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Hardware Removal

Medical term: Orthopedic Implant Removal

Overview

After a fracture is surgically fixed with plates, screws, rods, or pins, the hardware typically remains in the body permanently once the bone has healed. However, in some patients the hardware causes ongoing symptoms that warrant removal. Common reasons include pain overlying the implant, soft tissue irritation, prominent hardware in areas with thin skin coverage, infection, or the need to remove temporary fixation devices such as syndesmotic screws.

Our San Diego orthopedic trauma surgeons perform hardware removal procedures regularly and understand the nuances involved. Not all hardware removal is straightforward, particularly when implants have been in place for many years or when bone has grown over the hardware. We evaluate each case individually to determine whether removal is appropriate and to plan the safest surgical approach.

  • Symptomatic hardware — the implant causes pain, tenderness, or discomfort with daily activities, particularly in areas close to the skin surface such as the clavicle, ankle, or wrist
  • Soft tissue irritation — the hardware interferes with overlying tendons, muscles, or skin
  • Infection — infected hardware typically needs to be removed to clear the infection
  • Planned future procedures — hardware may need to be removed before a subsequent surgery such as joint replacement
  • Temporary devices — some implants, such as syndesmotic screws in ankle fractures, are designed to be removed after a period of healing
  • Patient preference — some patients prefer to have hardware removed once the fracture is fully healed, particularly younger or active individuals

The Procedure

Hardware removal is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general or regional anesthesia. The original incision is often used to access the implant. Specialized instruments are used to remove screws, plates, or rods, and the wound is closed in layers. The procedure duration varies depending on the type and location of the hardware.

When to See a Doctor

If you have orthopedic hardware from a previous surgery and are experiencing pain, swelling, or irritation at the implant site, contact our San Diego office for an evaluation. We will help you determine whether hardware removal is the right option for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does orthopedic hardware always need to be removed?
No. In most cases, plates, screws, and rods can remain in the body permanently without causing problems. Hardware removal is considered when the implant causes pain, irritation, limits function, or is associated with infection.
What is recovery like after hardware removal?
Recovery is generally faster than the original surgery. Most patients are weight bearing within a few days and return to normal activities within 4 to 6 weeks. There is a brief period of bone vulnerability after removal, so activity modification may be recommended.
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