Removal of Metal Ware in Children

Your child is having metal ware removed. This metal ware has been holding a bone while it repairs. The operation can take from 30 to 60 minutes.

While this is usually a very safe procedure there are some recognised complications that can occur.

The complications of this procedure can be:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Pain
• Scarring
• Clots

How will my child feel when they go home?

They may have some discomfort but the medicines you have been advised to keep at home ready for discharge should help, if taken regularly.

These are usually paracetamol and ibuprofen. You should always follow the instructions given in the leaflet supplied with the medication.

If your child’s pain becomes severe or continues for more than 7 days you should contact their GP for advice.

Your child’s wound may bleed slightly in the first few hours after their operation.

If the bleeding becomes heavy you should apply pressure over the affected area, raise their arm or leg and contact the ward you attended or the Children and Young Peoples Emergency Department for advice (see contacts at the end of this leaflet).

If your child:

• Has a discharge around their wound sites,
• Feels feverish, unwell or develops a temperature over 38C,
• Has increased pain,

You should contact their GP (during normal opening hours).

Outside GP opening hours you should contact the 111 Service. If they have an urgent problem the night after their operation you can contact the Children and Young Peoples Emergency Department.

What activities should my child avoid?

For the first 24 hours after a general anaesthetic your child:

• Must be always supervised by an adult.

• Must not go back to school.

• Must not lock the toilet or bathroom door in case they need help.

Your child should avoid sports and games for at least 2 weeks.

Will my child have a wound or dressing?

They will either have sutures (stitches) that dissolve over time usually 2 to 3 weeks), or stitches which need to be removed usually 10 to 14 days) and a waterproof dressing over their wound.

The nurse will tell you which type of stitches they have before you go home. If they have stitches which will dissolve over time you can remove their dressing 7 days after their operation, unless advised otherwise by the nurse.

If your child’s stitches need to be removed you will be given an appointment in Orthopaedic Outpatients to attend or be advised to make an appointment with your GP/Practice Nurse. You must leave their dressing in place until they have their stitches removed.

You must not get the dressing wet until it is time for it to be removed. If it does get wet, remove the dressing and make sure the area around the wound is dried gently and thoroughly by patting with a clean soft towel then put on a new dressing.

To help prevent infection do not touch your child’s wound if possible. Do not rub hard over the wound area when washing after the dressing has been removed. Dry the wound area gently by patting with a clean, soft towel.

How can I help my child get back to normal?

For the first 48 hours after their operation, to reduce any swelling in their arm or leg you should encourage them to raise it during the day by resting it on a cushion when sitting.

If they have been given a sling for their arm they should use this during the daytime for the first 48 hours.

Your child should move their arm or leg regularly and do any exercises they may be given as this will help reduce any swelling.

If metal ware was removed from their leg, a physiotherapist or nurse will show them how to mobilise (move around) safely and how to use walking aids, if needed.

When can my child return to school or nursery?

Your child can return to school or nursery if they feel comfortable. They may tire easily, this is normal and will pass. Please let the school or nursery know they have had an operation.

Will my child need to return to hospital?

You will either be given a follow-up appointment for the Orthopaedic Outpatient Clinic or it will be sent to you in the post. Sometimes no further follow-up is needed but your surgeon will inform you of this. Your child may also be given a Physiotherapy Outpatient appointment.

Contact numbers

University Hospital of North Tees

Children and Young Peoples Emergency Department (CYPED)

Telephone: 01642 624533

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Further information is available from:

NHS Choices

Telephone: 111 (when it is less urgent than 999) Calls to this number are free from landlines and mobile phones or via the website at www.nhs.uk

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm

Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]