screw loose?

[ombrerose4]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone ever had a problem post op with a screw that moved or seemed to be coming out? The reason I am asking is because last week I noticed an area that was tender and like a small lump and when I touch it, it feels strange. I am going to my neurotologist on Thursday and am going for my post op mri the following week, but I was just curious if anyone ever had a loose screw?

[lawmama]

Ouch! 

That sounds uncomfortable!  I don't have any experience with loose screws, but I do have a few tender lumps around the area where I think my screws would be.  I'm not sure if it is scar tissue or the actual screws that I can feel through the skin on my head.  Either way, I don't mess with those areas much because they hurt.  Let me know what they say during your post op (if you ask about this then).

Lyn

[cin605]

yes....it is possible...there are a couple threads here about it...try the search button....good luck at w/your appointment.

[leapyrtwins]

Lauren -

it is possible.  Screws can be removed quiet easily with a screw driver - don't try this at home though    leave it to your doctor.

Jan

[tenai98]

My do didnt put in any screws....I ask but he just said he used my fat and that was it....HHHHmmmm now i'm wondering when the fat dissipates if I'll have a dent in my skull....
JO

[HeadCase2]

  Hi,
    Another thing it could be is a suture.  From time to time we hear about someone who has an internal suture work it's way out toward the surface.  You didn't mention whether this was near your AN scar or your BAHA implant.  It may be worth asking your doctor how long it takes for internal sutures to be absorbed.   I would think that your AN  internal sutures would have disapeared by now.  But ask the doctor what they think.
Regards,
  Rob

[ombrerose4]

Thanks everyone! Jan, don't worry I would never try that myself. lol! And yes, I did find a bunch of old posts re: loose screws so I see that it is a possibility. Will the screws and other titanium show up on mri? Having one on the 24th. One more question (for now  ) Although I had a muscle graft and titanium mesh, the area by my AN has sunken in quite a bit. I mentioned this to the dr. last time but he didn't seem concerned. Has anyone else had this happen?

[lori67]

There are plenty of people around here with loose screws!  And this time, I'm not one of them!     But, yes, it happens.

And JO, yes, once the fat is reabsorbed by your body, you will have a dent.  Mine is behind my ear and not noticable, and I think it's a pretty good size dent.  The only time I notice it is when I put on my sunglasses - that ear is closer to my head now and I can't get the arm of the glasses to go on right unless I move the top part of my ear out of the way.   

I don't have screws or mesh from my surgery, but I do know that my titanium BAHA abutment didn't show up on my MRI.

Lori

[Cheryl R]

Our sunken heads are quite common!      Think we were supposed to have a contest at the symposium as to who had the worst but never got around to it.    Maybe next time.         I have one that is a real goodie in my translab area since had the CSF leak so 2 surgeries in the same area.     Plus a bit of an indentation on both mid fossas.         I keep a file of life with me as if I was in an accident, could be interesting what someone thinks has happened to me in the past.
                                                          Cheryl R

[ombrerose4]

I saw my neurotologist today and asked him about the strange lump I found on the back of my head. He thinks it is probably a suture that didn't dissolve and I should followup with the neurosurgeon when I see him next week.  He doesn't think it's a screw.

[lori67]

See that?  Now you have a professional opinion that you do not have a screw loose!   

Hope it's something easily remedied.

Lori

[lawmama]

That sounds like good news to me, although it still bad if it is bothering you.  I hope they can remove it easily.

Lyn

[mimoore]

Once my swelling went down I could really feel two screws. I did ask my doctor if I could have them removed and he said why bother if they don't give you any problems.
Great news.
Michelle  

[leapyrtwins]

Lauren -

glad it's not a loose screw.

As far as the MRI goes, I'll echo what Lori said - your "hardware" is titanium and won't show up. 

You should, however, alert the MRI technician to it - just as an FYI.  For some reason they want to know.

Jan