Removal of painful Metalwork surgery
What is a removal of metalwork and why is required some of the time?
Screws, plates, staples or other fixation devices are sometimes used in foot and ankle surgery to repair fractures, correct deformity or fuse joints. Most metalwork remains in place long-term without causing problems, but a small proportion of patients may experience discomfort, irritation or shoe rubbing. In such cases, metalwork removal can improve comfort once healing is complete.
Removal of Metal work Foot or Ankle | Liverpool
- Removal is usually performed as a day-case under general or regional anaesthetic.
- The original surgical incision (or a nearby incision) is reopened.
- Screws, plates, wires or staples are carefully removed.
- The bone and soft tissues are inspected for irritation or scar tissue.
- The wound is closed with stitches and a dressing applied.
- If bone graft or fusion was involved originally, imaging is used beforehand to confirm full healing.
In some cases, only part of the hardware needs to be removed (e.g., prominent screws).
Removal of metalwork consent information
Removal of metalwork consent form
Consent Form for Removal of Metal Work (docx)
DownloadPost Surgical Recovery
Immediate post operative period (0-2 weeks)
- Dressings protect the incision site.
- Weight-bearing is usually allowed in a stiff-soled shoe unless otherwise specified.
- Elevation helps reduce swelling.
- Stitches removed at 10–14 days.
2-6 weeks after surgery
- Swelling and scar sensitivity improve.
- Transition to normal footwear as comfort allows.
- Return to desk work is often within 1–2 weeks; manual roles may take longer.
6-12 weeks after surgery
- Continued pain reduction and tissue settling.
- Most patients resume full activity.
Outcomes
Before Surgery
- Pain over screws, plates or staples
- Shoe rubbing or pressure intolerance
- Local swelling or tenderness
- Limitation with footwear or activity
After Surgery
- Reduced local pain and pressure
- Improved footwear comfort
- Less irritation during activity
- Faster recovery than primary surgery
Long term success
- Once tissues settle, most patients have lasting relief
- If discomfort was due to scarring or nerve sensitivity, additional improvement may occur gradually
- It is important to ensure the original bone surgery is healed before removal
Removal of painful metalwork is a straightforward procedure designed to relieve discomfort once bones are fully healed after previous foot or ankle surgery. By removing prominent or irritating hardware, the operation improves local comfort, footwear tolerance and activity levels. Recovery is typically quicker than the original surgery, and outcomes are generally very good when symptoms are clearly related to the metalwork.
Contact Us
Contact to arrange an appointment
Prof Mason has clinics at Spire Liverpool (weekly) and in Douglas, Isle of Man (every 3 months)
Cost -
Initial consultation - £250
Follow-up - £150
Prof Lyndon Mason
Spire Liverpool Hospital, 57 Greenbank Rd, Liverpool L18 1HQ, UK
Patient Liaison - Clare van de Waal Telephone - 07717580737 E-mail - CVDWclerical@outlook.com Website - <<https://liverpoolfootandankle.com/<<
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