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Broken Elbow. Surgery, Pin Put In To Hold Elbow. Okay To Remove Screw For Bone Growth?
The question below is very similar to my son s situation, only he does not have heaviness in his hand . My son broke his elbow July 2010 as well, requiring surgery within a few days. A pin was put in (a screw) to hold the tip of the elbow that was detached and it is now healed (June 2012). Since my son is still growing, would it be wise to remove the screw now, so that bone might grow in place of the screw and as not to impede the growth of his bone? What is your recommendation? Also, he is a competitive swimmer, but we are just concerned it may cause problems later on. Can you please advise? Thank you.
Wed, 25 Jul 2012
Hi,
Welcome to HealthcareMagic forum.
As per your query, you son had open reduction and internal fixation for an elbow fracture done with plates and screws. Such kind of fractures heal by primary and secondary healing which should be completed in a year and half.
As the surgery was one 2 years ago, you can visit his orthopedic and plan to remove the plates and screws. There shouldn't be any problem with the fractured bone and his growth can also occur normally.
Do visit his orthopedic as and when possible.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Welcome to HealthcareMagic forum.
As per your query, you son had open reduction and internal fixation for an elbow fracture done with plates and screws. Such kind of fractures heal by primary and secondary healing which should be completed in a year and half.
As the surgery was one 2 years ago, you can visit his orthopedic and plan to remove the plates and screws. There shouldn't be any problem with the fractured bone and his growth can also occur normally.
Do visit his orthopedic as and when possible.
Hope this helps.
Regards
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