How Long Should One Keep Hardware, Screws And Wire Post Patellar Surgery?

Posted on Sat, 24 Jan 2015

Question: I started physical therapy two weeks ago. I had my patella surgically put back together with wires and had rested it for 6 weeks. I seem to always be at 30 degrees which is frustrataing because I am really trying hard. Is this normal? or.. do you think I will end up being a candidate to have the scar tissue surgically removed? doc mentioned that the hardware will have to come out eventually soon. I am wondering if it will be two seperate procedures and from your experience how soon is it possible to do either one of those procedures?

Answered by Dr. Pankaj Borade (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Case of complicated patellar fracture

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your query.

As I can see you have been operated for patellar fracture and undergoing sessions of PT.
the hardware, screws and wire will need to be removed minimum 1.5 to 2 years later. As the bone gets time to heal up the patellar bone being of a different kind takes time to join up, therefore it is advised to remove the screws and wire late after surgery. Nothing to worry as it will cause a vague sense of mass, as something being there, very normal.
To prevent from the weakening of musculature the doctor has advised PT session, it will strengthen the knee joint and would impart more stability.
Gradually the exercises can be graded high.
Precaution are to be taken to correct underlying causes or osteomalacia if any, common thing to a observe in women at this age.
The edeges of the fracture can be felt through and will be removed.

thanks
Dr Pankaj Borade

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T