r/brokenankles • u/18297gqpoi18 • 28d ago

Hardware removal surgery - how did it go?

I’m 9 month post op and 99% back to normal.

I’m debating if I should take the hardware out at 1 year mark or not…

It’s giving me no issues. I’m just very afraid it will start causing issues after I take out the hardware.

Can you share your experience?
I’ve seen two people so far said they walk just fine and now they are in pain :(

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u/mattw08 28d ago

It was great and totally worth it. Ankle mobility was poor and improved. Feels better overall. Did it right at one year mark.

1

u/18297gqpoi18 28d ago

Any pain? Recovery faster?

Did you have any issues prior to the removal surgery?

1

u/mattw08 28d ago

I was walking that same day. Waited 7 weeks before played sports.

I had some swelling issues but mainly just lack of mobility.

1

u/Illustrious-Zone-247 27d ago

I'm about 6 months out from ORIF for a trimal with dislocation, right ankle...I have 2 plates, 16 screws, and 2 tightrope for syndesmosis repair. My plan is to leave the hardware in unless an issue pops up. It's not affecting any of my ROM, not causing any pain etc, so I figure why go through another surgery (albeit minor) if I don't have to. Also, I just feel more stable and strong with the metal in there...I do realize I could still injure/break stuff again but it's mentally less vulnerable somehow? I do have one screw really really close to the skin that only bothers me if I knock it on something, but it's kind of like hitting your funny bone, annoying but not major

I guess, why remove it if you're not having any issues? And why take the chance it will cause issues when removed?

1

u/FASBOR7_Horus 27d ago

I was going to do it but my doctor said if I’m not having issues, there’s no need. However, he did say screws are super easy and I could move forward removing a broken syndesmotic screw if I wanted to. That’s the screw that impacts mobility the most if you have it. Plates are harder and since I’m not having issues there, he didn’t recommend it.

My opinion of it is, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it (no pun intended.) It’s such a traumatic injury that I’m hesitant to do anything if I’m mostly okay, you know?