Removal of Metal
In some cases metalware needs to be removed after surgery, there are various reasons for this including: prominence underneath the skin, pain, aching or wound problems.
In some cases hardware needs to be removed in a planned manner as it is crossing mobile joints.
In some cases hardware needs to be removed for infection, or as a plan for a subsequent surgery.
Success rates: a small number of patients have a complication after removal of hardware such as a wound problem.
In some cases removing the hardware does not fix the underlying pain, if that is believed to be the cause.
Post-operative
Surgery is a day-stay or overnight.
0-2 weeks: elevation at home to reduce swelling
2-4 weeks: walking in a comfortable trainer or moonboot
4 weeks onwards: progressively returning back to normal activities.
Risks of surgery
Swelling, stiffness
Infection
Wound healing problems or infection
Scar sensitivity
Ongoing pain
Secondary surgery