Rod removal from reconstructed ankle

I'm a bit off the path on retro today, but thought many of the Retro Motocross readers would like an update on my buddy Wes' shattered foot and subsequent rehab.

Guy fell 20 feet out of a coconut tree.  I don't know the entire story, but he's a big dude and fell hard, shattering his foot.  Surgeons rebuilt and caged his heel and inserted several rods to stabilize the numerous breaks.

Wes went in today to have the rods removed.  Doc tried to get a long one out, was gripping it with a pliers.  He pulled until the pliers slipped off the rod and he fell backwards.  Doc said he didn't know what to do...might require surgery.

My buddy said hold on...drove to Home Depot and bought a super Vise-Grip.  Went back to doc, told him to clamp it down on the rod.  Doc pulled again, this time when he fell backwards the rod pulled out.

Here's a great example where mechanics meets medicine.  Clamp and pull.