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Removal of screws in non union tibia fracture
Hi Friends,
My mom broker her left leg down above the ankle (tibia compound fracture) 9 months ago. She had a steel metal rod put in her leg from the joint till the ankle with 4 screws (2 at the joint halfway and 2 near the ankle). So far so good since she is able to walk and do all her work. Now the doctor has suggested to remove the lower 2 screws above the ankle. Since my mom is 64 yrs old the bones are not getting joint due to the screws as the doc is saying. My question is:
After removing the screws will it not be harder for her to walk as she is now able to walk since there is a small gap between the bones ?
Will not the entire weight of the body come on her leg and hurt her since the screws which are now acting as a support to hold the rod ?
Please suggest since i am considering not to go ahead with the surgery if she wont be able to walk like now.
Sam
My mom broker her left leg down above the ankle (tibia compound fracture) 9 months ago. She had a steel metal rod put in her leg from the joint till the ankle with 4 screws (2 at the joint halfway and 2 near the ankle). So far so good since she is able to walk and do all her work. Now the doctor has suggested to remove the lower 2 screws above the ankle. Since my mom is 64 yrs old the bones are not getting joint due to the screws as the doc is saying. My question is:
After removing the screws will it not be harder for her to walk as she is now able to walk since there is a small gap between the bones ?
Will not the entire weight of the body come on her leg and hurt her since the screws which are now acting as a support to hold the rod ?
Please suggest since i am considering not to go ahead with the surgery if she wont be able to walk like now.
Sam
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi Sam!
It is really difficult to comment without really visualizing the X-rays and examining your mother. However, if the screw is coming in the way of healing, then they will have to be removed, especially if they are infected or are compromising the blood supply or are altering the alignment of the bone ends then yes, they need to be removed.
However, yes, if there is a bone gap, then this will need to be covered up by stimulating bone growth externally through application of ultrasonic waves or through bone grafts.
You can take a second opinion before going ahead with screw removal. Take care!
The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.
It is really difficult to comment without really visualizing the X-rays and examining your mother. However, if the screw is coming in the way of healing, then they will have to be removed, especially if they are infected or are compromising the blood supply or are altering the alignment of the bone ends then yes, they need to be removed.
However, yes, if there is a bone gap, then this will need to be covered up by stimulating bone growth externally through application of ultrasonic waves or through bone grafts.
You can take a second opinion before going ahead with screw removal. Take care!
The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.
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