Hardware Removal

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Hardware removal is surgery to take out devices used to fix your bone. These devices may include metal pins, screws, plates, surgical wires, or bone implants. These types of hardware are placed to hold and put your broken bones back together until they heal. Some hardware may be used for a short period of time, while some may be left in place permanently. Hardware removal is usually done because of problems caused by the implant, such as pain or infection. It may also be done when the hardware causes allergy or bone fracture. Others may want them removed because of cancer risk or to avoid security metal detection. Hardware in young children may need to be removed to prevent problems with bone growth.
  
  
• During hardware removal, your caregiver makes an incision (cut) over the same area used when the hardware is placed. The hardware is slowly and carefully separated from nearby tissues to prevent damage. Special instruments are also used to loosen and free the hardware from your bone. Your wound is closed using stitches (threads) and covered with bandages.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your caregiver. Keep taking this medicine until it is completely gone, even if you feel better. Stopping antibiotics without your caregiver's OK may make the medicine unable to kill all of the germs. Never "save" antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may be given medicine to take at home to take away or decrease pain. Your caregiver will tell you how much to take and how often to take it. Take the medicine exactly as directed by your caregiver. Do not wait until the pain is too bad before taking your medicine. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it. Tell caregivers if the pain medicine does not help, or if your pain comes back too soon.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

• Ask your caregiver when you need to return to have your wound checked and the stitches removed.
  
  

Activity: You may need to have plenty of rest. Avoid too much movement or activities for a few months after hardware removal. This is to allow your bones to heal. Ask your caregivers when to resume your usual activities.

Using crutches, cane, or walker: You may need to use crutches, a cane, or a walker. They may help you get around, and decrease your chance of falling or being hurt. It is important to use your crutches, cane, or walker correctly. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to use crutches, a cane, or a walker.

Wound care: Do not let your wound get wet. Always keep your wound clean and dry. When you are allowed to bathe or shower, carefully wash the wound with soap and water. Afterwards, put on clean, new bandages. Change your bandages every time they get wet or dirty. Ask your caregiver for more information about wound care.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• You have chills, a cough, or feel weak and achy.
  
  
• You have more pain and swelling even after taking pain medicines.
  
  
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition, surgery, or medicine.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have trouble breathing or chest pain all of a sudden.
  
  
• Your bandages become soaked with blood.
  
  
• Your incision is swollen, red, has pus coming from it, or the stitches have come apart.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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