Painful Hardware

Painful Hardware

After surgery that requires surgical fixation there are number of reasons that hardware may become painful:

  • Non union leading to loosening
  • Hardware prominence
  • Position of hardware in foot and ankle
  • Infection
  • Shower irritation

Surgical Procedures:

Hardare Removal:

This is a relatively straightforward procedure that is performed as day surgery. If there is an underlying complication that requires hardware removal that will be discussed preoperatively. All hardware is removed as minimally invasively as possible.

Hardware Removal Surgery
Post Operative Instructions

Cast:

  • You will have a dressing on your foot for 2 weeks following surgery
  • A post op shoe/aircast will be worn for 2 weeks post op
  • At 2 weeks, you will wean off the shoe/air cast and begin walking in a regular shoe

Wound:

  • The surgical incision has been closed with sutures
  • Do not get the cast or wound wet for the first two weeks.
  • When showering place a bag over the cast and secure with tape to your leg to avoid the cast and wound getting wet
  • Stitches will be removed at your 2 week appointment
  • After the stitches are removed, you may begin to shower after 2-3 days
  • Do not immerse the foot in water (bath, hot tub, pool) for 6 weeks
  • Do not apply any lotions or creams on the wound for 6 weeks

Weight Bearing:

  • You will be weight bearing as tolerated for the first 2 weeks while in a post op shoe/aircast
  • You will use a mobility device to offload your foot (crutches, walker, stirrup cast)

Medications:

  • Pain medication should be used regularly for the first 24-48 hours, when required for the first 1 to 2 weeks, followed by Regular Tylenol

Driving:

  • For right foot surgery you are not permitted to drive until you have completely weaned off the boot
  • For left foot surgery, please contact your insurance company to see if you are permitted to drive
  • Driving is not permitted while on narcotics

Work:

  • Two weeks off work is recommended for initial recovery `
  • If you are able to get to work safely, and will be seated for the majority of the day, you may return to work a couple days after surgery. This is assuming you are not taking narcotic pain mediation.
  • From 2-6 weeks sedentary duties is recommended
  • By 6 weeks you can gradually return to full duties
  • If your job is physically demanding, return to full duties is usually possible around 8-12 weeks post operatively

Follow Up:

  • You will have your first appointment 2 weeks after surgery in the Fracture Clinic
  • Your next appointments will be at 6 weeks, 3 months then 6 months post operatively

Recovery:

  • It is normal to experience mild to moderate pain, numbness, or tingling for the first 2 weeks following surgery
  • Please come to the emergency department if you are suffering from severe pain
  • You will get back to most of your activities by 6-12 months
  • Swelling often remains for 6-12 months
  • Residual stiffness is a normal consequence of ankle fracture

Physiotherapy:

  • In general no physiotherapy is required for Hardware Removal procedures