Question - ACL Screw Removal

by Teri
(Ohio)

My 16 year old daughter had ACL reconstructive surgery in May 2007, using her hamstring. Her recovery has been good and she was back to playing sports after six months.

In the past month she has noticed a sharp pain in her knee where the screw is, you can even see it protuding from her knee. I know that we can get the screw removed, but what is the recovery time frame and what are the possible draw backs for taking it out?

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Question - ACL Screw Removal

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Aug 06, 2008
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2-4 weeks recovery
by: Bart - SII

Hardware removal after a hamstring graft ACL reconstruction is common. Many patients do not have problems, but it is not unheard of.

The removal is a straight forward surgery - they make a small incision, usually in the same spot as the old scar, and then remove the screw.

Most physicians will recommend rest for several days and then gradually increasing activities. I have had numerous patients with this procedure, and they have all done well and were back to activities in 2-3 weeks.

Bart

Sep 29, 2008
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Question
by: Anonymous

Would there be a need for crutches after the surgery for having the screw removed? And if so, for how long?

Sep 30, 2008
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crutches
by: Bart - SII

You might need crutches after the surgery, but I would guess only for a few days at the most. It really is a very simple and straight forward procedure most of the time - they make a small incision, usually over the old scar, remove the screw, and suture the incision.

Talk to your doctor to make sure, but I would be surprised if you needed crutches for more than a couple days.

Bart

Jun 05, 2009
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Suffering After Knee Screw Removal
by: Tmchris

I had screws removed from my knee on Monday, June 1, 2009, and I am helpless without the crutches. I also have enormous swelling in the knee. It is extremely painful.

My doctor said that I should be able to bend my knee after surgery, but it does not bend. He also said that I would be able to return to the gym approx. four days after surgery. Hopefully, I will regain my range of motion and return to the gym.

Pray for me.

Jun 06, 2009
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Surgery a success
by: Teri

Well my daughter had her screw removed in October 2008. It took about 15 minutes. She only had a little pain and did not need crutches. She was walking around fine by that evening. She only had to sit out from basketball until the stitches were out - about 2 weeks. Her knee feels much better and she is happy she had the screw removed.

Jun 28, 2009
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Screw Removal at 43
by: Tmchris

After three weeks, I can now bend my knee, but there is still some pain at the site of the incision. My doctor has stated that the pain will eventually subside. My knee screw insertion was due to a broken femur suffered last year.

Jun 28, 2009
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recovery question
by: joanie

Hi,

I tore my ACL playing soccer mid April, had the surgery mid June. Hamstring graft. I thought therapy was going well until the PT attempted to push my flexion past the 103 that I could do independently. I have a significant tightness (knot) at the base of my quad that is preventing further flexion and causing pain. Any ideas? Suggestions?

Jul 02, 2009
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ACL & MCL Screw removal
by: Sarah

I had my screws for an ACL Hamstring reconstruction and a MCL repair taken out a week ago (after 24 years- I am 46). I also had some cartilage behind my patella repaired. I have had so much more pain from the screw removal than I had ever imagined. I'm glad to hear that someone else finally was able to stand the pain 3 weeks later. Had I known it would be this painful I would NOT have had them removed!

Aug 17, 2009
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ACL Screw Removal-Anesthesia
by: Jennifer Romero

I had ACL reconstruction surgery with my hamstring about 3 1/2 years ago. The titanium screw in the femur started backing out and has steadily been protruding more and more over the last six months. Now it sticks out farther than my knee cap. This has not caused me any pain or discomfort except for some rare soreness. This Thursday I'm scheduled to have it removed, only because it's almost all the way out of the bone and the Dr. doesn't want it loose and able to move around. (Yes, I know, everyone says we now have proof that I have a few "screws loose"!) My question is this: Can the doctor do a local anesthesia or do I need to be put under general anesthesia? He's willing to do it and so am I, but I'm more worried about the pain factor. Will I feel it a lot and be in a lot of pain or will it only be minor? Thanks for your comments.

Aug 17, 2009
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Pain after surgery
by: Teri

They did put my daughter under - but it ws only about a 15 minute operation and she woke up fairly fast.
She actually did not have much pain - but she does have a high pain threshold. They gave her a prescription for Tylenol 3 and she never took one! She took a couple of Mortins that day and the next and that was it!

Aug 17, 2009
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Ankle / Knee screw removal
by: Al C

Hi I suffered double compound fracture of the tib and fib 11 months ago quite low down near the ankle. Had an IM nail put in right down the middle of the tib from knee to ankle and 2 screws in the ankle and 2 in the knee holding it all together.
Progress has been excellent, I was totally off crutches after about 14/15 weeks. Jogging after 7 months. Jogging fast after 9 months. Breaking some old running records after 11 months. But before I can start sharp turns and sprint I need the screws out. Getting it done this Friday. I will report....

Aug 18, 2009
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Pain After Knee Screw Removal Op
by: Tmchris

For me, I was placed under general anes., and at 43 I woke up with much pain. I was in pain for approx. eight weeks (and I am in athletic shape), but I guess it all depends upon the individual.

I was given 5 mgs. of Percecept, but I decided to forego the pills after one week. (They did not prescribe enough anyway, and they were weak for me.)Now, however, I have between 110-115 degrees flexion. For me, this is good.

Good Luck, "J".