Tibia rod removal, when is it too soon?

[Fredis]

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Search Results for HI, I'm 29YOM I suffered a compound spiral fracture if my Tib-Fib on 12/10. I'm 6 months inti my injury I would say tibia is only 75% mended. I just started to walk and my knee is grinding a lot. During the surgery they placed 2 Endor rods going down the middle of my Tibia from knee to ankle. Now that I am making attempts at walking I am having grinding pain and a lot of pain around my knee. My Drs x-rays showed the rod had moved out and that is what I was feeling. He said they can come out now and with minor surgery. My question to anyone, is it to soon to remove the rods? Also, will I be back on crutches for some time? I would appreciate any feedback. Thank you

[Michael L Gross, MD]

If there is bony union present on the xray, then rod removal shouldnot be a problem. taking them out is always less painful than putting them in.

[PedroH]

Hi there. I had same injury although,my hardware stayed in for longer than 6 months-so I can't comment on the too soon-but,I can't imagine a surgeon would be willing to tke it ou if it wasn't healed enough.You will be surprised how fast you'll be walking-it is NOTHING like the initial injury. I put some weight on almost immediately with the aid of crutches & walked without in a week. Hope all works out well for you.