QuestionThree and a half years ago, I had a LisFranc Fracture-Dislocation on my left foot, followed by Open Reduction Internal Fixation with three screws through the tarsals and metatarsals.
I have had x-rays since, and the joint has healed wonderfully and is almost anatomically perfectly aligned. The problem is that I seem to be having severe hardware pain from the screws. I have gained a lot of weight, and this has not helped, but upon trying to begin a walking or exercise regiment, the foot is causing great pain. I had a "Free foot consult" coupon, and visited a podiatrist who gave me shoe inserts with arch support. When wearing the shoes with the supports, the pain is minimal if present. When I try to walk down the hall barefooted, however, the pain has gotten to the point where I can hardly walk, even when putting the weight on my heel or outside of the foot.
I lost my job last year, and now I have no health insurance. Would removal of these screws require a hospital stay and general anesthesia? I'm afraid it is critical that I have this procedure, but I desperately need to minimize cost.
Someone told me that it could be done in a physician's office with local anesthesia - is that true?
AnswerHi Karrie,
Depending on easy access to the screws, scar tissue formation over the screws and the potential for complications, the procedure might be able to be done in the office. Usually, in my experience, we have done these under general anaesthesia. The stay would be short in any case, possibly in an outpatient setting.
