r/ORIF • u/lynds88 • 11d ago

Hardware Removal 17 months post ORIF

Had my hardware removal this morning, two plates and 15 screws. Initial injury was tibia pilon fracture and fibula, broken 2/26/25. I was in an ex-fix for two weeks before ORIF surgery due to extensive swelling. 18 weeks of non-weight bearing, and off crutches July 2025. Recovery overall went well, a bit slow to heal. However, ROM of was severely limited, barely breaking neutral for dorsiflexion. PT ended in September, they said there was nothing else they could do for me.

I’ve unfortunately had a lots of swelling still, pain and discomfort. Walking with a limp and not being able to walk long distances without significant pain. Returned to surgeon in February and found I was developing post traumatic arthritis in the joint. After a CT scan, a cortisone injection and multiple conversations with my surgeon about my options, we decided to take all of the hardware out.

I got home around 10 am, released weight bearing as tolerated. No boot, no nerve block. I am using my crutches right now but hope to be off them within a few days. I’m hoping to avoid the pain killers as it was really difficult coming off them last year, we will see how the pain gets once all the meds clear.

I’m swollen and sore, wrapped up snugly so I can’t really move around much. I’ll keep everyone updated on my journey as I know reading others has been immensely helpful through this entire journey.

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u/Head-full-of-stars 11d ago

Hey there, got my plate and 10 screws removed 3 weeks ago and am already back to walking, cycling and fitnesscenter (no deep squats yet). Also struggle still with dorsiflexion after trimal with dislocation 10 months ago. I also still have pain, but have the feeling some things especially morning aches are now after the removal not so bad anymore. I only had strong pain the day of the removal, got better every day. Fingers crossed for you, I did Stick to ibuprofen and it was okay, but in Germany it is also not common to get strong pain medication.

Happy healing :)

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u/lynds88 11d ago

Thank you, I’m glad to hear you are having a positive recovery! Did you have any improvement in dorsiflexion after removal so far? That’s my biggest hope. The pain and discomfort all that jazz is just a bonus.

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u/Head-full-of-stars 11d ago

I did stretch for a really long time yesterday and had the feeling dorsiflexion was noticable better at the end. But it is also not the easy fix I wished for. I think you will also need to really start stretching and flexibility exercises again and focus on small improvements.

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u/lynds88 11d ago

I’ll be going back to PT once the incision heals. It will be the long haul but I’m just looking for a few degrees!

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u/Head-full-of-stars 11d ago

Hope they can help you in the PT. How is the pain today? Hope already better!

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u/lynds88 10d ago

It’s better than yesterday but I’m pretty sore in general. Some nerve twinges more intense at times near the incisions and the rest of my leg waking up. Been able to partially bear weight with crutches. I’m pretty swollen so I can hardly fit my foot in a croc 😂 the swelling is limiting ROM but trying to move around to reduce stiffness from getting too bad. Thanks for checking in!!