Tibia IM rod removal?

Hi Jason,

Looks misaligned slightly, but I’m not an orthopedic surgeon.  When’s your next check up?  If you don’t have one in the short term, I would make one.  I would stay on top of your follow-up medical appointments and discuss your concerns with your orthopedic doctor.

I do occasionally get some pain where the break was if I sprint or take a harder landing on it which has me a little worried, but maybe I'm just imagining something. I'll update in the future if it turns into a problem. 

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I wanted to share my experience since this thread has been such a huge help to me! I had a work accident on a construction site in 2015 at 19 years old. I fell 24 feet landing on my feet resulting in compound fractures of the tibia and fibula in both legs. The surgeon implanted a Tibial IM Nail along with a plate and 10+ screws in each leg. I had a full recovery besides slightly less range of motion in the right ankle and the occasional twinge and discomfort from the hardware. I knew I wanted the hardware out eventually and figured it would be best to do it while I’m still young. So 8.5 years later in 2023, the same surgeon removed the hardware one leg at a time in two separate surgeries. Recovery was nearly the same for each leg; a few days on crutches, 1-2 weeks with pain, 3-4 weeks back to regular activity. I have slightly better range of motion and my legs feel lighter and more flexible. Absolutely no regrets here and it feels so awesome to be free of hardware in my body! 

I just had mine removed 2 months ago. Similar break, tib/fib, pain at the inner side of my knee (I assumed from the screws). Had the second surgery 9 months post break, went well. Knee is still somewhat numb 2 months post op, but no more pain. Got full knee mobility back after 3 weeks (did PT on my own). Im 2.5 months post removal and Am back to climbing and skiing. Can jog but I don’t like running so haven’t really tried to. For me, it was very worth it. I will say that the tibia does take a while to adjust after the rod is out, I still have weird fantom pains at the site of my break but X-rays look good. Impactful twisting of the leg (hard stops on skis) cause pain but I think that’s just still healing. 

Jason Edwardswrote:

Hi I'm 33 years old and I broke my tidia  and got a rod and I wanted to know if this is lined up right if not can they relined in up right or no will I walk right is this good to stop me from getting it out 

Go see a ankle specialist, that shit is jacked. They tried to pull the same shit with my fib. It took me firing 3 doctors to find a Ortho who's specialty was foot ankle. I was walking in 3 weeks and climbing 5.10s outdoor 2 months post op. Remember they work for us if your instincts say it's not good get a second or 3rd opinion.

Ps really sorry about your out come, that is a major over haul to fix. Best of luck life isn't going to end, it will just be different. I had a disabled climber group help my head out. People climbing with prosthetics and such. Keep your chin up. I am 40 and recovered 95% 1 year post accident, you will be successful!

You broke your leg?! Reach out dude!

I was thrilled to find this post a few months ago.

TLDR- Screw removal last year was life-changing and wonderful & I am hoping for Fibial Rod Removal soon.

My story (long!)

In 1/2022 I shattered my leg, got a rod & 4 Screws. At least 12 breaks, open fracture severing tendon, breaks in my ankle, tibia, fibia, and foot. (Bicycle slipped trying to turn on wet pavement 2 houses away from mine).  

Surgeon was wonderful. He advised the standard recommendation is not to remove rod nor screws. I assumed all of the pain & discomfort was expected & just one of those things after a bad break. Walking sucked, things sucked. I live in Florida (all one story homes) so visiting family with stairs in June (5 months in) was upsetting and each step up/down was filled with moans. At age 45 my life felt close to how I expect to feel at 90.

My mom had broken year ankle years before, and her surgeon routinely removes screws which he did for her. So, I gained confidence & pushed for Rod/Screw Removal.  My surgeon felt there is no indication of benefit of improvement in function, pain, etc. He showed standards, research etc that the governing bodies/U.S. associations that govern him say not to recommend, so he does not although some do. But...he did not feel risk was worth it, advised strongly against it. Many discussions later he reluctantly agreed to remove the screws. He remained steadfast against removing the rod at the same rime, as this surgery and recovery was so much more involved.  

In September 2022, only 8 months after the break, the screws were removed. One of the best days of my life!  Its up there with my wedding day & birth of my kids. Immediately upon waking up in recovery room I bent my knee ( because of the pain blockers) it bent amazingly well! Bent beyond 90 degrees- my heel could just about touch my butt.Over the coming weeks, and as the bandage was taken from my ankle, I was astounded at how normal I felt! I had not realized how limited the range of motion had been - and how every step was awkward & painful.  It was amazing, and my life was renewed. One year post breaking my bones, by January 2023, I literally felt almost as good as new, and its only gotten better.  

So I started researching and making a case for rod removal, knowing how great I have been feeling. Its now 2024 and  although I rarely even think about my leg, there are some limitations. I also do still feel the rod at times. Usually I have no pain, unless I'm doing something strenuous, which is rare for me. I have had some pain running,  skiing, walking far, hiking on uneven surfaces, etc. But, average/Daily life is perfectly fine. After thinking of it for awhile I e-mailed the surgeon requesting an appt to discuss rod removal. I was up front with a brief explanation. I advised I will ask only this once more and respect his decision as final. I'd only trust him anyway. But if we want to do it.. why wait, as neither of us are getting younger. I know there are risks, I know there is a long road to recovery. Today, I met with the surgeon and I'm so thrilled he agreed!

I cannot believe I was able to advocate for myself, and "fight the status quo".  I feel this is optional, and something I can live with forever... but why would I want to?  I feel I'm putting my future in my hands.  We scheduled the surgery for this summer, and I will write back once it is done.

Thank you for reading!

Hi has anyone had their tibia Im rod removed in Boston MA and if so would you mind sharing your surgeons name. Many thanks Dee 

I had a rod and 9 screws all removed after one year.  Same dull ache, pain below the knee.  A few weeks after 2nd surgery I could not have told you which leg I broke. Same spiral tib fib fracture too.

I did a spiral Tibia 3 years ago. I had the IM nail screws taken out after a year and it helped a bit. I had the nail removed 4 months ago.  Its amazing. Except for the incision scar I cant tell my leg was ever broken.  

Deena Gilbeywrote:

Hi has anyone had their tibia Im rod removed in Boston MA and if so would you mind sharing your surgeons name. Many thanks Dee 

I shattered my tibia in 2003 and had screws in the ankle until nov when I had them removed prior to my ankle replacement 2 months ago. They didn’t bother me except in one pair of ski boots but I replaced the boots and it was fine. My doc at the time said it would be fine to leave them and except for the ski boots he was right. I didn’t want to do surgery if I didn’t have to so I waited till I had the ankle surgery.