THANK YOU ALL for your comments sharing your experiences! I didn’t expect so many so quickly and these are exactly the type of info I was looking for. I’m sure others contemplating hardware removal will find your comments helpful as well! ❤️
Talk to some rock climbers. They frequently get hardware installed. They know more about this than anyone else I can think of. Maybe look up what happens if you experience an injury where the hardware is. Will there be more damage because of the hardware or will the hw be protective? Good luck with it either way.
Hey, Daniel. I suggest you contact this guy - th-cam.com/users/TheKneesovertoesguy If anyone, he can give you the best advice on this matter. Good luck 👍
Is it possible for an English speaking American to go to China and have this type of surgery? Can you point me to where I would go? I know Chinese view health much more holistically. Also, I had rods and screws put in my spine that I want removed! Thank you
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Broke my ankle on the Backfire G2T 3 years ago and 1,5 year ago i got my hardware removed. The leg is back to 100% as it was before the injury. Its awesome! Also the recovery after hardware removal was super quick. I was able to walk that day. And it took like a month for the scars to heal. REMOVE IT! :)
Hi I have got a medial malleous break...and it's 1.5 years post surgery.....I am feeling little bit of pain and less mobility....pls reccomend me should I remove it bro.....??and I am 19 yrs old
Well I’m 38. Currently healing my broken ankle and wondering if I too will remove hardware in the future! So I’ll follow. My accident was midnight on my x1 max riot. I’m pretty sure it was mud from landscape sprinkler runoff. I should’ve got off and just walked around it.. 🤷🏼♂️
If it was me brother, I'd get the parts out. You are young, and you can still heel up better without the hardware. Good luck either way and love the channel!
Thank you so much for putting that out there. I broke my ankle and did surgery over 2 years ago and still have problems with the hardware. Every time I seat down it takes me at least 5 to 10 minutes to walk normal. Because it get stiff and slightly painful. I’m also thinking about removing mines. I just need more time to think about it. But this video really helps. Thanks.
I had the same operation in 2018, although I able to walk after 3 months, took me another year to fully get back my active life(know the ankle swell from time to time initially). After 1.5 I was back to normal but always felt the ankle wasn't the same. Got the plate and screws removed in March 2020, was able to walk in just 2 days(as there is nothing broken this time just screw holes that fill up quickly) and now I have forgotten that I ever had a surgery!!! Trust me, Go for it!
How much did it cost to remove and where did go to remove it? I have heard that it can be diffucult to convince a doctor to let you have this surgery, at least in the U.S.
@@MSTAR001 i had a unique case as my dad was in the military. As a dependent, both the operations were free for me in the military hospital! I don't know if wise to pay a large sum of money just to remove the hardware as the plate doesn't hinder normal motion.
Thanks for sharing! Broke my ankle 10 months ago and I'm still not 100% satisfied with my range of motion. So I underwent the hardware removal surgery last week and I'm still in recovery. Yea all I want is to forget that I've ever been injured! That's the goal!!
Hi mate I've been a fan for a while a few years ago I had a tibia and fibia compound fracture on a trampoline accident I had a metal rod inserted down the center of my tibia and two spikes on either end to secure it some in my ankle some in my knee, this healed quite well over time but over. winter in Poland it gets quite cold that started to cost me quite a deal of pain so I got it removed it healed quite fast and I never knew how much I was putting off just because my knee was hurting a bit but since getting it out I've managed to enjoy skating, parkour, running It's kind of odd how little I knew it was actually impacting me I thought it was a little pain and it's great I can still walk, but I didn't realize how much more I had already lost. I am so very happy to be now 100% titanium free
I broke my knee in half when I skated into a parked car when I was young. I’m now 50 years old. Make this decision now, and I recommend taking them out. It’s worth it when you get older and I don’t care how much rehab you do, you will feel that hardware when you age. By then it’s too late.
Thanks for posting.. I broke my right ankle longbording in May 2015.. I still have 2 plates and 7 screws in there.. My doc said if I had discomfort about 15 months after install,, they could remove the hardware.. The only time it bothered me the first 2 years was when going around blind corner and quickly avoiding a collision with someone.. I wasn't a good skater when I broke my ankle.. It did take a couple years after rehab to loosen up to the point where I could do pendies and get a glove on the ground without discomfort... For the past 4+ years my right and left ankles/legs are equal in strength,, and though I haven't measured range of motion,, it isn't an issue.. For the past few years all I do is no hands down squatters.. Not in the face of the hardware,, but just 'cause I love the feeling of sliding... I don't regret keeping the hardware.. Actually I'm glad I still have it.. I will likely be cremated when the time comes and give the hardware to my daugher.. A sort of skating memento of her Paps.. Hope this somehow helps Daniel.... Take care....
get it done bro, i just got my hardware removed last month, today is my 1st month since my second surgery (removed).. its not as difficult as the first one. i was really surprised that i can move my hands after 3 weeks. i dont feel discomfort anymore, and i just noticed that my range of motion improves better, its not yet 100% motion like before i broke my wrist, but atleast improving than when the hardware are still inside. I'm just being very careful right now because I still need to wait until the holes of the screw fill-in before forcing some sports activities.. but right now i can use my hands on daily basic activities.. That's my experience, just sharing it.
I had a nasty fall 10 months ago. I broke my Tibia and fibula clean. I got hardware in my ankle. It somehow got got infected recently so im getting my hardware removed before my bone gets worse. I hope and pray for a good outcome. Im going today. I was extremely nervous but after your video and reading the comments i feel a little more comfortable. Ill post an update.
@@kentuck187 that’s great I have to have hardware installed and I think that it doesn’t have to be permanent I have to go to a second opinion appointment and then the surgery how is it with screws is it painful
I had a break of my Tibia/Fibula in 2006. The Dr. Inserted a rod through the Tibia. The rod has always been somewhat limiting. I have not been able to negotiate going down stairs. I've never felt that I had a degree of flexion. So, here we are in 2024. I finally saw an Orthopedic Surgeon. He took numerous xrays. He found my Knees are severely arthritic and over the course of time I have developed a gait. All of which have compounded my situation. 2 days ago, I had surgery and the screws near my ankle were removed. I went home, am doing well, little discomfort....but I can tell you I have much more flexion already. Daniel get it removed, I feel we don't realize how much we compensate and when I was shown my knee xrays they are bone on bone due to the way my tibias shifted. I hope this helps you in making your decision. Good Luck!
Hi 2.5 years ago I broke my unkle in 3 places ,had 2 plates and pins put in,after over 2.5 years, decided to take it out because the weather and limited range of movement, they remove one plate on the side and 2 screws,back plate stay in (to risky to remove)my range of movement is awsome now, no weather issues anymore,10 days after surgery can walk 3-4 miles a day,that was good decision, my ankle feel so light now.I can touch wall now by my knee,before had about 6cm gap.So happy now!!!Any questions happy to help.
I worked as nurse on intensive care. In Germany all surgery costs are paid by our health insurance. As far as my experience goes, you can remove the hardware, if your bones have recovered. Most of the Germans do this. Would support the ankle with bandages though for a limited amount of time. And do proper training so that your muscles are strong enough to hold everything together. Good luck Daniel.
My mom now is scared about removing the hardware from her ankle and the doctor said its okay to not removing but we don’t know what to do 💔 she’s scared from the surgery
I am not going to give you any suggestion/recommendation as to whether, or not, you should go through this second procedure to remove the hardware in your ankle...but, I HAVE had two ankle surgeries (left), and one knee surgery (right), so I do know a thing, or three, about this. In the case of the left ankle, it was a 40+ year ligament problem, for which the surgeries were 10 & 15 years ago. The first (done by the County hospital) didn't fix the problem, but the second (done by Stanford) appears to have fixed it by at least 95%, as I haven't had any serious problems with it since. As for the right knee, this was a medial meniscus tear, which occurred earlier this year, and for which the surgery took place just slightly more than 2 months ago. In that surgery, the surgeon had to remove approximately 25% of the lower portion of the meniscus, for which I am still recovering. The end result (in regards to Esk8) is that I will now be selling my Backfire G2 Black, and my Ownboard Zeus (which, sadly, I've never gotten to ride). As for your situation, no matter what you decide, there will be "advantages & disadvantages". The important thing to remember is this: whatever you decide, be certain that the 'advantages' outweigh the 'disadvantages'. To better help you figure that out, I would suggest you start by tossing your current "list of pros & cons", and start over, as your current list has only 5 items on each side (ie. your list is WAY too short). Go back to the medical professionals you've spoken with (doctors, physical therapists, etc), and, with their help, put together two 'pro/advantages' lists - one for "keeping hardware in", the other for "having hardware removed"...and, do NOT create any 'con/disadvantages' lists, as they just greens to contain the "opposites" of the opposite lists. If either list contains less than 10 items, keep working on it. Realistically, each list should have at least 15 items, and 20 (or more) is even better. This isn't just your ankle, or your skateboarding, your supposed to be thinking about - it's your life. While your listsv will, obviously, contain skateboarding-related items, you need to think about every aspect of how these choices will affect every aspect of your life. For example, because of my knee surgery, I immediately realized I would probably have to give up Esk8...but, in truth, I'm understanding how it is affecting other things in my life, to the point that I may have to give up cycling, and possibly (hopefully not) my motorcycle. It's also affected my job (I'm a Professional Chauffeur, driving commercial-size vehicles, and even, at times, my ability to walk 'normally'. If you want to make a 'fully informed' decision, you need as much information as possible...and, you need to figure out, as much as possible, how each decision can impact every aspect of your life. I realize you've, so far, been trying to base the majority of this decision on how it impacts your ability to skateboard...but, your life revolves around so much more than just skateboarding. Either start thinking "outside the box", or create a (much) larger "box". Either way, best of luck to you.
I have a metal plate and screws in my left humerus for over 20 years and want to take it out now because of the irritations I've been experiencing such has skin rashes, inflammation of my hands and feet, trouble breathing sometimes, weak joints and muscles, and migraines. The hives/skin rashes occur when i sweat while working out and I get dry itchy skin which isnt normal for me. I never thought my symptoms were the cause of the titanium plate until i broke my ankle a month ago and looked into the side effects of tinanium plates, so I think having metals inside the body can affect our overall health now or in the future.
My body scars easily (keloid) so when I had a simple surgery to remove something from my wrist, it made it much worse. During recovery an infection popped up and led to another surgery which meant more time immobile. Despite a few years of physical therapy, the scar tissue came in strong and 20 years later its still limiting my flexion. If you or someone in your family is prone to keloiding, I would leave it as is, and be thankful for the motion you have.
David if you can, seek out a swimming pool and practice a few hours of swimming every few days, this will DRAMATICALLY improve the ankle’s resilience and strength. Also swimming is fun!
I had the hardware in my ankle removed w/ the exception of 1/2 a screw that was imbedded in my bone. It did improve my range of motion. I did it because the screws were showing outside of my leg. The one thing I would say to anyone thinking of doing it, check with your doc to see if they can fill in the holes during the surgery. Recovery time is quick compared to initial surgery.
It still feels like yesterday,time flies by. I moved onto riding, getting my new baby Yahama R7 soon but eboards will forever reserve a special place in my heart. You broke your ankle, I broke my collarbone, we still love them though! Whatever you choose, I see it as battlescars that carry history. Ride safe, much love from EU. *rdit, just noticed its 4 months old, regardless, hope you're doing well.
Wow! It's insane to think that happened a year ago already! If I was you I would get it removed so that you can start rehabilitation exercises to increase strength and ROM (range of motion). I wish you the best of luck whatever you decide.
I had hardware on my leg for 12 years . My leg kept getting cellulitis and got a open wound 6 years ago . I went to so many doctors and they always gave Antibiotics and send me to do xrays and told me you hardware is fine . I finaly removed my the hardware in front my leg April 12 2024 . So far I'm doing pretty good .
Hey Daniel, I had a similar break in my left ankle 6 years ago. I have had 5 corrective surgeries since then with both the addition and removal of hardware. I still have a plate and 2 screws holding my ankle together. I too have the change of weather pains and usually swelling at the end of the day. But I still eskate. I may not be able to get down as low as I used to before my accident but I still am able to live with my hardware. I have learned to accept it and try to stretch it out whenever I can to get a good heel-to-toe motion when riding regular stance.
For those of who are stiill deciding, I had trimalleolar fracture with plates, wire and screws, after 1 year, I still was hurting from walking, so I got it removed, its improved so much, I can bike , I can do a lot more than before.. But it is a myth to say you can walk same day after removal, no you can't if its major operation. It took me almost a month to walk without too much pain. But I have been exercising my ankle every single day, I was a able to do a difficult hike with a minimal pain. So I'd recommend to go for it.
I also have a trimallelor fx. Just had the hardware removed a few days ago. Fx was 1 year ago. My hardware became infected, and I had to have another surgery followed by IV antibiotics for 2 months. Since then, I have had to be on oral antibiotics, getting blood tests checking for infection every 2 months What a mess! I got an opinion from a different surgeon and just had my hardware removed last week. He had done a cat scan to be sure my bones were healed and am now out of commission for 2 weeks while in recovery. I already can tell it was worth it as I finally don't feel the hardware. It's wrapped up in an ace bandage that covers a white cast like bandage. There's pain at the incision site, but I have meds and am also able walk around the house. After much research, I believe I made the right decision and am looking forward to PT and becoming active again without worrying about infection and the pain of the hardware. Guess I should give you an update in a few weeks. Best to all!
Thanks for this, I had the same injury and surgery close to a year ago now and have had problems with squatting down because of my range of motion, will see if it improves before I consider removal
I broke my ankle playing badminton 5 yrs ago. Plates and screws are part of my ankle now. I didn't really do physio after surgery and I was thinking that's the reason I cant crouch even now. I am assuming you did all the physio so I guess it doesn't really make much difference. I don't have full range of motion on the ankle, like, I cant ride a motorcycle because I cannot shift gear with my foot. Also whenever I walk on uneven surfaces, my ankle starts to hurt real bad that I have to limp for the whole day. So I am considering removing the hardware but still not enough reason to go under the knife as my day to day life is still fine.
I had two screws removed from my right ankle as well as 20 other screws a rod and two plates (broke both tibias) felt so much better after it was all out
hey,, I also have trimollelar fracture, its really uncomfortable with plates and screws but my doc said can't remove it coz my age is 34 and no guarantee about recovery. how old are you?? Is it really difficult to convince the doctor for surgery??
Hi, what did you decide to do? If you had hardware removed, what was the result? I had a displaced Trimalleolar fracture 10 months ago, resulting in ORIF repair (plate on outside ankle, and wire/screws on inside ankle). I was a runner. 10 months post surgery, I’m trying to start back doing easy jog 2 min, walking 1 min. I have a lack of dorsi-flexion, as you mentioned, by just enough degrees that my walking still has a limp. If I’m in my feet a lot, doing anything, I can hardly walk the next morning or that evening. I have a burning sharp pain on inside ankle off and on. The outer plate doesn’t cause too many issues. It’s the inside one, which takes the brunt of 80 percent of body weight. I’m debating on removal. Please update on your situation. Blessings on your continuing recovery, friend!
I wanted to get my hardware removed but haven’t. Aside from the limited mobility and being weaker than my good ankle, my bad ankle doesn’t really bother me. It needs more warm up and feels stiff sometimes but I’m not really in any pain. Sounds like you have it worse. Did xrays show that your fractures have healed? Hope your pain goes away!
so i broke my left leg 7 years ago in a sorta freak hiking accident. it was a compound fracture, broke both my fibula and fibula clean, and i ended up having a metal rod installed along with some screws near my knee. i ended up keeping my hardware and so far i’ve had only minor issues. like being on my knees for too long ends up hurting or putting too much pressure on my leg makes it wobble sometimes. i honestly don’t mind the hardware, i often forget about it and it’s a cool party trick too. but i’ll be honest that i’m worried how my hardware will interact with my body as i get older
In my opinion, I’d say take it out. We all only live once and for a 15 min procedure, it’s pretty safe. No major arteries or veins, ankles not covered by a bunch of tissue or organs, and for a max 2 month “rest” period, it ain’t bad at all. That surgery takes less than the dental surgery I had a year ago (took about 40 mins) and I’d doubt the risks would ever happen. I understand the financial side but if I had the possibility to regain full ROM with no irritation, I’d take the chance cuz it can only get more complicated if you end up removing it later. Anyways, if you’re happy with the amount of ROM you have now, don’t take the risk of surgery but if you want even the chance to get it back, proceed with it. Find a surgeon you trust and who has a reputation for successful and well performed operations, and go through with it, but acknowledge that either way, there can be complications no matter what.
I had a bunch of hardware in my wrist and clavicle after being hit by a car 5 years ago. In situations like this, surgical costs are covered here in Australia by compulsory 3rd party drivers' insurance. I have had the 3 pieces removed that were affecting my range of motion, but have left the final piece in because it hardly affects me. It only bothers me if I bump it hard. I left it in for exactly the reasons you state (apart from the zero cost). My wrist range of motion is still not as good as the other wrist, but probably 90%.
I can't speak about the ankle, only for the wrist. I had my hardware removed, all in all it went very well apart from the surgery, the doctors messed up the stitches. I now have a bigger, sensitive, sometimes itchy scar that got infected when it was healing, resulting in hardened tissue. Apart from that i haven't had any issues with the hardware being removed. In my case removing the hardware did help with the motion in my wrist.
I’ve had hardware for 22 years. The mobility and range of motion continues to improve. It will never be perfect, but it has no impact on my daily life. I’ve run marathons and continued to ride skateboards. I could never do a switch kickflip on a regular skateboard because of it. That’s about it.
I was thinking the same. I broke my 4th metacarpal bone in my hand and a have a plate and three screws. Sometimes when I hold my video game controller or my phone or write I can feel like something is rubbing or the urge to clench my fist. I’m not sure why it is but i constantly think about it and it bothers me. It’s 2023 and medicine has advanced. I don’t think it will be bad at all. It all depends on where you broke it. For people with the hardware being placed deeper than someone that has it somewhere with just basically the skin being there.
Age also plays a role. Many younger folks will recover much faster and with less complications. Whilst it does sound like the Pro's outweigh the Con's, i'd be scared to roll the dice, but then im maybe too cautious.
If it's not bothering you leave it alone. As for the airport comment you don't have to worry about metal detectors with modern hardware, they're using Titanium.
In the long run it will affect your nerves. If you break the ankle again in the same spot. It will be a surgical mess to put back. Screws and plates will twist and fragment your bones. Decide soon. Walking up and down steep hills will improve motion. UP2U
Thankyou for your great inputs. I am in the same dilemma . And have been having the same doubts as you have experienced . I will wait but I feel the discomfort tells me that it is better to remove the hardware. As you shared the information is not adequate to take a decision.I was expecting the Doctors could have given us all the details regarding the same .
I broke my ankle and fibula 30+ years ago riding motocross. I opted not to remove the hardware b'cuz of the unnecessary risk of surgery. However, after living with them all these years, I would have them removed, if I get to do it again. I had never regained my vertical jump afterward with the hardware intact. I used to play volleyball as an outside hitter and I could never jump that high again after the surgery. On another note, if you leave them in and you break something else, the areas reenforced by the hardware are much stiffer than nature bone so the 2nd break might be worst than if the hardware were removed. It's too late for me after all these years but I would remove them if I have a time machine and able to go back to those times when I was young and stupid.
Getting mine removed today after chronic pain. I will still have my ankle replacement but the fusion screws are coming out. I pray it works for me. Injury was due to car accident.
I JUST had mine removed and my ankle was EXACTLY the same as yours in terms of mobility. Everyone told me to “work harder” “do more physio” but I felt like my progress plateaued after a while. I had a trimalleolar break (all 3 bones) and had the removal after 1.5 years of the first series of surgeries. I can keep you updated if you’d like 😊
Yes that’d be great! Hope your mobility improves. Since making this video my ankle mobility hasn’t improved but I’ve been skating, running, and started playing tennis. I’m still interested in having the hardware removed, just need to find a block of time where I can let the ankle recover again.
@@DanielKwan i’m at week 3 post op. I was told to not bear weight for 2 weeks (i was walking with the canes and only put 10 kg-ish pressure on my leg while doing so). My ankle is still swollen, but early in the morning when it’s most rested, I can see that it’s almost the same as the other one in terms of thickness (which was the case before hardware removal too, except for slight protrusion of some of the screw heads you could feel when you touched it). I’ve been walking for a week and also the time I “wasn’t allowed” I felt like I could step on my foot no problem (so it didn’t feel like last time when my leg was completely in pain, was healing and was very weak). Overal, I just feel like I had some stitches and swelling. Didn’t even use the painkillers they gave me. I will update you regarding the mobility. Right now it feels the same but it’s too early to say
@@polisherci Awesome, thanks so much. I learned a few things about what to expect. Did they say roughly how long until you can do higher impact moves like run and jump?
@@DanielKwan theoretically I can do those right now. Nothing preventing me body wise but my leg lost a lot of muscle again in the 2 weeks of not stepping on it. And ankle gets swollen really easy. I guess it will take me another 2-3 weeks to really start pushing it (but i’m not a sporty person, so maybe you could do in week 3 already)
For anyone wondering about this - just get the hardware removed. I had mine removed 3 days ago and the surgery does not compare to getting it installed. Full weight bearing right away, you walk out of the hospital and you only feel very minor pain for the incisions, don't even need tylenol after the first day. Already less pain and stiffness in the joint itself, absolutely worth it.
Hello . Thanks for sharing your interesting video. How are you now ? Have you improved your range of motion after plate removal ? Will appreciate your answer cause I am just passing through this s....t . I need to make decission if to remove or not. Still thinking. Keep filming not only about ankles )) You have a talent to make videos !!!!
Rollerblader, skier. 6m after tibia fracture. Can almost skate normally as before fracture. I would definitely remove the hardware just for easing the sensitively pain around the hardware area when in the boot.
I have 3 plates and 19 screws. I am a skier and have not decided although it may affect me in the boot. I’m about a year out from surgery. I have a meeting with my surgeon soon to got over the process and decide what I’ll do as well. Skiing is my passion so we’ll see. Thx for your insight.
If the only reason you want the hardware removed is to increase range of motion then don’t bother. You can get that RoM back without going through unnecessary surgery (it will such, but it is possible). If the way the hardware feels is bothersome to you the go for it. I have some hardware in my face I wish I could get rid of but it’s too risky and could leave half my face paralyzed.
I have had hardware in my right ankle for over a decade now. The range of motion issues I suffer from have gradually gotten better over time, but I have chronic pain and a natural tendency to overcompensate using my left foot. This leaves me right foot weaker overall, but, I am actually taking up skating (only in the last few weeks) as a means to build strength. I have already felt a massive improvement in my range of motion and pain mitigation because of the strenght/balance exercises skating forces me to embrace. I will likely never remove the hardware in my ankle, but it seems we have slightly different breakages so I don't know what to say to you. My issue is that I've fought VERY hard for the current comfort level I have, and another surgery would be too much of a setback for me. My brain has mostly normalized the chronic pain, and my increasing strength has enabled me to take on skating and surfing so some degree. I'll probably never be a trick skater, but I never cared to be in the first place. I'm more interesting in cruising, carving, and just generally enjoying the ride. I don't feel comfortable advising you on what to do, but I will say that from my experience, living with the hardware in has drawbacks but I've been able to overcome a lot of it. My doctors have told me that the pain and range of motion issues will likely never go back to normal pre-accident conditions no matter what I do, so another surgery would just be yet another setback and hard-fought journey back to some stable sense of normality again. Honestly, the fact that you can skate at all now, is pretty great and you should be pretty happy about that, I feel. I know I do.
I just broke my ankle skating recently. I would like to get my removed also for a lot of the reasons you’re saying. Most because I just don’t want it inside me. What did you end up doing? Did you end up gaining full range of motion with PT?
hey obviously do what you think is best. I gottah say though after a month if you still feel the same and haven’t seen progress I think I would personally want it removed as well. Smart to wait it out though, you never know; in a month it could feel completely different and have more range of motion. Regardless the pros and cons seem to weigh relatively close to each other.
I Broken my neck and spine and had 14 screws and a few plates, the hardware developed a infection and my body was rejecting it, so this is another possibility keeping it in. Mines was remove and I do feel better but sing it was in olace for about 3 yrs the bones fused and I would say mobility its about 30-40% I advise that if you taking it out donit now, trust me you will feel better all around.
WHAT THE HELL BRO! I am also a longboarder and also got injured while longboarding. I was hit by a car now I got hardware on my left humerus and right tibia. I have no complaints except for the stiffness I get from lifting weights or a hard day of bombing hills
I would say remove it man. About 10 years ago I had a ankle problem also from an accident mountain biking and I was out for weeks literally in bed, Insurance was out of the question back then. Fast forward 10 years, I have a bit of a bump of that ankle but the human body is amazing, apparently my ligaments got stronger and it kinda fix itself. So yeah man that's my small input about your problem. The human body always wins not matter what. Just be healthy and stay in the gym.(Lift some weights) the best thing we can do is be strong. 🙌 Good luck bro.
Thanks for sharing this video. Having this same issue. I am an ultrarunner and just over two years ago, I had a pretty bad mountain accident during a race, which included a nasty ankle fracture. The Swiss surgeon did an excellent job with fixing it and said it would be better to remove the plates and screws after one year. The next surgeon , once I came back to Ireland, said to not remove the plates and screws. I just saw another surgeon today for a second opinion and told me I should remove them for several reasons - it might improve flexion but mostly they might become a problem if i need to do surgery in a few years. I am tempted to see another surgeon just to get a third opinion. Did you eventually remove your hardware? If you did, did you see benefits in mobility?
I have an 8 inch plate and a dozen screws.. even after PT and 10 years of yoga, my ROM has remained limited. I never got it removed because any surgery is best avoided if it is not affecting walking gate or activities of daily living. I still shred hard af and outside of this video reminding me I don't think about my ankle very often at all, I'm completely used to it. The what if factor is a thing but if you had an accident during a surgery that didn't Guarantee any result it would suck worse than dealing with the cards youve got
Please do a update video if you finally decide to remove it~ I would say it is like sending your car to do some paint job. It would be bothersome for a while, and seems alright if you do not sent it at all. But you know it is for the greater good, you just gotta find a gap of time to let it rest for several days.
I would say remove it! The 2 months down time is a small price to pay for regaining the ankle flexibility that lets you bend down :D (or since you don't know for sure that's the culprit of the inflexibility, at least you remove it as an option and get closer to tackling the root cause). You could also bulk film riding footage enough for 2 months of videos prior to the surgery. Whatever you do hoping for a full recovery soon!
I want to know too. I'm only 2 weeks post op 2 plates and they also screwd my fibula and tibia together so I'm worried about my rane of motivation. I'm also concerned of issues down the track and then removal will be a bigger issue. My husband has had hardware in his shin for almost 3 decades and gets pain in the cold or bumps
Did you ever decide? I had a similar injury in a skydiving landing 4/23/22. I also had a syndesmosis repair using suture buttons and tight rope procedure. The lateral suture button is irritating because it’s right under the skin. I’m thinking about having it removed and maybe the 2 screws in tibia and 5 screws and plate in fibula. Would love to chat with you.
Dude! I also got injured from skydiving landing, trimalleolar fracture with syndesmosis repair too. 10 months post surgery and I'm still not 100% happy with my progress. I had my hardware removal surgery last week and I'm in recovery now. Started walking with crutches and walking boot on the second day. I can already hobble about without crutch and boot on the 5th day. Of course there's some stiffness now cause of the swelling. I'm going easy on the stretching now since I don't want to risk tearing my stitches. But overall I actually feel fantastic. Could be psychological, the ankle actually feels less stiff after the surgery. The surgeon doesn't just remove the hardware, he removed the scar tissue around the area too, which is often the reason for the stiffness we feel
I don't think any of us are doctors here, man. If your bones have healed properly, sure, remove the hardware. The steel is there for a reason, my dude. If it ain't healed, it needs it. Last July, I was hit by a car at about 30mph/48kph riding my electric longboard. I broke a total of six bones. Pulverized my left wrist and triangular fibrocartilage complex, fractured my pelvis, fractured my tailbone (coccyx), and fractured my lower S4 and S5 vertebrae. I was bed-ridden for about 5 weeks but then up and walking again. Luckily, my back injury wasn't too bad and it has recovered almost 100% already. My left wrist, with two screws and a small metal plate in place, still isn't healed completely. My wrist is maybe 90-95%, it has good days and has bad days. Even 4 months later.
@@pradnyarajani1648I have a 3yearago trimalleolar fracture I’m 62 years old and my doctor said he could remove most of the hardware: 2plates 9 screws.
i have exactly the same situation that you have and i consulted the doctors and most of them told me just to get rid off the implants that hurt......but the other implant they told me not to touch because they can't guarantee what would happen......my surgery it's going to be in two days..... still i didn't decide if to remove all of the implants or not.😢
The Pros seem to be all good whereas for the Cons, you said the risk was pretty low, even if it doesn’t help, it’s not like there is a risk for it to go the opposite direction and as for the down time, idk about China but winter and rain is coming so it’s not the worst season for that (might be different, as I said, I’m not a Chinese meteorologist). Overall I feel like the Cons are minor or almost dismissible for the most part whereas the Pros largely outweigh them
🤙🏼 *Might improve,* but the fact that the op is low risk, 15mins makes me say remove it. 🤙🏼 better to try, and know for sure rather than always wonder what if you removed it. High cost though!!
how long did it take for tour incision area to heal up? I just had 2 screws removed from my ankle (the rod in my tibia and 3 knee screws are still in).. I just feel a bit of pain, and discomfort at the incision area... it's been about 5 days..
Well I fully understand your worries but think about it in this way. No body can tell you the limitations of your body. And when you do remove your surgical hardware. You have to give your body ample time to recouperare. And also stretch inch by inch for your movement range to come back again. There are no guarantees on getting full range of movement. But thats only if you don't condition it to so so. This is a very delicate procedure in which you have to give it physical therapy at the right time to be able to gain the moment range back. Don't think too much on the negatives but mostly on the positives.
I just had 10 screws and a plate removed 1 week ago...I wish I would have done it sooner. I wil tell you when I had my initial injury I had ROM issues too. I did PT and still had limited ROM due to the 29 screws and 2 plates. I went to HOT yoga and literally after 3 sessions I had FULL ROM back! You should find a Hot Yoga studio and give it a try. I think you would love it! Good luck!
I'm in the process of considering to have my hardware removed. I broke my ankle on the inside😖I'm leaning towards removal because my pins are poking and my plate is rubbing. As for weather prediction or bad weather...it's true in my case. The low pressure that occurs when it rains causes bad pain in the area. So bad that I literally stay off my foot😭.
I broke my ankle 6 years ago and what you’ve said I totally understand your dilemma. I also have a plate between my foot and ankle / shin bone. I would get them out if you can!!!!! Go for it and good luck!
I have hardware and cement on my wrist. I lost range of motion and live with a subtle but constant pain not disimilar of arthritis pain and that’s what my doctor says it is but I’m not convinced. I decided against surgery bc there are no guarantees and full recovery for me would more like 6-12 months. I’m a very active person and had to give up a few of my loves bc of it. I can’t no longer practice bjj and I can’t do rock climbing. Also say good bye ever being a waiter lol Good luck with your decision.
Yes you should get rid of the hardware, im a trainer who works with people overcoming chronic pain, and coming from various traumatic issues surgeries, injuries. Etc. You need to get a personal trainer, or if you can't start working on strengthening your ankles, and hips it will start to get better(post second op without hardware). If you start strengthening now it would get to a point where you probably didnt notice it at all(again post op) It can definitely improve i promise you. It may not be noticeably different right away, but over time with a proper strength program you should get back to close, if not completely full use pre injury.
Pls recommend me I am having a screws in my ankle....and I have less mobility and it's tight somehow....should I get it removed?? Will it increase my range of motion?? I'm 19 yrs old.....pls reply??
My doc said holes may or may not remain or heal up/fill in I dont know if it did on mine? I have had xrays no one ever said "hey you have holes in your tibias"
Thanks for the video! Did you ever get the surgery. I have 3 screws pretty much in that EXACT same place on my right ankle. I’ve had them for 7 years now and now it’s bothering me daily. It’s very agitating and a bit painful
I decided to wait a bit. I’ve been way more active this year but mobility hasn’t improved, so I think I will have the hardware removed later this year.
After decades of having the hardware I am feeling some real pain in my leg,,, Am worried dont know what to do...Could this pain be related to the hardware
Ii hv some metal in my elbow ankle screws in my knee a rod in my left leg.pain in these bones aches like .... Wat do I do .canyall help me.and swelling in my ankle bad
I have some hardware in my elbow and I will remove it. Hardware can move and change position with time so it is better to remove it after the bone has healed up. And yes, I feel it in my arm.
I'm only 10 weeks out and I already want mine out lol my dorsiflexion is so tight. My Dr. Said in a year that he will remove it only if I have pain from feeling the bar and screws were there. Or I could visibly see it. Can I ask if you decided to take it out? And how did it turn out if you did thanks.
you should remove imo. i'm an oral surgeon, so not my direct speciality, but i am familiar with the hardware used, and it's very crude in design compared to natural bone structures, so i believe it'll always maintain some kind of mecanical inflammation
If finance isn't the issue then it's worth it. You're showing that you want to heal more (being more agile). So the chance of just being able to be more agile again. And since it takes 2 months to 'recover' then you can start leveling out the muscles again and stretching to get agility (maybe) back. And now you're ankle is reinforced. So if anything happens you might break something else xD.
I have basically this exact same injury and metal from a climbing injury back in 2003. I can say that I've never really regretted leaving the metal in, but twenty years on, I do some times wish I had gone back to do the rotoscopic surgery that was offered to me to deal with the bone spurs. That said - having to deal with the boot and 4+ more months of physical therapy isn't an easy bullet to bite. The injury still affects me all the time, from flare ups after long days on my feet, to the permanent loss of joint flexibility... but yeah. Not sure removing the metal would've done much.
Either you remove it or not Ithink is time to eskate more conservative, as we're getting older the body is not the same and we recover slowly from accidents. best of lucks with whatever you decide to do and skate safe.
THANK YOU ALL for your comments sharing your experiences! I didn’t expect so many so quickly and these are exactly the type of info I was looking for. I’m sure others contemplating hardware removal will find your comments helpful as well! ❤️
Talk to some rock climbers. They frequently get hardware installed. They know more about this than anyone else I can think of. Maybe look up what happens if you experience an injury where the hardware is. Will there be more damage because of the hardware or will the hw be protective? Good luck with it either way.
Hey, Daniel. I suggest you contact this guy - th-cam.com/users/TheKneesovertoesguy If anyone, he can give you the best advice on this matter. Good luck 👍
@@iron_ice Thanks for that. Just watched his ankle sprain video. Gave me a new exercise to try.
Dude please take care alright buddy we are here for you and I swear on God I'll pray for you bro
Is it possible for an English speaking American to go to China and have this type of surgery? Can you point me to where I would go? I know Chinese view health much more holistically. Also, I had rods and screws put in my spine that I want removed! Thank you
Broke my ankle on the Backfire G2T 3 years ago and 1,5 year ago i got my hardware removed. The leg is back to 100% as it was before the injury. Its awesome!
Also the recovery after hardware removal was super quick. I was able to walk that day. And it took like a month for the scars to heal. REMOVE IT! :)
Hi I have got a medial malleous break...and it's 1.5 years post surgery.....I am feeling little bit of pain and less mobility....pls reccomend me should I remove it bro.....??and I am 19 yrs old
@@priyangshuroy3914removed or not brother
able to walk the same day? my doctors told me not to walk for 2 weeks.
Well I’m 38. Currently healing my broken ankle and wondering if I too will remove hardware in the future! So I’ll follow. My accident was midnight on my x1 max riot. I’m pretty sure it was mud from landscape sprinkler runoff. I should’ve got off and just walked around it.. 🤷🏼♂️
@@polisherciHello friend, how was it for you after you retired from the material? Greetings and thank you
If it was me brother, I'd get the parts out. You are young, and you can still heel up better without the hardware. Good luck either way and love the channel!
Thank you so much for putting that out there. I broke my ankle and did surgery over 2 years ago and still have problems with the hardware. Every time I seat down it takes me at least 5 to 10 minutes to walk normal. Because it get stiff and slightly painful. I’m also thinking about removing mines. I just need more time to think about it. But this video really helps. Thanks.
I had the same operation in 2018, although I able to walk after 3 months, took me another year to fully get back my active life(know the ankle swell from time to time initially). After 1.5 I was back to normal but always felt the ankle wasn't the same. Got the plate and screws removed in March 2020, was able to walk in just 2 days(as there is nothing broken this time just screw holes that fill up quickly) and now I have forgotten that I ever had a surgery!!! Trust me, Go for it!
How much did it cost to remove and where did go to remove it? I have heard that it can be diffucult to convince a doctor to let you have this surgery, at least in the U.S.
@@MSTAR001 i had a unique case as my dad was in the military. As a dependent, both the operations were free for me in the military hospital! I don't know if wise to pay a large sum of money just to remove the hardware as the plate doesn't hinder normal motion.
@@rachitthakur619 it seems like my plate does hinder normal motion, especially the dorsiflexion.
Please help me :(
Thanks for sharing! Broke my ankle 10 months ago and I'm still not 100% satisfied with my range of motion. So I underwent the hardware removal surgery last week and I'm still in recovery. Yea all I want is to forget that I've ever been injured! That's the goal!!
Hi mate I've been a fan for a while
a few years ago I had a tibia and fibia compound fracture on a trampoline accident I had a metal rod inserted down the center of my tibia and two spikes on either end to secure it some in my ankle some in my knee, this healed quite well over time but over. winter in Poland it gets quite cold that started to cost me quite a deal of pain so I got it removed it healed quite fast and I never knew how much I was putting off just because my knee was hurting a bit but since getting it out I've managed to enjoy skating, parkour, running
It's kind of odd how little I knew it was actually impacting me I thought it was a little pain and it's great I can still walk, but I didn't realize how much more I had already lost.
I am so very happy to be now 100% titanium free
I broke my knee in half when I skated into a parked car when I was young. I’m now 50 years old. Make this decision now, and I recommend taking them out. It’s worth it when you get older and I don’t care how much rehab you do, you will feel that hardware when you age. By then it’s too late.
Thanks for posting.. I broke my right ankle longbording in May 2015.. I still have 2 plates and 7 screws in there.. My doc said if I had discomfort about 15 months after install,, they could remove the hardware.. The only time it bothered me the first 2 years was when going around blind corner and quickly avoiding a collision with someone.. I wasn't a good skater when I broke my ankle.. It did take a couple years after rehab to loosen up to the point where I could do pendies and get a glove on the ground without discomfort... For the past 4+ years my right and left ankles/legs are equal in strength,, and though I haven't measured range of motion,, it isn't an issue.. For the past few years all I do is no hands down squatters.. Not in the face of the hardware,, but just 'cause I love the feeling of sliding... I don't regret keeping the hardware.. Actually I'm glad I still have it.. I will likely be cremated when the time comes and give the hardware to my daugher.. A sort of skating memento of her Paps.. Hope this somehow helps Daniel.... Take care....
get it done bro, i just got my hardware removed last month, today is my 1st month since my second surgery (removed).. its not as difficult as the first one. i was really surprised that i can move my hands after 3 weeks. i dont feel discomfort anymore, and i just noticed that my range of motion improves better, its not yet 100% motion like before i broke my wrist, but atleast improving than when the hardware are still inside.
I'm just being very careful right now because I still need to wait until the holes of the screw fill-in before forcing some sports activities.. but right now i can use my hands on daily basic activities..
That's my experience, just sharing it.
I had a nasty fall 10 months ago. I broke my Tibia and fibula clean. I got hardware in my ankle. It somehow got got infected recently so im getting my hardware removed before my bone gets worse. I hope and pray for a good outcome. Im going today. I was extremely nervous but after your video and reading the comments i feel a little more comfortable. Ill post an update.
Hi how has the recovery post hardware removal been.
How has it been
@@shilpabali1 the recovery is ok. I still got a boot. But I can walk around with the boot on my foot. Foot doesn't really hurt nomore
@@swervoogoat892 it's been ok. I'm still walking around in a boot.. but I can tell my ankle is getting better
@@kentuck187 that’s great I have to have hardware installed and I think that it doesn’t have to be permanent I have to go to a second opinion appointment and then the surgery how is it with screws is it painful
I had a break of my Tibia/Fibula in 2006. The Dr. Inserted a rod through the Tibia. The rod has always been somewhat limiting. I have not been able to negotiate going down stairs. I've never felt that I had a degree of flexion. So, here we are in 2024. I finally saw an Orthopedic Surgeon. He took numerous xrays. He found my Knees are severely arthritic and over the course of time I have developed a gait. All of which have compounded my situation. 2 days ago, I had surgery and the screws near my ankle were removed. I went home, am doing well, little discomfort....but I can tell you I have much more flexion already. Daniel get it removed, I feel we don't realize how much we compensate and when I was shown my knee xrays they are bone on bone due to the way my tibias shifted. I hope this helps you in making your decision. Good Luck!
Hi 2.5 years ago I broke my unkle in 3 places ,had 2 plates and pins put in,after over 2.5 years, decided to take it out because the weather and limited range of movement, they remove one plate on the side and 2 screws,back plate stay in (to risky to remove)my range of movement is awsome now, no weather issues anymore,10 days after surgery can walk 3-4 miles a day,that was good decision, my ankle feel so light now.I can touch wall now by my knee,before had about 6cm gap.So happy now!!!Any questions happy to help.
Extremely late, but your dorsiflexion improved because of hardware removal?
I worked as nurse on intensive care. In Germany all surgery costs are paid by our health insurance. As far as my experience goes, you can remove the hardware, if your bones have recovered. Most of the Germans do this. Would support the ankle with bandages though for a limited amount of time. And do proper training so that your muscles are strong enough to hold everything together. Good luck Daniel.
Same expertise and same opinion 👍🏻 most germans actually do that
So do most Swiss...
Stay blessed ! Thnk u 🙏
My mom now is scared about removing the hardware from her ankle and the doctor said its okay to not removing but we don’t know what to do 💔 she’s scared from the surgery
I am not going to give you any suggestion/recommendation as to whether, or not, you should go through this second procedure to remove the hardware in your ankle...but, I HAVE had two ankle surgeries (left), and one knee surgery (right), so I do know a thing, or three, about this.
In the case of the left ankle, it was a 40+ year ligament problem, for which the surgeries were 10 & 15 years ago. The first (done by the County hospital) didn't fix the problem, but the second (done by Stanford) appears to have fixed it by at least 95%, as I haven't had any serious problems with it since. As for the right knee, this was a medial meniscus tear, which occurred earlier this year, and for which the surgery took place just slightly more than 2 months ago. In that surgery, the surgeon had to remove approximately 25% of the lower portion of the meniscus, for which I am still recovering. The end result (in regards to Esk8) is that I will now be selling my Backfire G2 Black, and my Ownboard Zeus (which, sadly, I've never gotten to ride).
As for your situation, no matter what you decide, there will be "advantages & disadvantages". The important thing to remember is this: whatever you decide, be certain that the 'advantages' outweigh the 'disadvantages'. To better help you figure that out, I would suggest you start by tossing your current "list of pros & cons", and start over, as your current list has only 5 items on each side (ie. your list is WAY too short). Go back to the medical professionals you've spoken with (doctors, physical therapists, etc), and, with their help, put together two 'pro/advantages' lists - one for "keeping hardware in", the other for "having hardware removed"...and, do NOT create any 'con/disadvantages' lists, as they just greens to contain the "opposites" of the opposite lists.
If either list contains less than 10 items, keep working on it. Realistically, each list should have at least 15 items, and 20 (or more) is even better. This isn't just your ankle, or your skateboarding, your supposed to be thinking about - it's your life. While your listsv will, obviously, contain skateboarding-related items, you need to think about every aspect of how these choices will affect every aspect of your life. For example, because of my knee surgery, I immediately realized I would probably have to give up Esk8...but, in truth, I'm understanding how it is affecting other things in my life, to the point that I may have to give up cycling, and possibly (hopefully not) my motorcycle. It's also affected my job (I'm a Professional Chauffeur, driving commercial-size vehicles, and even, at times, my ability to walk 'normally'.
If you want to make a 'fully informed' decision, you need as much information as possible...and, you need to figure out, as much as possible, how each decision can impact every aspect of your life. I realize you've, so far, been trying to base the majority of this decision on how it impacts your ability to skateboard...but, your life revolves around so much more than just skateboarding. Either start thinking "outside the box", or create a (much) larger "box". Either way, best of luck to you.
I have a metal plate and screws in my left humerus for over 20 years and want to take it out now because of the irritations I've been experiencing such has skin rashes, inflammation of my hands and feet, trouble breathing sometimes, weak joints and muscles, and migraines. The hives/skin rashes occur when i sweat while working out and I get dry itchy skin which isnt normal for me. I never thought my symptoms were the cause of the titanium plate until i broke my ankle a month ago and looked into the side effects of tinanium plates, so I think having metals inside the body can affect our overall health now or in the future.
My body scars easily (keloid) so when I had a simple surgery to remove something from my wrist, it made it much worse. During recovery an infection popped up and led to another surgery which meant more time immobile. Despite a few years of physical therapy, the scar tissue came in strong and 20 years later its still limiting my flexion. If you or someone in your family is prone to keloiding, I would leave it as is, and be thankful for the motion you have.
David if you can, seek out a swimming pool and practice a few hours of swimming every few days, this will DRAMATICALLY improve the ankle’s resilience and strength.
Also swimming is fun!
Perfect advise in hot water in the sea ... hot swimming pool in hospital is a miracle
I had the hardware in my ankle removed w/ the exception of 1/2 a screw that was imbedded in my bone. It did improve my range of motion. I did it because the screws were showing outside of my leg. The one thing I would say to anyone thinking of doing it, check with your doc to see if they can fill in the holes during the surgery. Recovery time is quick compared to initial surgery.
Fill in the holes with what? I thought in time the holes fill themselves?
It still feels like yesterday,time flies by.
I moved onto riding, getting my new baby Yahama R7 soon but eboards will forever reserve a special place in my heart.
You broke your ankle, I broke my collarbone, we still love them though!
Whatever you choose, I see it as battlescars that carry history.
Ride safe, much love from EU.
*rdit, just noticed its 4 months old, regardless, hope you're doing well.
Wow! It's insane to think that happened a year ago already! If I was you I would get it removed so that you can start rehabilitation exercises to increase strength and ROM (range of motion). I wish you the best of luck whatever you decide.
I had hardware on my leg for 12 years . My leg kept getting cellulitis and got a open wound 6 years ago . I went to so many doctors and they always gave Antibiotics and send me to do xrays and told me you hardware is fine . I finaly removed my the hardware in front my leg April 12 2024 . So far I'm doing pretty good .
That’s great! I’m happy for you!
Hey Daniel, I had a similar break in my left ankle 6 years ago. I have had 5 corrective surgeries since then with both the addition and removal of hardware. I still have a plate and 2 screws holding my ankle together. I too have the change of weather pains and usually swelling at the end of the day. But I still eskate. I may not be able to get down as low as I used to before my accident but I still am able to live with my hardware. I have learned to accept it and try to stretch it out whenever I can to get a good heel-to-toe motion when riding regular stance.
For those of who are stiill deciding, I had trimalleolar fracture with plates, wire and screws, after 1 year, I still was hurting from walking, so I got it removed, its improved so much, I can bike , I can do a lot more than before.. But it is a myth to say you can walk same day after removal, no you can't if its major operation. It took me almost a month to walk without too much pain.
But I have been exercising my ankle every single day, I was a able to do a difficult hike with a minimal pain. So I'd recommend to go for it.
I also have a trimallelor fx. Just had the hardware removed a few days ago. Fx was 1 year ago. My hardware became infected, and I had to have another surgery followed by IV antibiotics for 2 months. Since then, I have had to be on oral antibiotics, getting blood tests checking for infection every 2 months What a mess! I got an opinion from a different surgeon and just had my hardware removed last week. He had done a cat scan to be sure my bones were healed and am now out of commission for 2 weeks while in recovery. I already can tell it was worth it as I finally don't feel the hardware. It's wrapped up in an ace bandage that covers a white cast like bandage. There's pain at the incision site, but I have meds and am also able walk around the house. After much research, I believe I made the right decision and am looking forward to PT and becoming active again without worrying about infection and the pain of the hardware. Guess I should give you an update in a few weeks. Best to all!
How's your ankle now??...is you ROM come back as it before??
Hows the recovery going. @@vickiewish22
Thanks for this, I had the same injury and surgery close to a year ago now and have had problems with squatting down because of my range of motion, will see if it improves before I consider removal
@haggrith1987 I had mine in for six years and decided to get it out I'm recovering
I broke my ankle playing badminton 5 yrs ago. Plates and screws are part of my ankle now. I didn't really do physio after surgery and I was thinking that's the reason I cant crouch even now. I am assuming you did all the physio so I guess it doesn't really make much difference. I don't have full range of motion on the ankle, like, I cant ride a motorcycle because I cannot shift gear with my foot. Also whenever I walk on uneven surfaces, my ankle starts to hurt real bad that I have to limp for the whole day. So I am considering removing the hardware but still not enough reason to go under the knife as my day to day life is still fine.
I had two screws removed from my right ankle as well as 20 other screws a rod and two plates (broke both tibias) felt so much better after it was all out
hey,,
I also have trimollelar fracture, its really uncomfortable with plates and screws but my doc said can't remove it coz my age is 34 and no guarantee about recovery. how old are you?? Is it really difficult to convince the doctor for surgery??
I would say take it out.(if it were myself based on the pros and cons presented) But I'm not really qualified to say for sure .
Hi, what did you decide to do? If you had hardware removed, what was the result? I had a displaced Trimalleolar fracture 10 months ago, resulting in ORIF repair (plate on outside ankle, and wire/screws on inside ankle). I was a runner. 10 months post surgery, I’m trying to start back doing easy jog 2 min, walking 1 min. I have a lack of dorsi-flexion, as you mentioned, by just enough degrees that my walking still has a limp. If I’m in my feet a lot, doing anything, I can hardly walk the next morning or that evening. I have a burning sharp pain on inside ankle off and on. The outer plate doesn’t cause too many issues. It’s the inside one, which takes the brunt of 80 percent of body weight. I’m debating on removal. Please update on your situation. Blessings on your continuing recovery, friend!
I wanted to get my hardware removed but haven’t. Aside from the limited mobility and being weaker than my good ankle, my bad ankle doesn’t really bother me. It needs more warm up and feels stiff sometimes but I’m not really in any pain. Sounds like you have it worse. Did xrays show that your fractures have healed? Hope your pain goes away!
so i broke my left leg 7 years ago in a sorta freak hiking accident. it was a compound fracture, broke both my fibula and fibula clean, and i ended up having a metal rod installed along with some screws near my knee.
i ended up keeping my hardware and so far i’ve had only minor issues. like being on my knees for too long ends up hurting or putting too much pressure on my leg makes it wobble sometimes.
i honestly don’t mind the hardware, i often forget about it and it’s a cool party trick too. but i’ll be honest that i’m worried how my hardware will interact with my body as i get older
In my opinion, I’d say take it out. We all only live once and for a 15 min procedure, it’s pretty safe. No major arteries or veins, ankles not covered by a bunch of tissue or organs, and for a max 2 month “rest” period, it ain’t bad at all. That surgery takes less than the dental surgery I had a year ago (took about 40 mins) and I’d doubt the risks would ever happen. I understand the financial side but if I had the possibility to regain full ROM with no irritation, I’d take the chance cuz it can only get more complicated if you end up removing it later. Anyways, if you’re happy with the amount of ROM you have now, don’t take the risk of surgery but if you want even the chance to get it back, proceed with it. Find a surgeon you trust and who has a reputation for successful and well performed operations, and go through with it, but acknowledge that either way, there can be complications no matter what.
I had a bunch of hardware in my wrist and clavicle after being hit by a car 5 years ago. In situations like this, surgical costs are covered here in Australia by compulsory 3rd party drivers' insurance. I have had the 3 pieces removed that were affecting my range of motion, but have left the final piece in because it hardly affects me. It only bothers me if I bump it hard. I left it in for exactly the reasons you state (apart from the zero cost). My wrist range of motion is still not as good as the other wrist, but probably 90%.
I fractured my ankle in 3 places.
The pins are coming out. Im getting ready to get them out.
Thanks for your video 🥰
How did it go?
I can't speak about the ankle, only for the wrist. I had my hardware removed, all in all it went very well apart from the surgery, the doctors messed up the stitches. I now have a bigger, sensitive, sometimes itchy scar that got infected when it was healing, resulting in hardened tissue. Apart from that i haven't had any issues with the hardware being removed. In my case removing the hardware did help with the motion in my wrist.
I’ve had hardware for 22 years. The mobility and range of motion continues to improve. It will never be perfect, but it has no impact on my daily life. I’ve run marathons and continued to ride skateboards. I could never do a switch kickflip on a regular skateboard because of it. That’s about it.
I was thinking the same. I broke my 4th metacarpal bone in my hand and a have a plate and three screws. Sometimes when I hold my video game controller or my phone or write I can feel like something is rubbing or the urge to clench my fist. I’m not sure why it is but i constantly think about it and it bothers me. It’s 2023 and medicine has advanced. I don’t think it will be bad at all. It all depends on where you broke it. For people with the hardware being placed deeper than someone that has it somewhere with just basically the skin being there.
Age also plays a role. Many younger folks will recover much faster and with less complications.
Whilst it does sound like the Pro's outweigh the Con's, i'd be scared to roll the dice, but then im maybe too cautious.
If it's not bothering you leave it alone. As for the airport comment you don't have to worry about metal detectors with modern hardware, they're using Titanium.
In the long run it will affect your nerves. If you break the ankle again in the same spot. It will be a surgical mess to put back. Screws and plates will twist and fragment your bones. Decide soon. Walking up and down steep hills will improve motion. UP2U
Thankyou for your great inputs. I am in the same dilemma . And have been having the same doubts as you have experienced . I will wait but I feel the discomfort tells me that it is better to remove the hardware. As you shared the information is not adequate to take a decision.I was expecting the Doctors could have given us all the details regarding the same .
I broke my ankle and fibula 30+ years ago riding motocross. I opted not to remove the hardware b'cuz of the unnecessary risk of surgery. However, after living with them all these years, I would have them removed, if I get to do it again. I had never regained my vertical jump afterward with the hardware intact. I used to play volleyball as an outside hitter and I could never jump that high again after the surgery. On another note, if you leave them in and you break something else, the areas reenforced by the hardware are much stiffer than nature bone so the 2nd break might be worst than if the hardware were removed. It's too late for me after all these years but I would remove them if I have a time machine and able to go back to those times when I was young and stupid.
真的很难抉择，这是很个人的选择，你应该遵从自己的心声，不管怎么样，都完全支持你的选择，Good Luck
Getting mine removed today after chronic pain. I will still have my ankle replacement but the fusion screws are coming out. I pray it works for me. Injury was due to car accident.
Hope everything goes well!
Stay blessed 🙏
Hi! How did it go?
I JUST had mine removed and my ankle was EXACTLY the same as yours in terms of mobility. Everyone told me to “work harder” “do more physio” but I felt like my progress plateaued after a while. I had a trimalleolar break (all 3 bones) and had the removal after 1.5 years of the first series of surgeries. I can keep you updated if you’d like 😊
Yes that’d be great! Hope your mobility improves. Since making this video my ankle mobility hasn’t improved but I’ve been skating, running, and started playing tennis. I’m still interested in having the hardware removed, just need to find a block of time where I can let the ankle recover again.
@@DanielKwan i’m at week 3 post op. I was told to not bear weight for 2 weeks (i was walking with the canes and only put 10 kg-ish pressure on my leg while doing so). My ankle is still swollen, but early in the morning when it’s most rested, I can see that it’s almost the same as the other one in terms of thickness (which was the case before hardware removal too, except for slight protrusion of some of the screw heads you could feel when you touched it). I’ve been walking for a week and also the time I “wasn’t allowed” I felt like I could step on my foot no problem (so it didn’t feel like last time when my leg was completely in pain, was healing and was very weak). Overal, I just feel like I had some stitches and swelling. Didn’t even use the painkillers they gave me. I will update you regarding the mobility. Right now it feels the same but it’s too early to say
@@polisherci Awesome, thanks so much. I learned a few things about what to expect. Did they say roughly how long until you can do higher impact moves like run and jump?
@@DanielKwan theoretically I can do those right now. Nothing preventing me body wise but my leg lost a lot of muscle again in the 2 weeks of not stepping on it. And ankle gets swollen really easy. I guess it will take me another 2-3 weeks to really start pushing it (but i’m not a sporty person, so maybe you could do in week 3 already)
@@polisherciHope all is well! How long, and how did your ankle recover after getting your hardware removed, please?
For anyone wondering about this - just get the hardware removed. I had mine removed 3 days ago and the surgery does not compare to getting it installed. Full weight bearing right away, you walk out of the hospital and you only feel very minor pain for the incisions, don't even need tylenol after the first day. Already less pain and stiffness in the joint itself, absolutely worth it.
Hello . Thanks for sharing your interesting video. How are you now ? Have you improved your range of motion after plate removal ? Will appreciate your answer cause I am just passing through this s....t . I need to make decission if to remove or not. Still thinking. Keep filming not only about ankles )) You have a talent to make videos !!!!
Rollerblader, skier. 6m after tibia fracture. Can almost skate normally as before fracture. I would definitely remove the hardware just for easing the sensitively pain around the hardware area when in the boot.
I have 3 plates and 19 screws. I am a skier and have not decided although it may affect me in the boot. I’m about a year out from surgery. I have a meeting with my surgeon soon to got over the process and decide what I’ll do as well. Skiing is my passion so we’ll see. Thx for your insight.
can you switch to snowboard and keep the hardware
I have 2 pates 18 screws 2.5 month ago bike accident.
If the only reason you want the hardware removed is to increase range of motion then don’t bother. You can get that RoM back without going through unnecessary surgery (it will such, but it is possible). If the way the hardware feels is bothersome to you the go for it. I have some hardware in my face I wish I could get rid of but it’s too risky and could leave half my face paralyzed.
I have had hardware in my right ankle for over a decade now. The range of motion issues I suffer from have gradually gotten better over time, but I have chronic pain and a natural tendency to overcompensate using my left foot. This leaves me right foot weaker overall, but, I am actually taking up skating (only in the last few weeks) as a means to build strength. I have already felt a massive improvement in my range of motion and pain mitigation because of the strenght/balance exercises skating forces me to embrace.
I will likely never remove the hardware in my ankle, but it seems we have slightly different breakages so I don't know what to say to you. My issue is that I've fought VERY hard for the current comfort level I have, and another surgery would be too much of a setback for me. My brain has mostly normalized the chronic pain, and my increasing strength has enabled me to take on skating and surfing so some degree. I'll probably never be a trick skater, but I never cared to be in the first place. I'm more interesting in cruising, carving, and just generally enjoying the ride.
I don't feel comfortable advising you on what to do, but I will say that from my experience, living with the hardware in has drawbacks but I've been able to overcome a lot of it. My doctors have told me that the pain and range of motion issues will likely never go back to normal pre-accident conditions no matter what I do, so another surgery would just be yet another setback and hard-fought journey back to some stable sense of normality again. Honestly, the fact that you can skate at all now, is pretty great and you should be pretty happy about that, I feel. I know I do.
I just broke my ankle skating recently. I would like to get my removed also for a lot of the reasons you’re saying. Most because I just don’t want it inside me.
What did you end up doing? Did you end up gaining full range of motion with PT?
Any worries about post traumatic arthritis?
hey obviously do what you think is best. I gottah say though after a month if you still feel the same and haven’t seen progress I think I would personally want it removed as well. Smart to wait it out though, you never know; in a month it could feel completely different and have more range of motion. Regardless the pros and cons seem to weigh relatively close to each other.
I Broken my neck and spine and had 14 screws and a few plates, the hardware developed a infection and my body was rejecting it, so this is another possibility keeping it in. Mines was remove and I do feel better but sing it was in olace for about 3 yrs the bones fused and I would say mobility its about 30-40% I advise that if you taking it out donit now, trust me you will feel better all around.
😮😮😮
WHAT THE HELL BRO! I am also a longboarder and also got injured while longboarding. I was hit by a car now I got hardware on my left humerus and right tibia. I have no complaints except for the stiffness I get from lifting weights or a hard day of bombing hills
You should post an update! Good work!
I would say remove it man. About 10 years ago I had a ankle problem also from an accident mountain biking and I was out for weeks literally in bed, Insurance was out of the question back then. Fast forward 10 years, I have a bit of a bump of that ankle but the human body is amazing, apparently my ligaments got stronger and it kinda fix itself. So yeah man that's my small input about your problem. The human body always wins not matter what. Just be healthy and stay in the gym.(Lift some weights) the best thing we can do is be strong. 🙌 Good luck bro.
it's not the hardware, just do yoga. I have metal rod in my leg and to plates on my shoulder.
Thanks for sharing this video. Having this same issue. I am an ultrarunner and just over two years ago, I had a pretty bad mountain accident during a race, which included a nasty ankle fracture. The Swiss surgeon did an excellent job with fixing it and said it would be better to remove the plates and screws after one year. The next surgeon , once I came back to Ireland, said to not remove the plates and screws. I just saw another surgeon today for a second opinion and told me I should remove them for several reasons - it might improve flexion but mostly they might become a problem if i need to do surgery in a few years. I am tempted to see another surgeon just to get a third opinion. Did you eventually remove your hardware? If you did, did you see benefits in mobility?
I have an 8 inch plate and a dozen screws.. even after PT and 10 years of yoga, my ROM has remained limited. I never got it removed because any surgery is best avoided if it is not affecting walking gate or activities of daily living. I still shred hard af and outside of this video reminding me I don't think about my ankle very often at all, I'm completely used to it.
The what if factor is a thing but if you had an accident during a surgery that didn't Guarantee any result it would suck worse than dealing with the cards youve got
Please do a update video if you finally decide to remove it~ I would say it is like sending your car to do some paint job. It would be bothersome for a while, and seems alright if you do not sent it at all. But you know it is for the greater good, you just gotta find a gap of time to let it rest for several days.
I would say remove it! The 2 months down time is a small price to pay for regaining the ankle flexibility that lets you bend down :D (or since you don't know for sure that's the culprit of the inflexibility, at least you remove it as an option and get closer to tackling the root cause). You could also bulk film riding footage enough for 2 months of videos prior to the surgery. Whatever you do hoping for a full recovery soon!
I want to know too. I'm only 2 weeks post op 2 plates and they also screwd my fibula and tibia together so I'm worried about my rane of motivation. I'm also concerned of issues down the track and then removal will be a bigger issue. My husband has had hardware in his shin for almost 3 decades and gets pain in the cold or bumps
Did you ever decide? I had a similar injury in a skydiving landing 4/23/22. I also had a syndesmosis repair using suture buttons and tight rope procedure. The lateral suture button is irritating because it’s right under the skin. I’m thinking about having it removed and maybe the 2 screws in tibia and 5 screws and plate in fibula. Would love to chat with you.
Dude! I also got injured from skydiving landing, trimalleolar fracture with syndesmosis repair too. 10 months post surgery and I'm still not 100% happy with my progress. I had my hardware removal surgery last week and I'm in recovery now. Started walking with crutches and walking boot on the second day. I can already hobble about without crutch and boot on the 5th day. Of course there's some stiffness now cause of the swelling. I'm going easy on the stretching now since I don't want to risk tearing my stitches. But overall I actually feel fantastic. Could be psychological, the ankle actually feels less stiff after the surgery. The surgeon doesn't just remove the hardware, he removed the scar tissue around the area too, which is often the reason for the stiffness we feel
Read it as Ankle Removal and I'm like hell no, save your ankles!
I don't think any of us are doctors here, man.
If your bones have healed properly, sure, remove the hardware. The steel is there for a reason, my dude. If it ain't healed, it needs it.
Last July, I was hit by a car at about 30mph/48kph riding my electric longboard. I broke a total of six bones.
Pulverized my left wrist and triangular fibrocartilage complex, fractured my pelvis, fractured my tailbone (coccyx), and fractured my lower S4 and S5 vertebrae.
I was bed-ridden for about 5 weeks but then up and walking again. Luckily, my back injury wasn't too bad and it has recovered almost 100% already. My left wrist, with two screws and a small metal plate in place, still isn't healed completely. My wrist is maybe 90-95%, it has good days and has bad days. Even 4 months later.
Well I don't know what to do about your hardware, but you've convinced me to avoid any extreme downhill skating.
Wasn't his injury from pratice at low speed?
@@user-pc1er8zy7c I actually looked it up and yes, it seems he did. His reenactment in this video made me think it was more like that.
Right, so avoid any kind of downhill skating. 😅 Jk I look forward to getting back to it.
I had my hardware removed and it was the best decision !! Zero pain now
hello,
do you also have trimollelar fracture?? how old are you?? coz my doc said your age is above 30 so you can't remove the hardware.
@@pradnyarajani1648I have a 3yearago trimalleolar fracture I’m 62 years old and my doctor said he could remove most of the hardware: 2plates 9 screws.
i have exactly the same situation that you have and i consulted the doctors and most of them told me just to get rid off the implants that hurt......but the other implant they told me not to touch because they can't guarantee what would happen......my surgery it's going to be in two days..... still i didn't decide if to remove all of the implants or not.😢
I think they know what is inside if is implant shouldn't bother 🤔 is jst my opinion the rest yes to come out
The Pros seem to be all good whereas for the Cons, you said the risk was pretty low, even if it doesn’t help, it’s not like there is a risk for it to go the opposite direction and as for the down time, idk about China but winter and rain is coming so it’s not the worst season for that (might be different, as I said, I’m not a Chinese meteorologist).
Overall I feel like the Cons are minor or almost dismissible for the most part whereas the Pros largely outweigh them
🤙🏼 *Might improve,* but the fact that the op is low risk, 15mins makes me say remove it. 🤙🏼
better to try, and know for sure rather than always wonder what if you removed it. High cost though!!
how long did it take for tour incision area to heal up? I just had 2 screws removed from my ankle (the rod in my tibia and 3 knee screws are still in).. I just feel a bit of pain, and discomfort at the incision area... it's been about 5 days..
Well I fully understand your worries but think about it in this way. No body can tell you the limitations of your body. And when you do remove your surgical hardware. You have to give your body ample time to recouperare. And also stretch inch by inch for your movement range to come back again. There are no guarantees on getting full range of movement. But thats only if you don't condition it to so so. This is a very delicate procedure in which you have to give it physical therapy at the right time to be able to gain the moment range back. Don't think too much on the negatives but mostly on the positives.
You should do what the physician says.
I just had 10 screws and a plate removed 1 week ago...I wish I would have done it sooner. I wil tell you when I had my initial injury I had ROM issues too. I did PT and still had limited ROM due to the 29 screws and 2 plates. I went to HOT yoga and literally after 3 sessions I had FULL ROM back! You should find a Hot Yoga studio and give it a try. I think you would love it! Good luck!
I have had my plate @ screws for 13 years can I still get it out.
Please let me know if you find out!
I'm in the process of considering to have my hardware removed. I broke my ankle on the inside😖I'm leaning towards removal because my pins are poking and my plate is rubbing. As for weather prediction or bad weather...it's true in my case. The low pressure that occurs when it rains causes bad pain in the area. So bad that I literally stay off my foot😭.
I broke my ankle 6 years ago and what you’ve said I totally understand your dilemma. I also have a plate between my foot and ankle / shin bone.
I would get them out if you can!!!!!
Go for it and good luck!
I have hardware and cement on my wrist. I lost range of motion and live with a subtle but constant pain not disimilar of arthritis pain and that’s what my doctor says it is but I’m not convinced.
I decided against surgery bc there are no guarantees and full recovery for me would more like 6-12 months. I’m a very active person and had to give up a few of my loves bc of it. I can’t no longer practice bjj and I can’t do rock climbing. Also say good bye ever being a waiter lol
Good luck with your decision.
In the end did you take it out? how u feeling?
Broke my leg riding a one wheel. Had three screws removed, best decision i could have made! Remove the metal
Yes you should get rid of the hardware, im a trainer who works with people overcoming chronic pain, and coming from various traumatic issues surgeries, injuries. Etc. You need to get a personal trainer, or if you can't start working on strengthening your ankles, and hips it will start to get better(post second op without hardware). If you start strengthening now it would get to a point where you probably didnt notice it at all(again post op) It can definitely improve i promise you. It may not be noticeably different right away, but over time with a proper strength program you should get back to close, if not completely full use pre injury.
Pls recommend me I am having a screws in my ankle....and I have less mobility and it's tight somehow....should I get it removed?? Will it increase my range of motion?? I'm 19 yrs old.....pls reply??
My doc said holes may or may not remain or heal up/fill in I dont know if it did on mine? I have had xrays no one ever said "hey you have holes in your tibias"
5 mo. Post trimal surgery, I’m going to ask about getting the metal pulled out
Why didn't you go for the absorbable implant option?? Or was that not available for your ankle injury?
Wasn’t offered that option.
Thanks for the video! Did you ever get the surgery. I have 3 screws pretty much in that EXACT same place on my right ankle. I’ve had them for 7 years now and now it’s bothering me daily. It’s very agitating and a bit painful
I decided to wait a bit. I’ve been way more active this year but mobility hasn’t improved, so I think I will have the hardware removed later this year.
@@DanielKwan thank you for the quick response. Good luck whenever you do get it done.
Same thing happened to my right ankle. I'm keeping the hardware in.
After decades of having the hardware I am feeling some real pain in my leg,,, Am worried dont know what to do...Could this pain be related to the hardware
Your guess for the US is spot on, and sad. Our healthcare system is trash.
Didu remove it...i dont c an update thanks
Ii hv some metal in my elbow ankle screws in my knee a rod in my left leg.pain in these bones aches like .... Wat do I do .canyall help me.and swelling in my ankle bad
I have some hardware in my elbow and I will remove it. Hardware can move and change position with time so it is better to remove it after the bone has healed up.
And yes, I feel it in my arm.
Did you get it off
My hardware is coming out in December
seems worth it to get it out good sir, but goodluck either way, as as you said it may not be necessarry 🤷♂️
I'm only 10 weeks out and I already want mine out lol my dorsiflexion is so tight. My Dr. Said in a year that he will remove it only if I have pain from feeling the bar and screws were there. Or I could visibly see it. Can I ask if you decided to take it out? And how did it turn out if you did thanks.
I would like to take them out but kept putting it off.
you should remove imo. i'm an oral surgeon, so not my direct speciality, but i am familiar with the hardware used, and it's very crude in design compared to natural bone structures, so i believe it'll always maintain some kind of mecanical inflammation
If finance isn't the issue then it's worth it. You're showing that you want to heal more (being more agile). So the chance of just being able to be more agile again. And since it takes 2 months to 'recover' then you can start leveling out the muscles again and stretching to get agility (maybe) back. And now you're ankle is reinforced. So if anything happens you might break something else xD.
I have basically this exact same injury and metal from a climbing injury back in 2003. I can say that I've never really regretted leaving the metal in, but twenty years on, I do some times wish I had gone back to do the rotoscopic surgery that was offered to me to deal with the bone spurs. That said - having to deal with the boot and 4+ more months of physical therapy isn't an easy bullet to bite.
The injury still affects me all the time, from flare ups after long days on my feet, to the permanent loss of joint flexibility... but yeah. Not sure removing the metal would've done much.
well, if i was you, i would remove it. Good Luck
I would remove to be all natural and might not know possible complications in future, but its your own decision
Either you remove it or not Ithink is time to eskate more conservative, as we're getting older the body is not the same and we recover slowly from accidents.
best of lucks with whatever you decide to do and skate safe.
everybody just slow tf down