Should pins and plates be removed?
Patients who continue to suffer inconvenience and discomfort after a healed bone fracture may be better off having any plates, pins and screws removed.
What happens when screws are removed from bones?
For instance, after screws are removed, there is a hole in the bone where the screw was. This area of bone is now slightly weaker and could break more easily after a fall or accident. New bone will grow and fill in the hole during the months after surgery.
What happens after wrist plate surgery?
The metal plate and screws allow people to start using the wrist earlier. Motion and light use of the wrist are started ~2 weeks after surgery. Once the bone has healed (~6 weeks), more vigorous activities are allowed. The metal plate and screws are made of titanium, they are usually left in place forever.
Should you remove metal plates in your body?
If the metalwork remains tender then it should be removed. Some discomfort around a healed fracture may be from the expanded and irregular shape to the bone. Many fractures will take for up to 3 years to stop aching.
How long does it take for bone to heal after hardware removal?
Crutches may be required to assist mobilisation. Return to most activities: 6 weeks. Full recovery: Within 3 months. Every patient’s recovery is individual and depends on the severity of the injury and the complexity of the surgery.
Should I move my fingers after wrist surgery?
To help your recovery, keep your fingers moving. Make sure you can make a fist with your fingers and completely straighten them. Make sure you can move your thumb across your hand towards your pinky finger and fully straighten it.
Are K-wires always removed?
Most often, K-wires are removed sometime after the bone has healed sufficiently. There are exceptions if the wire is buried deep inside a bone, but the majority of the pins are removed once healing is complete (or at least to a point where the broken bone is stable).
How are bone pins removed?
A special tool is used to remove the pins as gently as possible. There may be a tiny bit of blood. The staff will apply a bandage and hold pressure. Once all the pins are removed, the staff will apply a bandage and wrap.
When should surgical hardware be removed?
Hardware removal is usually done because of problems caused by the implant, such as pain or infection. It may also be done when the hardware causes allergy or bone fracture. Others may want them removed because of cancer risk or to avoid security metal detection.
How long do you have to wear a cast after wrist surgery?
Usually a cast will remain on for up to six weeks. Then you will be given a removable wrist splint to wear for comfort and support. Once the cast is removed, you can start physical therapy to regain proper wrist function and strength.
How long does it take to recover from distal radius surgery?
How long will it take to heal and what kind of results can I expect? Fractures of the distal radius usually need about 4-6 weeks for clinical bone healing, though sometimes it can take longer.
How long does stiffness last after hand surgery?
A bad injury or major surgery will make your hand stiff. It usually takes about 6 months to really loosen up scar tissue.
How long will my fingers be swollen after wrist surgery?
Swelling: You’ll notice swelling for the first week after surgery which is a normal response. Reducing swelling will help speed up the recovery process while also minimizing your pain.
