Sports Injury Info

Screw removal recovery period (tib-fib screw)

by Melanie
(Westport, Ma)

I broke both my tib and fib as well as dislocation of the ankle 2 years ago. External fixation was put in palce to allow swelling to go down, then the internal. I have a plate with seven screws a pin and one long screw through both bones. That long screw is going to be removed but the remainder of hardware is staying what time frame will I be out of commision following the removal??

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Screw removal recovery period (tib-fib screw)

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Aug 20, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		How's your motion?
by: Bart - SII

As far as the actual recovery time after surgery, it will probably be fairly rapid - maybe a few days on crutches, 2-3 weeks for the scar to heal, and then back to activities.

What is your ankle range of motion like now? Is it limited and that is why you are having the hardware removed? Did you do any rehab after your first surgery once you were out of the immobilization period?

Taking the screw out hopefully will allow for better motion in your ankle, but regaining that motion will likely be a long process.

I had a patient who suffered a similiar injury - he had a plate, 6 screws, and a tib-fib screw - I saw him 9 months after his initial surgery, 2 weeks after his tib-fib screw removal. He was fine as far as the second surgery recovery, but his motion was significantly limited because of the first surgery. We worked for about 6 months to get his motion back to about 75%. I believe his restrictions were primarily due to not having any rehab after the first surgery.

Bart
Oct 02, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		Removal of Tib Fib Screw
by: Melanie

Thanks Bart

My range of motion is not that bad obviously I don't have full range though. I credit my ROM to my therapy starting at home before I could even get out to a therapist group...this made all the difference in the world along with the removable cast to allow more movement with therapy. The removal of the tib-fib screw is to hopefully allow more ROM and to eleaviate pain at the site.
Oct 27, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		screw removal
by: Mary Ann

I had plate and screw insertion 7 weeks ago in Kansas for broken ankle. The orthopod in Kansas said I would have screw removal in 6 - 8 months. However we live in Michigan and my local orthopod wants to remove the screw at 7 weeks. When do most people have the screw removed? Also how soon will I be able to start rehab after the screw is removed.
Nov 23, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		Remove or not to remove- screws that is.
by: Anonymous

My son (15) broke tib & fib and had severe dislocation. I am confused as to why or why not the screws should come out. Can you help? This happened 2 weeks ago and we are considering getting a second opinion just to be sure.
Thanks
Nov 26, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		Removal or Not
by: Melanie

The only reason I am having any hardware removed is it has become a problem. This one screw goes through the tib and fib and held them locked together for healing purposes. That long screw has done its job and the Dr. feels that by removing that screw I may gain more range of motion and have less pain in the future. I have usually been told that hardware can stay in unless it becomes symtomatic, painfull. The remaining plate 8 screw and the pin I have will remain in place. Good Luck
Jan 04, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Screw removal- why and recovery time
by: Jodi

I broke my ankle in 3 spots about 6 months ago. I never went to rehab for it and have amazing movement in my ankle. The only problem i find with it is my ankle get stiffs and takes a few steps before it becomes movable again. Also the screws jab into my leg. But thats not the reason for removal. My doctor planned from the start to remove them, but not all. But from other people experience who I know with screws in their legs say tbat keeping them in causes discomfort, especially in cold weather. Which I have noticed myself. If you ahve the option I would go for it. Your bones heal pretty well, it just takes time. So after they are healed theres no need for those screws. It also allows for more movement. I hope this helped.

And i wanted to know the recovery time after the screws are removed? Im going back to school right after and am worried im going to miss a lot of school due to pain. anyone have any idea of how long? and will i be on crutches?
Jan 04, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		recivery after removal
by: Anonymous

My hardware removed one large screw and they had me non-weight bearing for two weeks. More to heal the incision than the bone. A smaller person than myself would probably be partial weight bearing. After the two weeks the doctor checked my incision and I carried the crutches and walked out. As far as pain the cut is still tender in areas but I used pain pills a few times during the first week and that was all really.

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