Various Info

Screws and plate removal:

Whether your plate and screws will be and should be removed depends on many reasons. First of all some screws, such as those connecting fibula and tibia to preserve stability, will most likely be removed after initial healing in order to work on your range of motion. Other screws and plate may stay indefinitely.

According to my orthopedic surgeon the tendency in the United States is to leave your hardware where it is (as long as it doesn’t bother you) and avoid any potential risks of additional surgery and anesthesia. However, in Europe hardware is usually removed after the bones are healed, which may be anywhere between few months after your surgery to few years.

In any case, you should definitely discuss your hardware removal with your orthopedic surgeon and make your decision regarding removal based on his/her suggestions and your comfort.