Screw Removal After ACL Reconstruction Surgery

This is my 2nd ACL reconstruction surgery and I know from last time that I want to get the screw removed. Last time I waited almost 8 months between reconstructive surgery and screw removal. Due to insurance deductible reasons, I need to get my screw out earlier this time. It's been 4 months and 10 days since reconstruction surgery, is this too early to get the screw out?

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Screw Removal After ACL Reconstruction Surgery

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Dec 15, 2011
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acl surgery May 2010 NEW
by: Belinda

Hi guys,
Just some advice needed. I had torn my acl and a partial tear in my mcl in Feb 2009. Due to not having insurance because I had just graduated college I couldnt get a doctor to see to me for quite some time..so I just did physical therapy to be able to walk on it.. then finally had surgery in May 2010.. I went skiing for the first time March 2011...wore a brace but was okay.. but ive always had pain near the incision site and still cant put full weight on that knee because its still numb and uncomfortable.. would you reccommend getting the screws taken it? would it make a difference? Thank you so so much!

Dec 15, 2011
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Nov 22, 2011
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ACL screws and post op data NEW
by: Mel

I had an ACL recon in May 2010. After 5 months I was still in considerable pain, particularly behind the knee and an MRI showed that the screws had come loose and doing other damage. A second op in September 2010 saw the removal of screws, burnt hamstring where they had gone floppy and tidied up cartilage on both outside edges and tidy up of patella so a lot for the second op but almost immediate pain relief. I have been for another MRI today as I have been having pain beneath/at the bottom of my knee cap and at the outside edges of my knee there is tenderness. The consultant reckons I could have some trauma to cartilage again but I'm hoping that physio will sort rather than another op. Will keep you posted!

Nov 22, 2011
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acl screw removal NEW
by: Anonymous

had my acl repaired with a cadaver graft and two screws in dec 2010 in vail. I AM BACK IN MIAMI AND HAVE HAD LOTS OF PAIN FOR THE PAST SIX WEEKS IN back of knee with reduced rom. Just had one screw removed and am one day post op. Lots of pain. My surgeon thinks this will be the solution. I am optimistic as I did very well after the acl and accompanying rehab. I am home for a week and time will tell. All I want to be able to do is walk and ride my bicycle. I am 57 years old.

Nov 22, 2011
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Have your screws removed!! NEW
by: Confused ACLer

Been 18 months since my ACL reconstruction and rehab was quite slow. However, I have managed to get back to playing both football and cricket to a competitive level once again.

Went to see my chiropractor yesterday and he was surprised that I still had my screws in after 18 months. I told him that my surgeon explained to me that it is normal procedure to leave the screws inside and my surgeon himself said he probably only removes 2 out of 100 screws. My chiropractor was not happy at all and told me to do whatever I could to get them removed otherwise I would start getting further complications by the age of 30 (currently 22 years of age).

Anyway, I'm going back to see my surgeon in a month's time to tell him I want them removed and will keep you all posted hopefully with the results. Fingers crossed.

Sep 20, 2011
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screw removal NEW
by: Anonymous

Oh my goodness, I am 2 years post patella acl recon. Nobody ever mentioned screw removal to me! I still have swelling (alot), numb spots, and pain and there is no way I can put direct pressure on my knee. Recently I have been having pain all down my shin if I twist my foot. I am guessing I need to have my screws removed!!! Just called the dr for an appointment.

Sep 20, 2011
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Jul 24, 2011
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strong graft NEW
by: Anonymous

Hello,

My screw came out by itself when I was 5 weeks post op (this happened a year ago). My knee is stable and I can run without any problems. I think it is amazing that this has grafted so quickly (!) I was not able to run before the operation.

Jul 23, 2011
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Removal of screw... NEW
by: Anonymous

I am a professional volleyball player and I had ACL reconstruction June 3rd 2011. Today I had one of the screws removed as it was practically out and causing severe pain under the scar, also restricting full ROM!!! I was able to walk out(without the use of crutches)and no pain.
I am 7 weeks post op, and my surgeon says to me that the graft was strong and has been set. Any advice on this?

Jun 10, 2011
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ACL Reco NEW
by: Anonymous

I had a patella tendon ACL reco when I was 23 (so 12 years ago) and I have always had pain where the screw is in my leg and having read the comments there is also a lump. My knee has given way on my twice in the past couple of years so my graft is really loose, i'm scared i'll have to have another one. I really don't want any more surgeries on my knee, i've already had 5, every couple of years work needed to be done until I told the doctor i'm done with surgery until I can get it replaced. That's not gonna happen for another 20 odd years!!! Any body else suffered from their knee giving way and their graft getting loose? I have hyperextension (or banana bend as I call it) after the ACL reco my left leg wouldn't hyperextend but unfortuneately now it does :( At easter my doctor decided to take me off my fentanyl patch (been on it the last 5 years) so i'm in so much pain now, can barely walk. Why do doctors not listen?

May 06, 2011
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Upcoming screw removal NEW
by: Anonymous

I'll be returning to surgery at about 2 years post ACL reconstruction to have a screw removed. There are currently several very tender places around the incision site where the screw is. Also, whenever I get back to my normal activity level, biking, hiking, dancing, etc. I get shin splints and pain around the site where the screw is. I'm hoping the removal will help me get to normal activity levels. Anyone heard of complications after screw removal, or does this generally help with tenderness, etc?

May 06, 2011
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Screw NEW
by: scare

i have add a screw inside the knee cap after injured. may i know i can go thru the aiport? and need any cert from the doctor if i take flight?

May 06, 2011
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Screw NEW
by: scare

i have add a screw inside the knee cap after injured. may i know i can go thru the aiport? and need any cert from the doctor if i take flight?

Apr 01, 2011
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Screw Removal after 19 Years NEW
by: Anonymous

You should be fine with a screw removal at this point. The screw is only to keep the acl in place after surgery. 19 years of recovery is plenty of time. To find a pretty good surgeou in your area, try looking up a couple orthopaedic surgeons in your area who are members of the AAOS.org . That is what I did.

Mar 05, 2011
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Acl repair 19 years ago at age 15 NEW
by: Anonymous

I had an acl repair back in 1992 I was a Freshman in High School when tore it and the Doctor had to wait for my growth plates to fully develop before doing the acl reconstruction. I haven't had any pain or loss of movement but I feel my screw is coming out further and further each week. My knee is strong but it feels and looks gross having a bump where the screw is. I could always feel it and the metal detectors at the airport used to go off when I walked through them. No one ever told me to have it removed. Is that what is happening here? Do I have to have it removed even though I have no pain?
My doctor is long since retired and I don't have another one. What should I do?

Mar 05, 2011
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Planning on hardware removal NEW
by: Anonymous

I am one of the unlucky as all of you are, I played soccer competitively in college and never had knee issues of any kind. After having my first child and seeing a ton of ACL injuries in soccer, I decided to switch to a non-contact sport-tennis. Needless to say, I had my first ACL blow out to the left knee at age 34 and had surgery in September 2008, then in March of 2009 (6 months later) blew out my right knee playing tennis and had surgery on that one in May 2009. I waited almost a year (April 2010) to return to sport thinking I was very conservative-I have done all the right things as far as PT and am in very good shape but this December of 2010 I injured my knee again-now I have a cyst right where the incision and they want to take the staple and screw out but have not mentioned recovery time. I am really sick of these surgeons acting as thought this is no big deal.. If anyone has a true time frame of recovery after removal of hardware, I'd appreciate it... I am tired of being sliced and diced...

Nov 16, 2010
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knee pain after acl NEW
by: triwilde

I had my acl reconstructed almost 2 years ago (I'm 45 now) and had returned to running and triathlons. About a month ago I started having anterior knee pain that has now really localized to where the screw is (I've always been able to feel it). It hurts to walk and running is pretty much out of the question. I also have some midline pain right over my tibia. For those of you who have had screw removal, does this sound familiar?

Nov 03, 2010
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What are the risks? NEW
by: Anonymous

I had my acl surgery 4 years ago and only after my last knee surgery this year (meniscus repair) does it hurt terribly. Before it was just a little tender/tingly but now it feels awful and it feels like it's tearing my muscle apart. Can this actually happen? What is the screw attached to in there? What are the risks of keeping it in or taking it out?

Oct 29, 2010
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screw removal 10/28/10 NEW
by: Anonymous

No Sweat. I had the screw and staple removed yesterday morning. I have not even taken a pain pill. I walked right away and I have only iced it a little ...

A little sore, but not at all what others have felt. No crutches, No limp, No Problem.

Oct 24, 2010
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good news NEW
by: Ragnhild

That is very good to hear, good luck!!

Oct 23, 2010
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post op today NEW
by: Anonymous

I had the screw removed as the graft had adhered to the bone. I Got immediate pain relief. Wow! Now 3 weeks post surgery and Did first session at gym this week. So good to be moving with minimal pain. Obviously something had been wrong for some time with other surgery in April but everyone Just thought I was having post op pain from that. Hopefully sorted now. Intend to walk great wall of China next year. Finally can see light at the end of the tunnel!

Oct 22, 2010
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Problem with knee 15 yrs post-surgery NEW
by: Anonymous

I had ACL repair 15 years ago. Metal screws were used to hold the graft in place. I had no problems post-surgery, except for the fact that the surgeon fractured my patella during surgery, requiring a bone graft, so my healing time was quite extended due to immobilization & the excessive scar tissue that formed as a result of the fracture. But within a year after a second surgery (arthroscope) to remove scar tissue, which was done six months after the first, all was well with my knee, and I was back to full range of motion and have had no problems with my knee since....until now.

About a month ago, I began experiencing severe itching around the site of my original scar that no amount of scratching or anti-itch cream will take away, and within the past couple of days my knee feels sore, both the skin and deep inside and it also feels stiff as if there's some fluid in there. It does not appear to be swollen, nor is there any kind of redness or rash on the skin to account for the itching. It is very strange.

Does anyone know if this could be some kind of allergic reaction to the metal screws or if it could be the onset of an infection of some type?

Oct 11, 2010
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Lateral Collateral Ligament Catching NEW
by: Anonymous

Has anyone had any issues with the lateral (outside)collateral ligament "catching" on the screw? I had my ACL repaired in 1997 and have always had a few times where it catches, but this weekend it started doing it constantly where I can't bend me knee until I straighten it out and get it "uncaught". I can't go up and down stairs because I have to bend my knee. It's fine when it is straight.

Oct 04, 2010
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screw removal NEW
by: Ragnhild

Yes, you should have the screw removed, in 7 years the cruciate ligament will have fixed to the bone, so there is not much use for the screw anymore. It is not painful to have it removed, your agony will be over. Good luck!

Oct 03, 2010
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7 YEARS LATER NEW
by: Anonymous

HI, HAD ACL DONE 7YRS AGO HOW IS IT THAT THE SCREW IS NOW POPPING OUT. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEM BE FOR THIS. JUST FINALY FOUND A JOB AND WE ALL KNOW HOW HARD THAT IS NOW. TWO WEEKS AGO I WAS WALKING AT WORK AND HAD SOME BAD PAIN ON TOP OF THE SCARE KINDA SORE TO TOUCH. AND THE THREE DAYS AGO SOMETHING WAS PUSHING OUT AND VERY PAINFUL EVEN TO WALK. CAN THE DRS TAKE THIS OUT IN THE OFFICE??? NO INS AND NOT SURE WHAT TO DO.

Sep 17, 2010
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screw loose ! NEW
by: Anonymous

Thank you so much for your answer. I am now looking forward to having the screw removed !!! I am just sooooo looking forward to being able to walk down the stairs without swinging my hip out, to be able to get to grips with kneeling again for gardening and sailing and to not be in continual discomfort and pain ! I watched, out of interest, an acl recon being performed on you tube last night and the patient, a week later had hardly any swelling and was walking really well. Thats not the experience I had but I suppose we all heal in different ways !!

Sep 16, 2010
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SCREW LOOSE NEW
by: Anonymous

If the screw is loose and is working its way out, they generally don't fasten it again. they normally remove it. Because it has been almost 4 months since surgey there is a good chance that the ligament has fixed to the bone. don't worry, the best thing is to remove the screw, your agony will become none after that!

Sep 16, 2010
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SCREW LOOSE ! NEW
by: Anonymous

I had ACL reconstruction on 18th April 2010 with work also to my torn meniscus and work to my ligaments on both sides. The recovery was more painful than i expected but I fought through the pain to build my muscles and flexibility back up after four months. I was doing really well until I hit a plateau and every time I exercise there is swelling and soreness at the back of the knee. If I sit for any length of time and then go to stand I am in agony. An MRI last week showed that the screw has worked its way loose and so I am seeing the consultant next Tuesday. From reading this forum can anyone give me tips to ask of the consultant and what should I expect? Will repair work be done through keyhole surgery ?

Sep 16, 2010
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ACL reconstruction June 2010 NEW
by: Anonymous

Hi all,

I am really glad to find these comments. I had an ACL reconstruction done 6/8. I had also torn my meniscus so that was repaired as well. My knee has been fine so far up till last week when I noticed a hard lump on the side. It hurts to touch and it seems like movement of my knee is somewhat restricted. I went to surgeon yesterday and he said no big deal that alot of times in small women because the screw is so long it can cause pain. He said I could have the pain for up to 2 more years! Does this sound correct to anyone?

Sep 07, 2010
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finally getting better NEW
by: Ragnhild

After the screw coming out of the incision and having an open hole in my knee for a month (where the screw came out) I was operated again and this time, the wound is healing and finally getting better. It looks like my cruciate ligament is ok, which is a miracle since the screw came out 2 months after the operation...

Oh well I hope the healing continues. It is a month after the corrective surgery now and I am slowly getting strength back into my skinny leg.

Sep 07, 2010
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Hi all NEW
by: Raju

I had my acl reconstruction on 19 july 2010, every thing was fine till now. Recently fluid started comi out from the incision, docter told it is because of the string in the incision but m not understanding why its happening. Can any body help me plz..

Aug 15, 2010
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Deep wound in knee after screw exit NEW
by: Ragnhild

Hello, I wrote on the 4th of July here when the srew came out of the incision in my knee... I have had this deep wound in me knee for over a month now and it is not healing. Green stuff is coming out of it every day.

The surgeon took a look at it and said he needed to open it up and mechanically clean it. I am going to hospital tomorrow for a cleaning under full narcosis. I really hope the infection has not travelled inside my knee through the hole where the screw should have been. I have heard that an infection inside the knee is quite bad :( I can walk OK and the knee is a bit stiff and sometimes sore, but otherwise OK.

Aug 14, 2010
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Mine always be a different story in every issue in my life, compared to a Lumsum group. NEW
by: Anonymous

I had ACL reconstruction on June 1st on my left leg knee. In the review after 15days from the surgery, Doctor got to know that Screw was loosen through X-Ray. He again operated immediately and tighten the screw. After again 15days, Doctor got to know that Screw was loosen through X-Ray. So, finally he removed the screw. I was able to walk. I have the pain, but not so bad. Means In one month, he did surgery on my leg and on same place for three times in one month. This was everything happen in India and aslo in 2010 june. Right now I am in NY, US. I was able to walk but cannot run. Cannot Bend my left leg complete as my right leg can. Let me know your Suggestion or your advices to my Mail Id--aahlad_s4me@hotmail.com.

Thank You.

Jul 30, 2010
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ACL SCREW FAILURE NEW
by: Anonymous

June 02,2010 I had an ACL graft placed into my right leg. July 04,2010 I was walking normally with no problems or a worry in the world. On July 14, 2010 I awoke with severe pain behind my knee making walking unbearable. On July 15,2010 I have an MRI done which revealed my upper screw had broken free of the bone and was jabbing me causing the pain. On July 16,2010 I ender went surgery to remove the screw...receiving a nice 4 inch cut on the back side of my knee. Has anyone else had this kind of luck. Still have not had a meeting with doctor primary question is how strong is the graft and what happens if I pull it out of place.

Jul 04, 2010
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Surgical screw came out of incision by itself! NEW
by: Ragnhild

Hello, I had ACL surgery 11th of May and the area around the main incision has always been very sore. The last month this area was red, hot and swollen. I was put on antibiotics but no use. Following an X-ray yesterday it became clear that the lower screw was loose and on its way out!

Last night the incision opened by itself and brown fluid came out! yuck!! And today I could see the surgical screw there in the incision (!!!) I got it removed today in the hospital. I had a hamstring graft... I wonder if everything is ruined now that the screw came out. Surely 1,5 month is too short a time for the graft to fasten ??
I really do not want to go through another ACL surgery :(

Mar 31, 2010
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acl graafts and screw removal NEW
by: Anonymous

i jst had surgery to remove a screw that came loose after my knee gave out a month ago.I had a acl and meniscus surgery dec 22, so about 3 months ago.I had the patellar graft as well as hamstring because my hamstring was too small they couldnt use it,I have to say this surgery is soo much easier and he saaid i should be off crutches in a week or two and a different brace put on

Mar 30, 2010
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ACL Removal NEW
by: Anonymous

This is the first time I have ever heard of removing the screws. I had my ACL replaced 15 years ago and have never had a problem with the screws. However, I was just told my ACL has torn again and they may completely remove it and the screws and not put anything back?? Not sure why i will go without an ACL.

Feb 06, 2010
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Painful lump appearing under scar NEW
by: Anonymous

Reassuring to have read this thread as 3 days ago I felt a dull ache over one the scars from my ACL operation. I noticed a raised lump under one of my scars and am sure it is a screw that has come loose from the op. I had my ACL surgery about 7 years ago and have been fighting fit for the last 5 years, so was gutted to think something had gone wrong. I have a constant dull ache over the lump so have booked a consultation to see the same surgeon who did the original operation.

Could someone tell me what might have happened and how major any potential operation would be to rectify it? Recovery time etc.? Anything to ease my worries.

Thanks

Nov 18, 2009
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Screw Removal NEW
by: Anonymous

I've had two acl reconstructions, both which were in 2008; I currently have 3 screws in my knee. After my second one, I had a stress fracture in my tibia; I was on crutches for 3 weeks. But for the last couple months I've been having a lot of pain; my ortho surgeon believes that taking out my third screw will help this. I'm a little nervous about taking it out due to the chance of a fracture.
Any thought about this?

Oct 10, 2009
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I waited as long as possible NEW
by: Anonymous

To all of you having screw 'issues' after acl surgery. I had that too and will have surgery to remove them in a month or so. But, I waited as long as I could stand the discomfort to make sure the graft would not be affected. After 6 years my doctor is confident that my graft is fine. I only had trouble the last 2 years of that with the screws coming out. I am a dancer as well.

I would wait s long as possible. I know I don't want to have another ACL surgery.

Sep 29, 2009
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Screw Removal NEW
by: Anonymous

I am about 7 months post patella graft reconstruction and am having problems that I think are associated with my screw. I was cleared to run in June but have intense pain on impact like my shin is going to snap. I thought it was my fault or I wasn't strong enough or it would go away, but it's 4 months later and it is still there. My doctor now says it "may" be the screw but wants me to continue to try and get stronger and if it still causes pain in January then take it out. If this has been an issue since June is there any chance waiting will see an improvement? I don't feel I'm making progress and if removing the screw will be an improvement, I don't want to wait any longer. Would the graft be fully healed by now and possible to take the screw out? Would it compromise the strength of the graft? Any help is appreciated!

Sep 05, 2009
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SCREWS ARE TROUBLE NEW
by: Anonymous

I have the same problem and it scared the heck out of me, I have a lump over the 2 screws that where placed in my knee to hold my ACL in place. I've seen a doctor and he said that it looks like the screw is coming out. Im waiting to see a specialist because I was so worried I just went to the emergency room.

Jun 11, 2009
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thinking about screw removal NEW
by: Leah

It has now been 26 months since my acl reconstruction surgery. I am a wildland firefighter and my screw has suddenly decided to "come loose." I am not finding very much info on the recovery time, which is a factor in my decision. Symptoms are a swollen, very tender, painful lump where the screw is located. Obviously the skin is irritated. I will post the results once I make the decision.

Aug 16, 2008
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I would think it is too early... NEW
by: Bart - SII

If it was my knee, I would wait as long as possible. I am assuming you had a hamstring graft reconstruction because of the use of a cortical screw. With that said, I wouldn't want to take the screw out until I was sure that the graft had incorporated well into the bone tunnels - 6 months is a good time frame for this.

I would discuss this with your surgeon and get their opinion. It might not be the end of the world to take it out now, but it might not be the best course of action.

There is a chance that this time around the hardware could be free from problems - saving you the need for an additional surgery.

Bart

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