Meidjo Release, Maybe, Maybe NOT

[Stephen]

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[TallGrass]

all the pins and needles take some time to do their magic, and then have to be extracted.

(May all reading this know it second hand, never first.)

Does the hardware have to be extracted * ?

NO, if it is internal, within 'a' bone, and not causing any issues.

YES, if it is external (e.g. ex-fix), between bones (using good neighboring bone to hold fractured one), and or causing problems (ROM; pain; wearing out bone; working it's way out; ...).

* In general, every specific situation is different so consult your doctor(s). Hardware includes wires, pins, screws, rods, bands... basically anything a wood carpenter would use, "bone carpenters" use though metals differ.


All surgery is trauma (albeit more controlled) and has risks like infection, hence that risk is weighed against leaving it in, and some the bone will grow over like finding barbed wire going though a tree trunk ten feet off the ground.


A grey area pertinent to skiers are things like Tibial Nails (rod down the inside of the big lower leg bone, shin) where some are concerned if another injury could be made worse by it, i.e. what would be a simple tibia break instead is bone pulverized by the metal (think hammer-anvil, tree-bone-rod), the rod bending complicating surgery, the tibia breaking/bending into two halves > but the rod remaining straight | (use your imagination), etc. It has to be removed from the knee (bent, knee cap moved to side) thus another recovery period (and red handicap placard!).

It can also be an issue for impact sports where the metal has higher inertia causing added bone stress when running, or hitting a volleyball, etc. but unless it impairs daily life, insurance may consider its removal "elective" surgery which affects coverage/payment. A skier's ankle screws were rubbing his skin inside his ski boot may fall under "elective", but if they also limit the range or motion in the ankle in any way it could be "daily life" and covered -- choose wording wisely.

[TallGrass]

@Stephen, I hope you are keeping up on your physical therapy as we haven't heard an update.

On the off chance you have not or are falling behind, I found a new personal trainer for you.

Keep at it!!! And keep a positive attitude!!!

[Montana St Alum]

I guess I just failed my Medicare memory test. I saw "Meidjo release...." and thought, "what, a new Meidjo is coming out"?
Still hoping you get well soon!