I had a procedure done yesterday at an out-patient center.

[Ms. Toad]

12. Did they take the rods out too?

I had a spiral fracture 18 months ago to both the tibia (complete spiral break) and fibula (greenstick spiral). Only a rod in the tibia - they just left the fibula hanging. (Word to the wise: Never pick a fight with black ice and gravity.) I've had full range of motion since very shortly after the surgery - my doctor either talks a good game, or I healed much more quickly and completely than he is used to. I was back to work teaching part time 8 days after the fracture (would have been 7, except I had to convince HR that they did, indeed, have to allow me an accommodation to work from home part time since I was capable of working - just not of being vertical . . . one would think one would not have to convince the HR department associated with a law school of the requirement for accommodations . . . )

It's completely healed now, but the bolts at the ankle protrude enough that they bang into things and bruise the tissue over the top. Your procedure sounds more complex than I would have anticipated. My brother had the rod removed from his (he says it was banging into his kneecap from the underside). I would have expected being off my feet/driving for a complete removal of the rod - but what you're going through sounds excessive for just bolt removals. I'm not ready to get them out now, but I may just leave them if it is that much hassle to have them taken out.