Tim went back to the surgeon for another x-ray. It has been eight weeks since the accident with the saw. The surgeon said she still doesn't see a whole lot of new bone growing, but she recommended taking out the pins anyway. She said that slight movement and bending could stimulate bone growth; although there is a risk of the bones shifting out of place.
Tim will go back in three weeks for another x-ray to make sure the bones have not shifted. At that time, the surgeon will put him in individual finger splints instead of the large hand splint he has now. Ahh, sweet relief from the big bulky splint!
Against my better judgement, Tim really wanted me to take video of the surgeon pulling out the pins. He has been showing his students pictures and videos of this whole process. Maybe he can inspire even just one kid to become a doctor... or at least think twice before using a table saw. The surgeon and radiologists have been supplying "Mr. Knopf" with x-rays, medical readings and any foreign objects that were removed from his hand. They are now on display in Room 215 of Study Middle School - Tim's 8th grade Science room.
So... here's the video. You'll notice Tim is looking away while the surgeon pulls out the pins. (Since I was the videographer, I was forced to watch. Thus, my reaction!) It is startling at first -- I actually felt my stomach lurch a bit -- but then it seems so easy. A sidenote: The center of the bones where the pins were sitting have no nerve endings. When the pins are pulled out, Tim feels pressure and a pulling sensation, but no pain. However, there are nerve endings between each bone, in the joints (knuckles). The goal is to pull the pins so quickly past these joints that he barely has a chance to react.
Tim's comment after it was done: "I only wet my pants a little bit."
