screws, pins and plates

[unruliejulie]

When you have a metal plate and screws in your leg, does anyone know if it would be possible for the screw to start to work its way out a little. The reason i ask is, my hubby had a very serious car accident 5 years ago and broke one leg and one ankle. The rod he had put in his leg was removed 4 years ago but the ankle plate is still in but he is convinced he can feel the screw working its way out and he says its fairly painfull too. Any ideas as to whether this is possible ,or if it has happened to you or anyone you know would be gratefully appreciated.Thanks

[Ethel]

If your husband is suffering discomfort it is time he went to his GP.

Good luck!

[unruliejulie]

yes Ethel, i agree, but getting a man to visit the doctor is easier said than done. He doesn't like to make a fuss and works very long hours, away from home a fair bit so its fairly difficult. I was just wondering if it is possible for it to happen or is he imagining it is sticking out more.

[Eric Git]

Hi, I had a serious car accident 10 years ago and had to have reconstructive surgery in my right leg and ankle. After a few years the pins and plates became unbearable as the muscle wastes away and so the metal starts to rub on the skin, so they can move but not how you would think. The only way to elevate the pain was to go the the doctor and have surgery to remove them. Get your GP to recommend you to Nuffield Orthpedic Trust in Headington, Oxford, I went there and it's the best in the county. The two top guys are Professor Cooke and Mr Bob Sharpe, they are excellent, if they can't take it out then they'll find a way to help.

Good luck

[unruliejulie]

Thank you very much for you answer Eric Git. That is very helpful and i will do my best to get him to see his doctor. P.S Hope you are all fully recovered now!

[JenniferG]

My friend had an op on her foot and had pins and screws put in, about six months ago the pin started to come out the side of her foot! she went to the doc and he pulled it out there and then! v painful. Now you can feel the tip of the screw coming out as the pin did so shes got to have it operated on again. the doctors said as they are in a joint that are bending and moving constantly it is very easy for this sort of thing to happen. your husband must go trust me you dont want to start seeing the end of the pin sticking out of him!

[Lonnie]

Yes, it can happen, I have a plate and screws in my ankle, and thought a screw had come loose, the gp agreed after seeing the xrays, lucky the consultant new what he was doing, turned out to be the Achilles Tendon.

your husband needs a referral, as other posts have said, he does need to be seen.

[unruliejulie]

Thank you all for the advice. I will show him this and maybe he will make the effort before it gets out of hand.Thank-you again