Removing screws from a pinned tibia/ankle, worth it?

[VinceFox]

Bit of background, i have an IM pin from behind my knee all the way to the base of my tibia and two transvse screws, one low, through the tib and fib, another slightly higher which i believe was designed to hold the fib back at an angle, stopping it reconnecting before the tib did.

This was done over ten years ago. I have reduced flexion in my ankle and pain like a trapped nerve in the front sometimes. Is this worth looking at taking out? Has anyone here had similar done and did they gain anything from it?

[Hoofy]

There was a related thread on this last week. Until you get more replies, you may find the replies there interesting.

[VinceFox]

Can you remember any key words? Not getting any luck from the search function.

Really want opinions from people who've had it done, need to know if it 's worth doing.

[Hoofy]

As it was only last week, the next button is probably more useful.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[VinceFox]

Hoofy said:

As it was only last week, the next button is probably more useful.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Pretty much identical injury. My main reason for removal would be to improve mobility though. My ankle is getting stiffer with age and not at the same rate as my good one, just wondered if i could get some mobility back.

Think this is a consultation jobbie.

[Hoofy]

I can't answer that. IANAD. Just pointing out the other thread, that's all, as it was relevant to The_Doc's job.

[VinceFox]

Hoofy said:

I can't answer that. IANAD. Just pointing out the other thread, that's all, as it was relevant to The_Doc's job.

Yeah cheers for that, definitely similar x ray.

[Bill]

Given the timescale and that stiffness is the issue I'd suggest seeing a physio first, and if that doesn't help then talk to the orthopaedics lot.

[VinceFox]

Bill said:

Given the timescale and that stiffness is the issue I'd suggest seeing a physio first, and if that doesn't help then talk to the orthopaedics lot.

Cheers Bill. Think my first stop is a GP appointment to discuss options now.

[Bill]

Yep. You may well find you can improve things by doing regular exercises on it, pushing it to the end of range. If it aches afterwards then go steady but don't worry about discomfort at the time.

[VinceFox]

main problem is the front of the ankle, if i push towards limit of range ov upward flexion (toes upwards) it feels like a trapped nerve. pretty painful. also, i cant curl my big toe down so it's affected my balance. i can pick pencils up with my right toes, bu my left wont curl under at all.

[Podie]

The_Doc knows his onions, but it's also worth actually going and seeing someone.

I've had one removed and one left in. Both ache in the cold, and I still set off airport security gates at the same rate as previously.

[Bill]

How long has this been going on for? Has it worsened?

Without looking at it it's impossible to be specific, but bear in mind that lots of factors like calf tightness and foot stiffness will affect how hard the actual ankle joint needs to work. Also your big toe flexor muscle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flexor_hallucis_longus_muscle) is deep in your calf with a tendon that runs around the back of the ankle and under your foot. If its movement is restricted (as is possible from your description) then that will increase the load on the front of the ankle.

Go see someone.

[VinceFox]

Much appreciated advice guys, thank you. Ive just booked a doc appointment for friday morning.

Bill, it's just kind of got worse over a period of time so i havent really noticed it. Ive started having to wear trainers more as normal shoes mean pain in the ankle the day after. What's interesting is that muscle you just mentioned is definitely the one i have less use of, but i can't understand why. It appears to go up the tibial side, not the fibula which is where i have issues. It's something that's never worked properly since the operation, 12 years ago. I remember doing different exercises after being pinned and thinking it'd come back, but it never did.

Anyway, stting it, but i've booked the appointment now.

[Bill]

It attaches to the back of the lower 2/3 of your tibia, barring the bottom inch or so, so it could be that the fracture has disrupted this, or where it runs around the back of the ankle joint it runs in a bony groove that has ligaments over it to form a tunnel. Thickening of the tendon through scarring can limit movement there.

But I'm guessing... Don't worry about the GP appointment.





It's the physios you should be worried about.

[VinceFox]

Bill said:

It attaches to the back of the lower 2/3 of your tibia, barring the bottom inch or so, so it could be that the fracture has disrupted this, or where it runs around the back of the ankle joint it runs in a bony groove that has ligaments over it to form a tunnel. Thickening of the tendon through scarring can limit movement there.

But I'm guessing... Don't worry about the GP appointment.





It's the physios you should be worried about.

Thanks.

Wait, hang on....

[The_Doc]

Podie said:

The_Doc knows his onions, but it's also worth actually going and seeing someone.
.

Cheers,

OP go and see your GP and if no help ask to meet a surgeon again.

Will
a surgeon

[VinceFox]

The_Doc said:

Podie said:

The_Doc knows his onions, but it's also worth actually going and seeing someone.
.

Cheers,

OP go and see your GP and if no help ask to meet a surgeon again.

Will
a surgeon

mini update, doc agreed to xray, also agrees physio will get range of motion back a bit. doing flexor hallucis longus stretching using tennis ball and pressure on underside of foot, big toe has freed up a little already.

got a highly recommended physio on standby, just need the xrays now.