CA
A 30-year-old male asked:
How long until the plates & screws in elbow to fix monteggia fracture can be removed? need another surgery?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Thomas Dowlinganswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 42 years experience
Maybe never: Hardware or instrumentation does not always need to be removed unless it is prominent & then painful. Otherwise, the screw holes that remain are potential sites for re fracture until they heal & there is an increased risk of surgical complications with a second surgery & possible range of motion loss. Discuss with your surgeon your options. You have to be healed plus some time depending age.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Robert Coats IIanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
Why take them out?: The plates and screws use to fix your fracture rarely need to be removed and can be a difficult procedure. Once the fracture is healed, the hardware is no longer needed. If the hardware causes a problem, it can be removed. I would wait 1- 2 yrs before electively removing the hardware. Activity restrictions are needed after surgery for a limited time.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Nov 23, 2016
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