Interference Screw Removal?

[dibblego]

Hi, I had a Broestrom Repair of my right ankle in September 2008. I had an arthroscopic debridement of the talar joint in December 2008 and I had an arthrotomic ostectomy of an anteromedial bone spur in March 2009 -- long long and somewhat remarkable story.

Anyway, I am just starting to get back into my usual activities and I have two screws in each malleoli. I can feel the tips of the lateral screws through my skin and they are causing pain in certain weight-bearing positions.

Is it possible or even typical to have these screws removed?

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[Josephine]

Indeed it is! In fact the A/O recommendation (the collective of orthopaedic surgeons in Switzerland who designed all these plates and screws) recommend that screws and plates should routinely be removed once radiological evidence of healing has occurred.

[dibblego]

Thanks Josephine. The screws come out 06 May. I can't wait for this nightmare to be over. Prior to the installation of the screws I had a bone spur which was impinging on dorsiflexion. I've had the bone spur removed but now the screws impinge on dorsiflexion. I haven't been able to bend my ankle properly in over a year.

9 more sleeps...

[Josephine]

That's excellent! I'm very pleased to hear it. Just make sure you get really good, intensive physiotherapy afterwards to get your ROM back on track, ok? All the best.