Hand, Foot & Orthopaedic
About this service
Removal of orthopaedic hardware in Windhoek at Eastgate Clinic is a procedure to take out internal fixation hardware, such as pins, plates, screws, or a prosthesis, once it is no longer needed or is causing discomfort. Hardware placed after a fracture or joint surgery sometimes needs to stay in permanently, but in other cases it can be removed once the bone has healed well. Your doctor will assess your history and any relevant scans in our rooms before advising whether removal is appropriate.
Reasons for removal vary, from ongoing irritation at the site to a personal preference to have it taken out. Book a consultation to discuss your specific situation.
What to expect
- A consultation reviewing your surgical history and any imaging
- Local or other anaesthetic used depending on the hardware and site
- The hardware is surgically removed through the original or a small incision
- Wound care and activity advice given for the recovery period
- Follow-up to check healing and remove any stitches
Who is it for?
You may be advised to have this if you are dealing with:
- Pain or irritation at the site of previous hardware
- Hardware that is prominent or uncomfortable under the skin
- Fully healed fracture with hardware no longer needed
- Wanting hardware removed before further activity or travel
- A doctor's recommendation to remove hardware after healing
Frequently asked questions
Do plates and screws have to be removed after a fracture has healed?
Not always. Many people keep their hardware for life without any trouble. Removal is usually considered when the metal is prominent under the skin, irritates a tendon, causes pain, or when you simply prefer to have it out once the bone has healed.
What should I bring to a consultation about removing pins, plates or screws?
Bring your operation notes or discharge summary and any X-rays from the original surgery if you have them. These tell your doctor exactly what was implanted and where, which helps decide whether removal is straightforward.
What is recovery like after orthopaedic hardware removal?
The wound is dressed and you are given advice on keeping it clean and limiting strain on the limb for a while. Bone can be slightly weaker where screws came out, so your doctor may ask you to avoid heavy loading or contact sport until a follow-up check.
Ready to book your removal of orthopaedic hardware?
Choose a date and time online and we will confirm your appointment at Eastgate Clinic in Windhoek. Medical aid and private patients welcome.