orthopedic hardware

[shaybaby1970]

How do i know if my hardware needs to come out? The pain gets worse everyday, it is unbearable at some points, and often leaves me feeling sick. I dont know if its the hardware or the tendons, or if the bone is still broken. its been one year since surgery-  my doctor didnt even do an x ray the last time i visited with pain. (this is a "new to me" doctor as my insurance dropped the original surgeon..) he said i could have my ankle fused, but did not mention anything about the hardware. He is not an ankle specialist.

[Dr Vinod]

Go for a latest X-ray and visit your surgeon. If you are not comfortable then take a second opinion. There is no other way to know about these things till you conduct some X-rays and scans etc. Take care!

[csmcgo01]

Hi! I had 2 fusion surgeries (the first procedure failed, as the INFUSE bone graft rejected, so had to be re-done). I have severe ankle and foot pain, swelling, so bad that can't hardly keep a shoe on and can't walk. With 2nd fusion procedure, my surgeon, who is an "ankle and foot reconstruction specialist podiatrist" at a large trauma based hospital, placed 2 orthopedic screws in a criss-cross fashion across my ankle joint, through my heel bone, into my tibia and talus bone of my ankle joint. Initially, after my 2nd surgery, I was doing pretty good, until I resumed full weight bearing and physical therapy. I had initially fractured my ankle and developed Avascular Necrosis in talar area of ankle. My surgeon has conducted several x-rays and I have had MRI, CT scan, and bone scan. Conclusion - pain related to hardware. He refuses to remove the 2 screws however. It has been confirmed by diagnostics that fusion is 100 percent complete too. I have gone to 2 other surgeons; one refuses to go behind another surgeon; the other is disinterested it seems to help me too. Meanwhile, I am a Registered Nurse of 28 years, mother of 3, very actively involved (or I used to be before this mess) trying to keep up with life responsibilities, employment, etc, but can't find help. I am in severe pain and extremely frustrated. So, if you find out this answer, please continue to share info. I live in Kentucky. Good Luck. csmcgo01