by Nuala
(N. Ireland)
I am recovering from a tri malleor fracture to the left ankle I sustained a year ago after falling on black ice. One year on I visited a house doctor re removal of plate and pins as they have all worked loose. He pointed out to a student that the reason the surgeon put a screw on a pin originally (he also said the screw was off the pin)was because I had soft bones and a tendency to have osteoporosis. This was checked 2 years ago and my doctor is having the dexta scan repeated as I am post menopausal. A fortnight later I saw a consultant who has made the decision to remove the pins on the inner side of the ankle as they are annoying. The area becomes swollen and hard as the day progesses. He claimed that I don't have soft bones and that the screw was at the end on the pin not off! He wanted to leave the plate and screws in on the outside of the ankle as they were not annoying although they are of no benefit.
The consultant said that the pins had not worked their way out,that they were always there to be seen but were only noticeable when the swelling reduced. However one screw was prominent literally after the plaster was removed at 6 weeks which is why I was given a referral 1 year on. On further questioning he said they worked loose because of movement.I am quite confused and feel I have been fobbed off. What do you think?
I received no physiotheraphy but went privately.I the last 6 months I had a fallen arch and recently metatarsal pain for which I was given anti inflammatory painkillers. Again I went privately to a podiatrist who discovered that I was totally flat footed. I now wear orthotics and with a lot of experimentation have the mentatasal pain under some sort of control.
Finally getting out of bed last week I felt something pull just to the right of the Achilles tendon on my right foot. First thing in the morning I feel it when walking on bare feet. I am wearing the orthotics and well padded Eco shoes so it really doesn't annoy me much but scrambling over a few small rocks at the weekend I felt it give, with a bit of pain. Do I need to get this checked out?? By whom?
Hi Nuala,
Two main reasons screws and pins are removed is when they either become loose and so are no longer doing what they intended to do and if they happen to be in a position that annoys the patient. This can be done after enough time has passed and the fracture appears healed. The problem with osteoporosis is that it takes longer for bones to "mend" because they are decalcified.
In answer to your question about the pain in your other foot, pain, is always a reason to go to the doctor. Since it occurred while walking over some rocks, you may wait a couple of days, if the pain does not improve, then I would recommend you see a doctor.
Marc Mitnick DPM
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