About this topic
Sometimes, screws, pins, and plates are used during surgery to hold a bone in place. These hardware pieces may no longer be needed once the bone has healed. Sometimes, the hardware may be left in if it is not causing pain or some other problem. Other times, you or your doctor may decide it should be taken out. ‚
Why is this procedure done?
The hardware may be taken out if you want it out or when it: ‚
- Causes pain
- Causes an infection
- Rubs on a tendon
- Pokes through the skin
- Breaks
- Causes a bone break
- Causes an allergic reaction
- May harm a childs growth
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What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Lab tests
- X-rays or CT scan
- You may not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Based on what hardware is to be taken out, you may be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
- A cut is made at the same site of the surgery you had to fix the broken bone.
- Tools are used to free the hardware from the bone and the tissue near the bone.
- The cuts are sewn back together with stitches or staples. A bandage is put over the cuts.
What happens after the procedure?
You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. Your doctor will tell you when you may go home. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Talk to your doctor about how to care for your cut site. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages
- When you may take a bath or shower
- If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds
- When you may go back to your normal activities like work or driving
- Be sure to wash your hands before and after touching your wound or dressing.
- You may need to use crutches or a cane or walker for a few days if this surgery was done on a weight-bearing bone. Talk with your doctor about when you can walk on your own.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent or fight an infection
Will physical activity be limited?
You may need to limit your activity for a while. Talk with your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Damage to nerves, vessels, and tissue
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, wound that will not heal.
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the cut site; cut site opens up.
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚