My son recently broke his fibula a couple months ago. He was put into surgery and the doctor put in a metal plate with a bunch of screws. Some screws were for the plate and two others were just there to secure the fibula to the tibia bone.

They didn't cast it, but provided a soft cast. During this period, he's broke both of the bottom screws that secures the fibula to the tibia bone. Now the doctor wants to remove the broken screws and replace it with a rope or band that will keep the bone from spreading apart, I'm assuming.

Have you heard of this before and does this hurt his ability to begin rehabbing the ankle now? Can he begin rehabing the ankle now since the band or rope will remain in his body?

Help me understand what is best for my son.

Thanks
Frank Kose