A member asked:
do metal plate and screws in ankle cause the bone to get crushed (or cause bigger injuries) if the same ankle gets re-fractured in the future?
2 doctor answers
Dr. Kristine Nemes answered
17 years experience Podiatry
Do not cause crush: While screws and plates do not cause a crush injury in the same area, they certainly do weaken the bone where they are. The plate takes some of the load off the bone. Stress strengthens bone, so if we remove stress we weaken the bone. Generally screws and plates are not removed after a fracture heals unless they cause pain, screws are backing out, or there is a non-healing wound.
Answered on Apr 5, 2013
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Dr. Jeffrey Bowman answered
37 years experience Podiatry
Not really: Most often if an injury occurs to an area that has been fixed it usually isn't an issue unless the previous hardware was damaged. Get x-ray to find out.
Answered on Nov 1, 2015
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Related questions:
A 32-year-old female asked:
Dr. Susan Arnoult answered
24 years experience Family Medicine
Common: It is common to have residual pain after a significant fracture of the ankle requiring 2 surgeries. Obviously there is a lot of stress in everyday li ... Read More
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A member asked:
Dr. Robert Mihalich answered
20 years experience Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery
No: In general, there is very little risk of leaving plates or other hardware in place if there arena symptoms.
1
1 thank
A female asked:
Dr. Peter Ihle answered
53 years experience Orthopedic Surgery
Possible nonunion. .: Go back & C Ur ortho and have it reevaluated.
If standard imaging is normal get a CT. Bone scan may not B helpful so close 2 the fracture in tim ... Read More
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Arnold Beresh answered
40 years experience Podiatry
Healing: They are used to hold the bones together to achieve healing.
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