What Are the Reasons Behind Hardware Removal?
Persistent pain at the site of the hardware is one of the most common reasons for removal. Said pain can be due to several factors:
- Irritation of surrounding tissues: The hardware can irritate muscles, tendons, or nerves.
- Cold sensitivity: Metal implants can cause discomfort in cold weather
- Pressure points that can be created by the hardware, especially when lying down or during physical activity
Infections around the hardware are serious and often necessitate removal to prevent further complications:
- Bacteria can form a biofilm on the hardware, making infections difficult to treat with antibiotics alone
- Persistent or chronic infections can lead to ongoing pain, swelling and drainage from the surgical site
- In severe cases, infections can cause systemic symptoms like fever and chills, indicating the need for urgent removal
Hardware failure can happen due to various reasons and requires surgical intervention:
- Breakage and metal fatigue can cause screws, plates and rods to break, leading to instability and pain
- Over time, hardware can loosen, especially if the bone does not heal properly around it
- Continuous stress on the hardware can lead to wear and tear, making it necessary to remove and replace it
Discomfort from hardware can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life:
- Patients often describe a sensation of having a foreign object in their body, which can be really uncomfortable
- Hardware can restrict mobility of cause discomfort during activities
What Does the Recovery From Hardware Removal Look Like?
Postoperative care is crucial for a successful recovery after hardware removal:
Pain Management
Pain is often managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and in some cases, stronger prescription medications may be needed. For more significant pain, nerve blocks can be used to numb the area around the surgical site. Additionally, applying ice packs can help reduce pain and swelling. It’s recommended to apply ice for 10-20 minutes, several times a day.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy will help you regain strength and mobility. Initially, a physical therapist will assess your pain, strength, range of motion and functional mobility to create a personalized rehabilitation plan. If the hardware was in a lower extremity, gait training with crutches or a walker may be needed during the early stages of rehabilitation. Range of motion exercises (ROM) will help to restore flexibility and prevent stiffness, while gradual resistance exercises are introduced to rebuild muscle strength. Exercises to improve balance and proprioception are crucial, especially if you plan on returning to sports of high-level activities.
Wound Care
Proper wound care is essential to prevent infection and promote healing. Initially, it’s important to keep the surgical site clean and dry, and to change dressings as instructed by your healthcare provider. You need to monitor for signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, warmth or discharge from the wound. Avoid soaking the wound in water until it is fully healed; showers are usually permitted after a few days, but baths should be avoided. Techniques like myofascial release and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization can help reduce scar tissue formation.
Recovery Timeline
The recovery timeline can vary widely depending on several factors. In the first days, expect some pain and swelling around the incision site. Keeping the limb elevated and applying ice can help reduce these symptoms. Physical therapy typically begins within a few weeks, with range of motion and strength gains usually noticeable within 4-6 weeks. Full recovery can take several months, depending on the complexity of the surgery and the patient’s overall health. Activities like contact sports may need to be avoided for 1-2 months to allow the bone to fully heal.
Hardware Removal In Georgia
Ashford Orthopedics Specialists is available at our Athens and Loganville practices. Led by William Ashford, MD we are experts at hardware removal surgery and will offer you a comprehensive appointment where we will assess your case and you can ask all of your questions. Book an appointment with us online or call us at 706-389-8941
