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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Aug 16, 2008
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I would think it is too early...
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

Jun 11, 2009
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thinking about screw removal
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.

Sep 05, 2009
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SCREWS ARE TROUBLE
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.

Sep 29, 2009
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Screw Removal
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!

Oct 10, 2009
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I waited as long as possible
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.

Nov 18, 2009
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Screw Removal
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?

Feb 06, 2010
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Painful lump appearing under scar
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