Yep, we take troublesome screws out where I work all the time. I'll ask MD how long it is optimal to allow healing before getting them out. And will ask about the ankle brace too. It looks like it would put pressure over my screws though. Ironically, when I was trying to heal the ankle skin erosion by padding the lateral side of the walking boot, it caused pressure irritation over the tibial screws. Sheesh. thanks for your input! tokie