedist Want To Remove My Fixation Plate?

Should orthopedic plates and screws be removed?

Patients who continue to suffer inconvenience and discomfort after a healed bone fracture may be better off having any plates, pins and screws removed.

When should Orif plates be removed?

Ideally, plate removal should be performed three months after surgery, when the bone is already consolidated.

When should surgical hardware be removed?

Hardware removal is usually done because of problems caused by the implant, such as pain or infection. It may also be done when the hardware causes allergy or bone fracture. Others may want them removed because of cancer risk or to avoid security metal detection.

Can internal fixation be removed?

This patient’s fractured thighbone has been stabilized with external fixation. The fixator will be removed when surgery to repair the fracture can be performed safely. There may be some inflammation or, less commonly, infection associated with the use of external fixators.

Should you remove metal plates in your body?

If the metalwork remains tender then it should be removed. Some discomfort around a healed fracture may be from the expanded and irregular shape to the bone. Many fractures will take for up to 3 years to stop aching.

Can medical screws come loose?

The cortical screws holding the sideplate to the bone may come loose. The sideplate may fracture at a screw hole. The lag screw may perforate the articular surface of the femur.

Is it painful to have pins removed?

Pin Removal Elbow pins are usually removed in the office in a matter of seconds. Although patients may be anxious or cry, it is not a painful procedure, so they need not be scared.

Do metal plates hurt in the cold?

Metal implants used in joint replacements, fracture reinforcement and spine fusions transfer heat and cold better than human tissue. Guests who have metal implants might feel the cold more in the implant area during lower temperatures.

How long after ORIF can I walk?

No walking on the foot is permitted until 6 weeks after surgery. You will then be allowed to walk in a walking boot.

How long does it take to recover from hardware removal surgery?

Crutches may be required to assist mobilisation. Return to most activities: 6 weeks. Full recovery: Within 3 months. Every patient’s recovery is individual and depends on the severity of the injury and the complexity of the surgery.

Can you walk after hardware removal?

You will be able to begin walking in a regular shoe right after surgery (preferably a sandal or loose shoe to accommodate any swelling)

What happens to bone after screw removal?

For instance, after screws are removed, there is a hole in the bone where the screw was. This area of bone is now slightly weaker and could break more easily after a fall or accident. New bone will grow and fill in the hole during the months after surgery.

Are bone screws permanent?

Your surgeon may use metal screws, pins, rods, or plates to secure the bone in place. These can be either temporary or permanent. Your doctor might recommend a bone graft if your bone shattered into fragments during your original injury.

Can screws in bones cause pain?

While most retained hardware is asymptomatic, some patients will develop symptoms. The symptoms can be due to a screw or plate that rubs against a boot, or pain may be produced when the tendon or soft tissue structure rubs against the prominent screw or plate.

When do you remove plates and screws?

Dr. Foreman: Typically, we like to wait a minimum of one year following surgery to remove hardware, which you have attained. If x-rays show the fractures to be well-healed, then the plates and screws can be removed if you desire.