Removing Metalwork | HMT Sancta Maria Hospital

Removing Metalwork

> Orthopaedics

> Removing Metalwork

What is metalwork used for?

Metalwork includes plates, screws, rods and wires. These are specially made from stainless steel or titanium for the following operations on bones.

Fixing a broken bone in position while it heals
Joining bones to remove an arthritic joint
Changing the shape of a bone

What are the benefits of surgery?

The following are the main reasons for having your metalwork removed.

To reduce any pain or discomfort
To help treat an infection around the metalwork
To prevent the metalwork from disappearing inside the bone
To prevent the metalwork from getting in the way if you need another operation later

Are there any alternatives to surgery?

Pain or discomfort from your metalwork can sometimes be helped by taking painkillers, avoiding pressure over the metalwork and keeping warm when the weather is cold.

If you have an infection around the metalwork, you can sometimes keep it under control by taking antibiotics.

What does the operation involve?

Various anaesthetic techniques are possible.

The operation usually takes 30 minutes to an hour.

Your surgeon will usually remove the metalwork through the same cut used to put it in. Small screws or wires can sometimes be hard to find and your surgeon may need to use a larger cut and x-rays. Even larger pieces of metalwork can be hard to find and remove if they are covered with scar tissue or bone.

How soon will I recover?

You should be able to go home the same day or the day after.

Spend most of the time during the first week with your arm or leg raised so that the swelling settles.

You may be given exercises to help get your joints moving.

Your surgeon will tell you when you can return to normal activities.

It can take 6 months or longer to recover completely from surgery.

What complications can happen?

Some complications can be serious and can even cause death.

General complications of any operation

Pain
Bleeding
Infection of the surgical site (wound)
Unsightly scarring of your skin
Difficulty passing urine
Blood clot in your leg
Blood clot in your lung

Specific complications of this operation

Failure to remove all metalwork
Damage to nerves nearby
Weakening of the bone
Severe pain, stiffness and loss of use of your arm or leg

*Our fixed-price packages do not include the cost of your initial consultation or any diagnostic tests done at the time. Prices will be confirmed after your first appointment with a consultant specialist.
All prices given are guide prices. Our treatment packages are bespoke, and therefore our private healthcare prices differ from case to case. We will confirm prices in writing before going ahead with any treatment.

This document is intended for information purposes only and should not replace advice your healthcare team gives you. This information is published under license from EIDO Healthcare UK and is protected by copyright. Other than for your personal, non-commercial use, you may not copy, print, download or otherwise reproduce it.

Metalwork is often used in operations to help bones to heal. Once your bones have healed, your surgeon may recommend removing the metalwork to reduce or prevent any problems it may cause.

What to do next

Talk to us about ways to pay, either insured or self-pay, and find out if you need a referral from your doctor.
If you need one, ask your GP for a referral letter.
Call us to book an appointment with a consultant.

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