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Should orthopaedic plates and screws be removed?
In the OR change-room was a younger surgeon who had taken over my emergency room work. I mentioned that I had just removed a forearm plate.
"I don't remove plates" he said.
"Why is that?"
"I just don't do it."
"There might be some good reasons for taking them out…" I ventured.
"Like what?"
"Well there is always the risk of breaking the arm again, adjacent to the plate"
"When that happens I would remove the plate when I put the next on!"
"I don't think that is quite the point – with a plate still in place even relatively minor trauma might cause the bone to break, which otherwise might not have happened if there had not been a plate."
"How is that?"
"The plate, with a different distortion factor from the bone acts as a stress rider, and concentrates the stress at the sharp boundary at the end of the plate."
"Well, I don't know about that…"
"The screws through the bone also represent a weakness. Imagine fixing a plate on a bamboo by screws, and then bending it. Where will it break? Either through a screw hole or at the end of the plate."
"But what are the chances of another fall onto the same limb?"
"Quite good. People tend to fall and injure themselves in particular patterns. Further with ageing, and loss of balance and sight and osteoporosis, the risks increase."
"I can't do much about that, can I?"
"A further problem is that the plate itself causes a weakening of the bone. The plate redirects the forces which would normally be transmitted through the bone, and the reduced stimulus to the bone and the strengthening mineral in the bone decreases, as per Wolf's Law. This has been called stress shielding."
"Anything else?"
"There is a micro movement between the plate and the screws, even when bone is healed, and this abrasion produces a fine dust from the alloy. This is easily seen, staining and permeating the adjacent tissues."
"So what?"
"It may not matter, but conceptually the presence of this absorbable alloy may not be a good idea. Some years ago, I was able to demonstrate increased blood level of chromium, cobalt and beryllium in people subject to particles from implanted metal on metal abrasion."
"Seems fanciful…"
"There are other reasons – as in this case, there was a danger of rupture to tendons overlying the screw heads because of abrasion. The movement at the adjacent joint was also reduced, because the plate had caused the muscles to glue down. Then there was the discomfort of the 'cold syndrome' and pain on knocking against the plate through the skin. A relative reason might be future difficulties with MR imaging caused by residual metal. Some people are distressed by airport metal detector activation.
Implants represent "foreign material" which can act as a nidus for subsequent infection, perhaps years after insertion. Should that happen removal of the metal might become mandatory. This means that whenever metal is inserted a mode of removal must be designed into the initial procedure. This might not be as obvious as it seems. In the child exuberant bone can rapidly cover the metal, and grow make it even more inaccessible. Inserting a curved intermedullary rod into an unhealed fracture, or leaving in place a bent intermedullary rod, before healing is completed, might make extraction impossible, if substantial surgical damage is to be avoided.
Of course all these reasons remain relative to many factors, including cost, time off work and much more which needs be assessed individually, ideally by the surgeon who inserted them"
"Well, I don't remove plates."
The study referenced below demonstrate increased risk of breakage of a long bone at screw-holes and simulated "demineralisation" (osteoporosis). It is far from an exact simulation, but it demonstrates a danger. It must be remembered that whether a screw-hole is empty or contains a screw in the hole, the bone is weakened either way. Leaving the screw in place will cause the hole to persist. Following removal of screws the screw-hole may or may not close, but the surrounding bone seems to structurally compensate for the previous weakening by screw holes. Breaks through screw holes do occur years after the screws have been removed, but usually with significant trauma. It is more common in my experience to have a break while the plate and screws are still in place. Said another way plates and screws have a temporary benefit, but once the bone is healed that benefit is replaced by the dangers of demineralisation and persisting screw holes. It is therefore frequently policy to remove the plates once union of bone is assured.
This paper was designed to determine whether there would be a benefit if stabilising plates were flexible. However the key statement in this paper is "We have considered only the relative effects of atrophic changes under a plate and residual screw holes; in the clinical situation the transition zone between plated and unplated bone creates a further potential stress raiser". It is this phenomenon which enhances the risk of breakage when a plate is left in situ after bone healing is complete.
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863 Responses to "Should orthopaedic plates and screws be removed?"
Hello, I broke my right radius in 2011. I had the hardware put in that looks like a razor with six screws on xray. It healed great. This past year I have had pain where the break was and it's a sharp burning pain. My wrist also lock up and it hurts so bad. My orthopedic surgeon retired. I am not sure what is going on and any information will help. It also hurt to press where the scar is about a inch below the wrist joint. It did not used to give me any issues.
Hi, 3 years ago I severely broke my tibia at / in the ankle joint, I now have 2 plates and approx 20 screws , I have almost no forward motion of the ankle, at best a positive 2 cm forwards which makes downstairs and uphill walking difficult and running impossible, I am 40 years old and was told by my trauma surgeon that the plates will stay forever, is it advisable that due to the lack of mobility and common pain from near the top of the plate that they should be removed? I don't seem to suffer any pain from the joint itself, just pain from around the top and in an area that I would almost say is enlarged like the muscle has been wrapped in a different direction to make room for the plates
Hi, I had surgery end of June 2014 for a distal fib break, had a plate and 6 screws fitted...I am now back to my sport (roller derby - contact sport on roller skates) and considering everything I am able to do most things I was able to before...however this past week or so I've noticed one of the screws is starting to get closer to the surface of the skin...been getting some sharp pains and can be a bit sore to touch...have I been pushing it too much? I know I will more than likely need to go back to my consultant and try to get an xray but in the meantime am I likely to do damage if I continue my sport? If I have a migrating screw will it migrate regardless as to what I'm doing?
I had surgery on my left foot 2years ago. After seeing a few different docs, tests, shots, boot, etc. new doctor said that on the xrays when I had put weight on my feet, the feet would dislocate (I think Bone) he showed me on the xrays how they separated. So 2 years later, I still have a plate & 10 screws in & still in tremendous pain my doctor that I've been going to for a year says that I should get all the hardware taken out because with some people they cause alot of pain. So I just want to know could this really help me finally? I will have to be nwb for at least 4 weeks (initial surgery was 9wks). The doctor seems to think this will help me, any feedback? Thank you very much for your time. Renee' Johnston
I am 18 years old went through leg surgery where i was implanted with a plate and 13 screws 4 months back i m able to walk now with a walker but i will be fine soon so can i drive two wheeler after that?
My husband had a screw put in his elbow eight years ago after a pretty bad break. Now he has periods of terrible swelling and severe pain where the screw was left in. And the elbow looks as if it's "growing" out and looks deformed. Is it possible for a screw to work it's way out of the body? Or is it new bone growing around it? I guess my question really is can a screw work it's way out of the body over time?
please help me i have these matta pelvic system attach to my pelvis since 1991 and my left side goes num and i fall without warning my feets burn my eyesight is going bad i have fallen down 15rack stairs almost breaking my arm.just three months ago i fell bursting my arm open i am trying to find out about these matta pelvic system and why i am having so many problem i been having surgery over an over and the pain has got worst
Hello. I am a 50 year old female who suffered a communited distal radius fracture, had closed reduction and 3 weeks later had surgery, plate and 7 screws/pins. This happened 10 months ago and it has been a very painful recovery. I have just recently returned to work (I work in a law firm and do a lot of typing) and at the end of the day I have substantial swelling and pain. Since I have returned to work I have developed a large lump on the inside of my wrist that is very painful and looks bruised. Could this be a pin/screw? I am also experiencing burning sensation and have started having pain close to my elbow on the top of my arm. My orthopedist told me I had reached MMI at my last visit 3 months ago. Should I make a return visit? This is all new since my last visit.
I had a distal radial fracture and underwent surgery seventeen months ago. I have a titanium plate and three screws. Recently I noticed that my ring finger will not fully extend. It feels like something is pulling on it. I have a pea sized callus of sorts on my palm below that finger. Could this be related to the plate or screws? The doc also says that I need carpal tunnel release surgery due to collapse and things are complicated with arthritis. I'm a 52 yr old female.
I had my left eye socket crushed so I had plastic surgery done and it was rebuilt using titanium material but now after 15yrs it seems to be draining fluids, is that normal?
One of my uncle age 54 undergone accident 3 years ago.he gone through surgery in cervical spinal region shoulder titanium plate was placed BT from past 2 year he is feeling so much pain that he can't even sleep straight in bed pain in neck arm and difficult to walk now medicines are not working.what to do doc say that they think plate or screw was misplaced in previous surgery and do surgery again but there is a chance to become paralysis pls suggest what to do?
I broke my tib and fib 1 year ago and had titanium plates and screws put in. My range of motion is good but now I have pain in my shin when I walk which has increased since the onset. The more I walk the more I develop a limp. I also experience occasionally numbness and still have sensitivity on the top of my ankle. What can be causing this?
Does anyone know when u can point your toes down to walk on crutches i know cant walk on foot for 4 month its been 6 weeks and i git my frist cast on and i have 3 plates in foot and both sides of ankles i just want to move around more
Hi Doc i fell from the stairs on 28 August,ive got screws in my arm bt now the day before yester?day i got electricuted nd my arm is so painful nd my appointment with my specialist is in January.what can i do
Hello, at the beginning of the year, January 7th to be exact, I fractured both my Radius and Ulna from what else.. A trampoline accident. I had a surgery to repair the two bones, which were broken completely in half. The surgeon said the surgery went well, and onto Physical Therapy I went. I graduated from PT early and went back to work as an orderly. That's when I noticed that I still had a lot of pain on the outside of my arm where a plate was placed on my Ulna. Now, after being told I have to wait until next July to get the plates removed, I am still experiencing extreme pain in the smallest of tasks. It feels like it's breaking when I rotate it, push on something, or lift an object. The swelling on the plate on my Ulna has gotten worse since surgery, and the pain has as well. Should I wait until July of 2015 or is there an alternative, such as a compression sleeve or forearm brace? I was told to just push through the pain, but it's getting worse by the day and I'm not sure what to do about it. Any advice is appreciated!
Hey doc I fractured my lateral malleoulos 3 years ago and have had a plate and about 5/6 screws in the outer side of my right ankle. A few days ago the weather got chillier than usual as winter is coming and now ive got this "bone pain" in my shin area and further down accross the front of my foot. What can I do. It has to be related since my other food isnt in pain. Please advise
Hello, in the beginning of June of this year I broke my upper humerus right below the shoulder joint and got a plate and 9 pins put in. Therapy has reached a stopping point where I am not getting any stronger and my range of motion is not increasing and there is still a constant pain. I went to see my surgeon yesterday and am now waiting to schedule surgery to get the plate and pins removed. I am just wondering what this surgery and recovery will be like. Will it be as painful after as the initial surgery? Will the recovery time be the same? I know it is a case to case basis but I guess I am just asking in the general sense. While I trust the doctor that this will make me feel better and is the right choice, I am still very nervous about the surgery and the recovery time. Any information is appreciated!
Hi ,its me again ...i just wanna ask If I got grounded by something that has a electricity Will it affect my fractured arm ( with titanium plate)?
I have a question-----the patient is prone to bloods clots after prior knee surgeries--now he has had anterior cervical neck implants and the plates are broken and he is going to have a second surgery to remove it. now they are going to take him off all of his blood thinners so how do they protect him from blood clots
Hi Doctor, I had a compound fracture of my distal humerus nearly 18months ago (at the age of 19) now and currently have multiple rods, places, and screws in both my humerus and ulna. I cannot comfortably rest my elbow on an surface that is remotely hard and even after extensive physiotherapy still have limited range of motion (particularly in the flexed position - the stop in this position feels rather sharp and mechanical, it is completely painless unless then pushed further. Contrarily, when trying to extend my arm I feel a rather elastic stop which is usually accompanied my a strong pull/stretching feeling which I assume is more due to scar tissues in the muscles/ligaments). I was wondering whether or not you believe that removing the hardware could improve either the pain or range of motion issues I am experiencing. Thanks for your input!
Hey Dr. I had a bunion fixation on the 4th of April 2013 and was told my feet would be straight again. Was told i would be able to wear heels of any kind by 2014 January. My concern now is i am still not able to walk with heels because i cannot bend my big toe reason being the plate that was fixed on it. Can i remove the plate, and what are the pros and cons of doing so. Will appreciate to hear from you. Thank you
wat is the recovery period /admission period for rod removal from arm?
Hello Sir, I sustained a broken humerus on September 20th 2014 and had an ORIF on September 21st. My biggest concern now is, I can't lift or contract the arm from a stationary point without any form of support. I can clench my fist, twist my wrist and move my fingers but I cant move the whole arm without the support of the right hand. This is the 3rd week and 3rd day post surgery.
My Mother broke her wrist 6 months ago and had a titanium plate inserted. They had to cut a nerve close to the thumb during the operation. The base of the thumb was numb for a few weeks but she has full feeling there now. If she bends her thumb she gets a sharp pain that runs down the top side of her thumb and wrist and she finds it difficult to pick up a kettle. The plate and break are in the centre of her wrist. She is wondering if ths is likely to be the onset of arthritus or after reading this article if it is related to the plate in some way and if she should ask for the plate to be removed. She will be 70 next year.
well as of sept. 8, 2014 titan spine has implant hardware that is permanent and with a warranty and made out of titanium as the others do. To me this indicates the only reason these doctor who say maybe they should or not sure or yes I recommend it was to get to be paid for that 2nd surgery or as they say revision to remove broken or defective hardware. How do you see it if they are made out of the same material or metal.
hello! I had a tri malleolar fracture in January of 2012...happy new year to me! haha All went well, and I had the pins removed the following May. All has been good since...except... 3 times now the scar area of the surgery and removal has gotten infected. I've gone to the doctor the last two times and been given antibiotics. It appears to be infected again, and I'm tired of antibiotics.I've asked the doctor (not the surgeon, I'm not able to see him without a new referral) if there's any chance perhaps there's a stitch or something in there still(it was infected right after the removal and additional stitching was found to be the cause) I can feel a lump in the area that hurts and I know it might just be scar tissue, but it really feels like I can move it around etc. I'm diabetic, so infection is not a great thing, but clearly antibiotics are not working and I'm frustrated that the doctor seems to just dismiss my concerns about what is causing the infection, rather than just treating it. I also wonder if perhaps the scar might be more susceptible to an ingrown hair, and maybe that's the problem? I asked my doctor and he laughed and said he didn't have a clue. I don't shave it,to worried I'll knick it, but I do use a hair removal cream, and I'm hoping that's not the issue...of course, if I knew it was, it sure would be an easy fix! Should I just go to a new doctor?
Hi Doctor, I am very thankful to you for the article, I met with an accident almost two months back. One plate, about 7 screws was inserted in my right leg below the knee. Doctor suggesting, not to walk with full wait. Currently, I am doing physio therapy to make thigh stronger, walking using walker by toes wait. I would like to know will it take three months to walk with full weight? I need to go office ASAP. Please help, thanks in advance.
hi im turning 21 now and i had a fracture on my right arm and i have a titanium plate on it .. and i am working as a production opertor now....my question is can i work abroad or is it possible to work abroad if i have this?
Hi, I had a bimalleolar fracture on my right leg/ankle 3 weeks ago which required surgery with a plate and some screws. I have healed very quickly, and am already allowed by my doctor to put as much weight as I feel I can handle on the leg. However I do wonder about the metal, I do obstacle course running which includes drops and jumps, and I do NOT want to fracture this leg again unnecessarily. What risks are there, and should I be more vocal in my demands to have the metal removed? I do both horseback riding and these kinds of sports and I plan on returning to competing, which my doctors also think possible after rehabilitation.
whats the best time to remove the screw and plate
I met with an accident and broke my radius and ulna both.Then I have gone through a surgery where they put titanium plates with 13 screws (both bones).They did my surgery in july, 2014.Now it's been three months. I am able to normal work in my life. And I need to go for removal because I want to join forces. And I am not allowed with plates. So basically my questions are - 1. When should I go for removal of plates because , the more early it would be, the more fruitful for me. 2. And after removal of my plates when I can be fit completely means how long will it take to get the full strength in my arm. as I talked to my doctor who did the surgery, he told me that minimum time is One Year. Can we go for removal of plates less than one year. THanks & Regards Avnish Sethi
i am 25 years old.i broke my forearm five years ago.both bones were fractured.the fracture was fixed by ORIF. Now the bones healed well and i am feeling good.but,i am quite confused about removal of plates.should these plates be removed?is it safe for me if the plates are removed.
I am finding this article quite interesting. I broke both bones in my left ankle/leg around 6 years ago. They put in a plate, 7 screws and 3 pins. I was not allowed any weight bearing for nearly 8 months. Pins were removed after one snapped. Six years later the area is still tender to the touch, I have restricted movement in my ankle and pain. I have long thought that the plate and screws are causing damage and pain to my leg. I have had scans done as it felt as if the flesh or muscle "grabs" on something in my ankle. However I keep hearing that there is nothing wrong. I also have now an extremely enlarged and tight calf muscle on that leg. (I have also had scans to eliminate blood clots etc.) I'm not sure what is causing the troubles but all I know is that it restricts my movement and as a 28 year old female I don't want to spend the rest of my life limping around, in pain with restricted movement.
should i remove them or not?
Dr. JP Driver-Jowitt, I've sent my xray to your email research at orthopaediciq dot org. Thanks a lot for your response. I really appreciate it. You're helping a lot of people from different parts of the world by using this website. You're such a good man and kind man. I know you are already busy with your profession but still you put your time to reply us on our questions. Again, thank you and may God bless you a thousand folds.
Oh. With titanium, I have only ever seen the plus side (superior biocompatibility) mentioned, never any drawbacks. What are the advantages of stainless steel that are absent in titanium?
Thank you very much for the extremely valuable information.
About 6 weeks ago my 16 year old son suffered a distal radius fracture that was fixed by ORIF. He has recovered very well, he is not in any pain and he has regained movement in his wrist and hand almost completely. At his checkup the surgeon said that whether or not the plate and screws would be removed or left in permanently would be deciced at the six month checkup. He said if it wasn't for his young age, they would not even consider removing the plate. Looking at his surgery report I noticed that the plate and screws that were used for the fixation are made of stainless steel, not titanium. Does the choice of metal affect the decision whether the plates should be removed? (I am a bit surprised that stainless steel is still used as I assumed it had long been superseded by titanium.)
Im 2 months post op. Had ORIF to fix radial head fracture with 2 screws. I still cannot bend and extend elbow past the right angle. Elbow is so stiff that I can feel tightness around it. I was in a sling for 3 weeks before starting PT. I had 8 sessions of VERY PAINFUL PT but didn't improve. Could it be that the screws are restricting my motion or the bone is not aligned back? According to xray, bones are aligned. Though when i try to compare it with the uninjured arm, it seems that they are not the same. I can feel the radial head when i tried to rotate my hands on the injured arm. But i cannot feel it on the other one unless i press my thumb. Will CT Scan help more to see if bones are aligned well? I believe i cannot be scan through MRI due to the screws. I can raise my hands but not without pain and i can hear popping sounds when i do it. I also hear popping sounds when i rotate my arm. I dont get any other answer from my OS aside from continuing PT. (Sorry for whining)
Two years ago I was injured in a MVA. I suffered fractures to my spine (t1-t-11) with several rib fractures and clavicle fracture. The clavicle was treated with surgery, in which a plate, pins, rod, and screws were placed. I am beginning to have some irritation over the screws and plate. I am not sure if I possibly aggravated it by working out or if the screws are backing out. But the last two days have been very painful. I am sure an x-ray would be the best definitive answer. But should there be anyone questions I should ask when I see my surgeon?
Hi. I had a tri malleolar fracture almost 11 years ago which was pinned and plated. I have a lot of pain and stiffness still and limited movement. Should I have the metal work removed and if I did so could I get full movement back? Thanks
Hi. I had a tri malleolar fracture 11 years ago which was pinned and plated. My ankle is still painful and swollen and I have limited movement. Would you recommend removal of the metalwork? And if I did could I improve my range of movement? Thanks
Hi Doctor, I broke my Humerus in a snow boarding accident in January 2013. Got surgery and had to have it plated. The plate covers 3/4 of the length of my bone. My radial nerve was unharmed and my surgeon advised to not remove the plate. He said removal could cause nerve damage. I got movement back in my arm and very rarely I will get some pain, nothing unbearable. The bone has healed and I am in good shape. Recently, I started boxing at the gym and I wanted to know if this is safe or should I stop all contact sport. I wanted to ask - Do I risk re-fracturing my humerus due to pressure on the plate? Should I see another surgeon to get my plate removed or can I leave it in and resume with contact sports? Thanks!
Hi doc,I broke my clavicle n elbow 16 mos ago and had surgery wherein the doc inserted metal plates n screws. 4 days ago I had them removed by another surgeon that was recommended by thr previous one coz not available at this time. Just a few hrs after surgery, my new doctor asked me to straighten my arm right away and I was actually stl in pain n worried my stitches on elbow n collarbone wld open or something. Anyways,I just want to ask u doc if ths is safe. I mean to move my arm normally rihht away just after surgery.coz I remember my first doc yelling me that after metal removal, I stl ti b careful n my arm on a steady position same as the first time I had metals inserted.
Doc, thank you so much for doing this. When I was 20, I broke my right humorous, a spiral fracture. I got a plate and 7 screws to fix the bone. The plate sits close to the elbow joint. I do get pain in the elbow, but only when I move it or workout. I had nerve damage of my radial nerve from the first surgery (nerve was stretched) which resulted in wrist drop and it took about 6 months to regain the use of my hand. I went to a doctor about plate removal, who said the risk of the injuring the nerve is high since there is so much scar tissue there and because it was already injured once. I am more scared about the adverse effects you discussed here in regards to leaving the metal in the body and the risks of foreign material. I do get tingling all over my body and my legs are itchy but I don't know if that is because I have extreme anxiety (tingling) and dry skin (itching) but I am extremely worried. Please advice on what to do. I am only 24 and want to live a complication free life. Do you recommend plate and screw removal even with the risk of nerve damage?
in 2007 I fled down with my left hand and got my radius and ulna broken .we went to a traditional bone setter who did what was wrong. after some time interval we went to a hospital and confirmed that she did the wrong thing. There at the hospital the doctor confirmed that an operation should be taken that is open reduction and internal fixation with plates and screws. this operation was made in 2008 when I was eighteen years. Since then till now I have been with the plate and screws. Though sometimes I experience pain and after sometime it stops. sometimes the veins in that region checks .Am so confused on what to do ,should I go for the removal or should I go for medication. and am now observing that the size of that hand is not of the same size with the other.
I'm going to remove the metal plate on my arm can anyone tell me how to do it my self my insurance has not approved my doctor request to remove it I'm going crazy the pain
hi... i have 28 years old , i broke my right ulna 3 years ago " distal part in the external part on the ulna that the plate is situated subcutaneous" and i will remove the plate the next week , "the plate had been causing pain and bother".. so i would like to ask your advice about how can avoid refracture and how to behave after removal and how much i should be careful ,,, "what i must to do and not to do" ?? thanks
I just want to know if the left elbow is broken n made a surgery with titanium plates and Screw fitted inside n due to continues early mobilisation will the screws break
my 32 year old husband was involved in a road traffic accident on the 9th of may and broke his right humerus and was operated on the 10th and was inserted a plate and some screws.he has a wrist drop how long does it take to recover from the wrist drop and will it be necessary for him to have the plate removed in the near future
I had a surgery 10.5 months ago to excise a fragment of bone from a (nonunion) avulsion fracture of my fifth metatarsal. The surgeon cut some of my peroneus brevis tendon to reach the fragment, excised it, and then reattached the tendon to the fifth metatarsal via 1.5mm stainless steel bone anchor suture. At this point, 10.5 months post operation, the base of my fifth metatarsal is considerably more swollen than on the nonoperated foot. It is also much more sensitive, painful to pressure. The tendon has marked thickening, but I guess that is to be expected after a reattachment like that. Also, I have lost a lot of range of motion, especially when supinating the foot. my question is, would it be wise or unwise to have the bone anchor suture removed. My doctor said before that the recovery for removing the screw isn't that bad, but I'm not sure. Is 10.5 months too early to think about removing the screw. Does the bone fill out and heal back as good as it was before?
How long does it take to recover from the plate and screw removal of ankle?
hi. i am 23 years old and i had my left arm fracture having both ulna and radius fracture with dislocation.it happened 7 years ago and i went through the surgery with two plates and screw.by the end of one year i was trying to remove the plates but due to Jaundice disease it was not possible. But now i am all fine and I am thinking to remove it after 7 years. Could it be possible ? Thanks regards
Thank you . Your suggestion means a lot. I will be hoping good results.
hii...good to see your help through this article... 6 years ago i got my left forearm fracture i,entirely broke my Ulna and Radius as i slipped while playing football... immediately i was diagonised with two screw plates...i followed up the surgeon and after 1 year of recovery he prescribed me not to remove the plates as it wont cause any problem... so i decided not to remove the plates... since then now it has not caused any problem ... (but it swells up when the operated part strikes harder ) Can it be removed or do i need to stay as it is. ?! and the worst part is I got my right arm fracture broking both the radius & ulna with same dislocation..that too caused due to slipping off while playing football.. seems to be less fortunate me to play football... but as i went through surgery last 25 days with two screw plates... my right thum doesnt bend in the way it used to..rest of fingers are normal... and my arm doesnt rotate as it used to... I too concerned with the doc..he told me that it is due to the incision of muscle & said it will recover over the time.. I doubted on it because the same didnt happen when i have my left arm surgery... please consult me...!! & will it be risky to join the football again since my both arms are plated..!!
appreciated your suggestion. Do me a favour.doc also told me that removing the plates of my right arm would me risky because it has been placed right beneath the nerve which might get damaged while removing the plates. should i consider the risk or just wait for 1 year to remove it ? and for the rotation of my arm is it due to short period after surgery ? because whenever i try to rotate it, i feel pain at the operated part .
Hey so in December of 2005 I sustained what was somewhat a compound fracture in my right forearm,entirely breaking my Ulna and fracturing my radius but not to the point where it was disconnected (I apologize for the vague explaination) but for it to heal properly I had 2 metal plate with screws put in my forearm, the doctors that worked with me told me I should have it removed within 2 to 4 years. But because to financial problems and many other things I wasn't able to within that time frame and it's now over 8 years later, I'm a 24 year old male and the plates continue to bother me, I feel a slight pain from time to time and I also can't turn my arm nearly as much as the uninjured one which is an issue for me (and has been since the surgery) is it still safe to have it removed? Would the plates even be the cause of this problem?
I had broken both my bones in right hand in Feb 2011. Then the bones were fixed using 2 plates abd 12 screws. Now it is almost 3.5 yrs and they are still there inside. So far, I have not faced any problem, like irretation or severe pain. Do I need to remeove it now or I can leave it like that only permanently ?
july 2012 I had my 6th surgery on same wrist injury which was a left wrist arthrodesis followed by a druj arthroplasty with a scheker device implant in January 2013. pain continued in forearm which was reflected on 2013 and latest xrays in 2014 of a stress risers and appears to be bony callus along length of hardware I am scheduled for removal of fusion plate in hopes of pain relief and if not successful further intervention may require a third plate insertion. My question is how difficult is screw removal after two years and what is required after surgery any immobilization?
On 01 January 2014 I was bumped by a car on my left knee on the tibia bone near the knee cap , there was a fracture there so they put plates and screws to join the bone and the fractures . I'm a 17 year old boy I want to know what will happen to my bone in future as I grow up.?
Hello. I am 31 year old female. Back in August 2012 I broke my left leg for the first time. I had open reduction and internal fixation of medial tibial plateau fracture. It left me with metal plate and pins screws supporting my bone. Then unfortunately at the end of January 2013 I broke the same leg again however this time i was diagnosed with av left femoral condyle fracture. Which followed by left distal femur open reduction and internal fixation. Since then I had bone density scan to make sure I have no issue with bones and I do not, it was just a bad luck. Doctors were advising not to remove metal work from the leg however I am do not feel comfortable with metal in my body. Moreover recently I developed pain in the are where tibial plateau is following a slight inflammation in the area. I would like to ask what do you think about removing metal work from both bones at the same time and how long could it take to recover from such surgery. Also I was told there need to be bigger cut through the muscle to get the plate and screws out. Does it mean it takes longer for the muscle to recover? Any advice would be helpful and much appreciated. Thank you
Hi, My son had a titanium plate and screws removed last Tuesday , he says his muscle feels tight on his forearm . is this normal or something to be concerned about ? thank you
i was involved in a motorcycle accident on 4/8/2013 i broke the tibia fibula and dislocated and fractured my ankle (talius). i also torn ligaments in knee and broke 2 toes and 2 metatarsals. they operated imediatly and inserted 2 large bolts through the tibia into the talius which have apparently healed well, but the fibula with a 7in plate and 6 screws in it hasnt healed at all i still have an open wound which is not healing my 3 rd consultant now wants to take the 2 bolts out of tibia cause he thinks this is causing infected flesh which is why the fibula hasnt healed and the wound is still open 9 months later, my previous consultant specialized in leg and foot injuries and said that it needs bone grafting so who is right?
Dear Doctor, My wife had an accident around 5 years ago and broke her right leg below knee both tibia and fibia. Doctor operated it with 2 plates and 12 screws. Now the bone has healed and joined properly that we can see through X-rays of last 2-3 years, my wife feels gentle paing during winter. My Doctor has advised to remove the plates. We have planned to remove the same in this month only in coming week of May 2014. How much time will take her to walk and what are the precautions and care to be taken by her? Thanking you.
on 5/5/2013 i was in a car accident and broke my ulna and radius, i have metal plates and screws ( 6 in each). i just went to my f/u and have 3 months to decide if i should get them removed. I am very thin, you can see the metal sticking out of my arm. I had a 2nd opinion and the dr stated that 1 screw is alittle to long and is causing irritation and inflammation. The dr told me if i was his daughter he would tell me to keep them in and deal with the pain. I am torn, i cant live with constant pain. If i move my arm wrong it swells up and hurts. This makes me want to have the surgery to remove them, but on the other hand i am nervous for a re-break due to the holes in my bones. I have a 4 yr old son and am very nervous if he wacks my arm or kick it, it can break. please help me with some advise. thank you
On July 14, 2012 I tripped and fell over a garden hose. Had Ulnar styloid avulsion fracture, no fixation. Open reduction internal fixation of: Displaced humeral shaft fracture 1 plate 11 screws, Radial styloid fracture 1 plate 5 screws on July 15, 2012. 2 weeks later the Dr. realized he missed a fractured elbow and on Aug. 1, 2012 I had internal fixation for an intra-articular distal humerus fracture with Osteotomy of olecranon process 1 plate 3 screws, and Distal humerus fracture 1 plate 6 screws. On May 2, 2013 these 2 plates and screws in the elbow were removed and while the Dr. was manipulating my elbow he re-broke it. He then put 3 more screws in the elbow and closed it up. I have been unable to flex my elbow more than 105 degrees and 35-40 degrees of extension. I had a CT scan that shows step-off of the trochlea. There is not a significant trochlear recess. I have overgrowth of bone around the coronoid. Dr. says it is most likely ectopic. With the proximal displacement of the trochlea, there is not room for the elbow to really flex. On top of this, the trochlea is slightly extended and the lateral condyle flexed. This will create a mechanical block because the 2 axes of the elbow are out of alignment. The Dr. said he didn't believe it would allow me, from a mechanical standpoint, to flex in a significantly improved fashion, even if portion of the coronoid were resected. The Dr. suggested re-breaking the elbow and start all over from the beginning with all the recuperation and therapy repeated or an elbow replacement. Here is my question: Since there is a plate and 11 screws in the humerus, wouldn't they have to be removed in order to get the shaft of the prosthesis into the humerus bone? If so, would it have to be removed and then let to heal for a certain amount of time before attempting to do an elbow replacement? My Dr. didn't discuss this matter with me, it just makes common sence to me that this would have to be done. By the way, the Dr. who created this mess is Dr. Robert Baltera and Dr. Hill Hastings II gave the second opinion.
Sir, I had two screws placed in my left ankle due to fracture of talus in 1973 (41 years ago next week) and they are still there. Can I assume that due to no pain etc. in the joint that they can stay there for the rest of my life, or are there potential problems that could arise in the future?
Hello. I got an HTO 3 years ago and have made the decision to remove the metal plate and screws in June of this year due to the metal plate causing some pain when I try to do certain exercises. I just wanted to know what recovery time I can expect. Will recovery take nearly as long as the actual HTO recovery? Can I expect the same kind of pain after removal surgery as when they first put in the metal plate and screws? Thank you.
Dear sir, I am a 30 year old male, praveen k verma, from India. I came across to your page wwhile searching about orthopaedic operation for bones on google. I had an road traffic axcident on 02 Dec 2009 and broken my left humerous bone and forearm bone , I got operated on 5 Dec 2014 , doc inserted an itramedullary titanium rod with 5 nails ans one single ti rod in forearm,it has been 4 years 4 months since than, I got admitted in hospital for removal of those rods , I found your page really veey helpful and important.x rays shows complete bone union , please advice me on what should I follow poat operation, as I take dicorate er. 500 mg for the treatment of seizure disorder too.please guide
Hello doctor. I had a 2-level ACDF (C5-7) in 2/08 with a metal plate and 6 screws. Neck and arm pain was relieved for a short while, however I never felt "well" after that. I had rashes all over my body, chronic headaches and double/blurred vision in my left eye. I suffered immensely until 2013 when I convinced an ortho surgeon to do a MELISA blood test for metal allergies. I was positive for gold and chromium, and hyper-sensitive to nickel. My titanium plate was an alloy that contained traces of nickel. X-rays revealed a herniated C4/5 and a "PARTIAL BONY FUSION" at the C5/6-C6/7 levels (5 years after fusion). On 12/30/13 he performed an ACDF on my C4/5 and then removed the plate and screws at the C5-7 levels. He said the tissue and bone where the metal was had "significant titanium staining". Samples of the black-colored tissue were sent to pathology which showed severe inflammation. My biggest concern at this time is that I have worsening neck, shoulder and arm pain that continues despite massage and physical therapy. The surgeon does not seem to be concerned with the fact that I only had a "partial bony fusion" prior to removal of the hardware, despite the fact that current x-rays now show anterolisthesis, kyphosis and more. I feel as if my neck is very unstable and I am very concerned. The surgeon says that everything is fine and to continue wearing a soft collar as long as I "feel" instability. Am I worrying for no reason? Any advice is appreciated.
Our 80 year old mother broke her femur May 26 2013 due to a fall. A stainless steel plate and screws were used to surgically repair this. She completed 14 weeks of rehab at a nursing home. On September 15th she was walking (with her walker) and the plate broke causing the femur to re break. A titanium plate and screws were then used to repair it. Once again she completed rehab at the nursing home. She had very little pain through out recovery from both of these surgeries. For the past month she has been having pain in her upper knee. X rays taken on Feb. 6th 2014 showed that the bone had healed nicely. This pain in her knee has increased in both intensity and frequency. She continues receiving physical therapy which appears to intensify the pain. Any suggestions as to what may be causing this pain?
Hi doc.one year back i had an accident. Below my knee and doc had put plates and screws in that leg. Recently i was getting pain so my doc had removed the plates except one screw left in between the bone(no pain now). But he informed us later one month after we found that screw in an x ray. When we asked him doc said it was very difficult to remove and had to drill the bone deep and told there wont be any problem. Were we misinformed? Or there is no problem actually letting the screw in the bone for ever? Please clear the confusion. Eagerly waiting :)
What are complications of removing bladder off of pubic syngas is titanium plates
I broke my right ankle back in 97 when I was 18 yrs old. I have a titanium plate with several screws. After removal of the cast back then I continuously stayed broken out between my toes. It itched like crazy & I was told that I could be having an allergic reaction to the metal by a dermatologist. Well I lived with my feet breaking out off & on for about 10 years. I had broken a toe & went to get it set by a podiatrist. I showed him the spots in between my toes and he gave me some cream that cleared my toes up. Shortly after getting over the broken toe I started itching from my knees down on both legs. It would it so bad that in my sleep I would scratch until I made sores and would bleed. Tried the same cream I used in the past that cleared up my toes. I did not get lucky this time. The itching persisted off and on for a few years. Then 2 1/2 yrs ago I started having tingling & burning pain in both feet. They became extremely hypersensitive to the touch, swelling in both feet, feelings of hot & cold in them. Could not sleep with my feet under anything including just a sheet. I've been told I had tarsal tunnel in both feet and had a tarsal tunnel release in the left foot with no relief. Been to see a rheumatologist and she gave me the diagnoses of fibromyalgia & ideopathic neuropathy b/c there's no reason that I have it due to not diabetic. Out of all the doctors I have been to nobody has tested me for the metals in my blood. Cranium, chromium, & copper. I just had some more blood work done this week by a well known internist. She seems to think it could be a reaction to the titanium in my foot from 97. I am now 35 yrs old and have my fingers crossed that this doc knows what she is doing. I hope and pray that it will be as simple as removing my hardware so that I can get my life back. Has anybody else had a allergy to there hardware? If so what were your symptoms? Thank you in advance for any words of wisdom. I should know for sure in about 2 weeks.
hi doc its me agan the person who wanted to do contac sports with metal plates am olny 14 docters said there is ni problem of keeping them in and doing contact sport they olny said they will remove if it pains so do you approve of this i dnt really want to take them tell me wat to do your a grat person and if i was to get into profeshonal boxing will i beable to have a creer with my metal plates in my fore thank you for reading
My brother had an accident 5 weeks back. Both the tibia and fibula bones are broken. One rod with screws have been inserted into the leg. He has been doing physiotherapy on a regular basis, but at times, he has extreme pain in the leg. This pan does not seen to go away. Also, would it be advantageous to have the rod removed? Can the removal of the rod lead to any complications?
Hi! On Christmas 2013 I broke my radial head. The radial head fracture was impacted and compressed with offset at the articular surface. The surgeon said she needed to elevate fractured part with plate and screws so it is aligned with the capitellum of the humerus. After 8 weeks I have full flexion and extension but can only supinate to 65 degrees even after an hour of therapy. I was out of town for my surgery so my new doctor is very critical of my first surgeon. He believes that the plates and screws are obstructing my supination while my original surgeon insists she put the plate in the safe zone and that's not the problem. Do you think removal of the hardware would increase my motion? Should I continue to do physical therapy from now until the removal of the plate? What is the recovery time and therapy like after a second surgery? How early can I have it? Any advice you have is much appreciated!
hi doc, first of all, thanks for taking time to answer our queries. i am 35 yrs old, male. last nov 8, 2013, i fractured my left patella and had ORIF the same day. i had 2 pins and fig-8 tension band. i was in cast for 4 wks. i had pt sessions as soon as cast was taken out and been having pt until last wk. rom is poor, stuck at 70deg. not using crutches anymore for 4 weeks now but still limping. last feb 3, 2014, while walking, i felt deep pain on the upper part of the knee, right in the area of the pin loop. i checked with os and he said it might be the hw. he gave me meds. was fine for 2 wks until last monday, feb 17, i felt intense pain this time on the lower part of the knee. i suspect it is the other end of the pin. the os told me the pins might be poking the soft tissue. suggested to remove the hw. he said patella is fully healed based on x-ray last jan. is it safe to remove the hw or i am faced with more risk of re-injuring it? currently, i am on the 14th wk. post op. thanks again and hope to hear from u soon. berlie
sir, ive two plates on both of my bones in my fore arm.. it was implanted on 12/6/2009. im not getting any pain because of that now.. but i need to take out these plates for joining in any defense forces.. so is it advisable to take these out??? please tell me what r all the problems i will face after taking the plates out.. and also tell me will i able to go gym and lift a 25kg weight????
hello docter i broke my right forearm radius and ulna on 25th of February i had 2 metal plates and 11 screws i really like sports contact sports like boxing can i now use my forearm for these kind of things like blocking with my forearm is this alright or will my forearm brake can the metal plates take the forece or do i have to take them out thank u for reading plz tell me wat to do :)plz reply
I have the matta pelvic system metal plates in both pelvis and these has giving me a lot problem I just a another surgery jan 23 2014 and now my feet are still burning I have chest pain sometime short breath and I was told after 4 year they take out what kind danger if I don't get these metal plates out
In your last post to me on 8 December 2013, you said it might help if you could see a copy of the latest xray, but what address should I send it to, either by email or post? Many thanks for your help and advice so far.
My age is 41 now and at the age of 38 my Hip bone femoural fracture (Head of Femor right) happen accidentally in bathroom slipped the leg and fracture right hip.On the same day surgery has done three internal fixation of screws has done.After two months I started walking.As per the surgery report there is 2 cms shortening in leg. Two years back i contacted to Orthopaedic and requested him to remove the screws he agreed and started performing the surgery he tried for one hour and the head of the screws are plain it was very difficult to hold in grip. He tried and afraid of fracture of bone if he applies force.It was not successful and he said it is jammed inside do not try to remove the screws otherwise once again the bone will fracture. So kindily advice me wheather i should keep the screws inside my bone forever.Awaiting for your reply on my mail.If any Orthopaedic agrees to remove without any damage to bone send his Hospital address with mobile no.on my mail. With Warm Wishes Sajjan D
About 4 months ago my mom fell off our porch and broke her two big bones in her leg one bone actually protruded thru the skin she had surgery and had a plate and 9 screws. She was doing really well started walking using a cane well suddenly this weekend her foot started swelling really bad and she is in pain went to the doctor and he said she prob had a hairline fracture she is in major pain he put her back in a cast. I'm wondering if maybe we should get the metal plates taking out? Or even get a second opinion
What a great service you are offering us here. Thank you, jp. I have scrolled through the entire comment list and didn't find anything related to displaced or comminuted patella fxs. I tipped off an eroded curb in December 2012 and broke my right patella (female, age 60). Had ORIF and pt and have regained ROM with tightness/discomfort only at a point of extreme bending (sitting on my heels). However, I continue to have discomfort>pain along the top of my kneecap and on the side of my knee nearest my left leg whenever the injured knee is bent and under load. I could not do the seated knee extensions with a weight in pt without extreme pain and going up and down stairs continues to hurt. My OS says it might be the hardware (screws and wire) that is causing the problem, but is concerned that removing the hardware sets me up for an increased risk of re-fracture. I find conflicting info on whether removing the hardware or leaving it there leads to better quality of life. I am flexible and being able to move w/o discomfort is important to me. Would you kindly share your thoughts on removal?
Hi there, I'm a 22 year old female.. I broke my humerus in 4 places in Feb 2012 and had to have surgery to have a titanium plate w/ 12 screws put in.. I'm kind of stubborn and didn't baby myself at all (still dont..) I started driving 29 days after the surgery (I drive a stick) and was back to my normal life shortly after and recovered (or so I thought?) rather quickly.. But these days all I do is worry about my arm and my back (I also broke my back last year in April in an accident)... So I've been working out quite a bit since October (doing a lot of strength training mostly..) and have noticed more problems with my arm.. I can't really put it into words exactly how it feels but I'm just wondering, is it bad to work out and build a lot of muscle in my arm bc it might interfere with the plate possibly? It used to only bug me here and there with small sharp quick pains and when I'd hit my elbow or arm on something but now it seems to be gradually getting worse.. I can feel it like when I lower a weight or during pushups. I don't have insurance or anything and I just recently got charity to cover med expenses for mostly everything except for therapy visits, so I really don't want to go back to have them look at my arm and then get more bills.. So do you think my arm might be ok and that's just how it feels with building muscle by/around the plate? Or could it possibly be something more serious like something to do with the plate or screws or the bone itself? Please help I need piece of mind =/
Hiii i am a 16 year old male and i was recently involved in a motorcycle accident in which i fractured my upper part of the tibia under the knee in which the tibia was fractured as if it was a glass mirror were there were fractures all over a day after the crash i had surgery on my right leg and a plate and screws were inserted to hold my bone together and the fractured part of the tibia i was wondering as i am 16 would it be better for the plates to be removed or left in as i really dont think a boy as young as me should be having metal in his left in my body for the rest of my life as younger people genreally heal better than older i am also worried will i be able to run with metal plates as i plant to lose alot of weight
Hi, like a previous commentor I suffered a gunshot wound to the humerus of my right arm. It tore through artery which they fixed, and broke the bone, which they put a titanium plate on. The nerve was supposedly undamaged, I had full movement of hands, wrist, and fingers, along with feeling. It looked good and was healing fine, doc said I could do most anything except contact sports. I was passing a football and tried to throw one deep on my last pass when I heard (and felt) it pop. Broke it on the same bone above the plate where there were screw holes. Screw holes were from an external fixation they put on when they fixed the artery before putting on plate. Nobody paid attention to those and I was told I was fine to pass a ball. Anway thats besides the point. Today it is healed fine (they have another plate on it) and I have been going to the gym regulary. Recently I have felt a sharp pain when moving my arm in different ways. Simple stuff like brushing my teeth or lathering up soap, or when I nudge my elbow up to something. I went on a snowmobile ride and seems like thats when it started, no sudden impacts but it was a bumpy ride. I dont remember anytimes when I felt any sudden pain. Is it possible a screw came loose or backed out and is hitting/ rubbing a nerve? I had planned on going into the miltary. Recruiter said my arm wouldnt be a problem. I'm norvice about this new pain and do not want to get rejected from the military cause of this. Any thoughts?
Thank you for your reply, Tammy! I am sorry that you aren't doing much better with all of the hardware out. I have heard that once the hardware is out you should be as good as new. My break did not affect my ankle joint and it sounds like yours did :( Take care!
Hi, I suffered a gunshot injury to the humerus in 2001, the radial nerve was 50% destroyed. After a plate and screw fixation, tendon transfer and lots of therapy I have a pretty functional hand wrist arm ability. After all these years with little of no problems I received a painful blow too the arm about 2 months ago when my child accidentally jumped on it. It has had an annoying pain coming and going since then. I went for an X-ray which didn't show anything much to worry about, no loose screws, plate seems fine etc. blood tests done for infection show nothing much, now on a course of anti inflammatory ford three weeks which doesn't seem to have helped at all for the three days I have been drinking it. Doc is very reluctant to operate as he says the injured nerve, scar tissue etc and unpredictability of what he would face on the inside make the risk of further disability to the hand and wrist very high and he cannot remove the plate without touching the nerve so we need to try everything else except operating. In addition I am allergic to anti convulsants meds which cause a Steven Johnson syndrome reaction so this limits meds that can be used to try and reduce the current pain if it is the nerve which is causing it. Do you have any suggestions why it would suddenly bother me now? And why the pain doesn't go away although the X-rays, bloods etc show no explanation?
hi. dr i am a 28 years old ,3 year before i had broken ulnar shaft on the distal part ..2 days after i did surgery plate and 6 screw in the external part,, the problem is about that i do sport in the gym and a workout sports ,, but the plate cause pain and bother .. i am so worry i cant do sport anymore "the sport is my life" .. so i wuold like to ask if i remove the plate can i turn to do sport or i cant do intensive and a professional sport for ever.. i will be glade if you tell me the benefit and the risk of the operation ...specially for an athletic person .. thank ....
Hello. My mother, who is a type 2 diabetic, passed out and broke her right ankle in 2 places about 5 years ago. She had surgery a week later and had a plate and 2 screws installed in her ankle. Recently, her family doctor told her at the 5 year mark, the plate and 2 screws have to be removed. My mother is doesn't want the plate or screws to be removed and is wondering why at five years they have to be taken out. Thank you and waiting for your response.
l. am 46 years. A female, had a car accident in November 2013. I had broken femoral shafts of the two legs a week after l did surgery plate and screw was fixed in my legs. Now l want to know when will l be able to walk, and how will l be able to walk coz after leaving the hospital l was using wheel chair for mobility. Thanks for your respond.
l have broken femoral shafts on my two legs surgery was performed on the legs same day plate and screw was fixed within the first week of the accident. when.and how would l be able to walk. Thanks for your quick respond.
Hello, After bad calcneus fracture and 9 operations (due to complex Staphy aur and stretp infection) I have 2 screws holding femural condule vasclurised bone graft with my halved own calcaneus - now very good fusion prognostic under free flap and infection gone from blood samples - what impact will screws have in very long run (20-30 years on)dangers ex osteporosis/ reaccurance of infection?
I broke my left hand the first football game of the season. I had to have surgery, and get little rods in my hand. My doctor gave me the choice to take them out or leave them in. He wasn't much help, only telling me that if it bothers me, get it out. However, he also said i can keep it in for life if I want. It's a hard choice because I'm constantly getting hit at the position I play. My hand also is sooo much bigger than the other! The plate can easily be felt with the slightest tap. I just don't want to risk anyone hitting this thing next year and re-injuring it.
Hello. About four years ago I had surgery on my left pinky finger which result in a plate and screws to repair my finger. To this day I still have extreme pain trying to put gloves on or sometimes when I put my hands in my pocket. Of course I have the occasional aches and pains that are expected, but should I still have extreme pain when trying to put on gloves or making a fist? Should I consider having the hardware removed?
Hi, I am a 47 year-old female who broke her right tibia and fibula about 6 years ago. I slipped on black ice and my leg slipped to the side of me and I heard the bones break. I had surgery one week later (ORIF). I plate and six screws. I was non-weightbearing for 3 or more months. I am able to do most things but I have never been able to run at all without pain. I went to the doctor and he said if it was due to hardware pain it would be down near the end of my plate, not near the fracture site where it seems to be hurting. My leg has really been throbbing a lot more and I think I want to hardware removed which surgeon is willing to do. If I do have surgery, do you think I will probably be able to run again without pain? Thank you so much for your response.
Lisa hi. My name is Tammie I had a compound fracture. Same bones tibia and fibia right ankle. I had 19 screws 2 plates 1 on side.April 2009 and 1 year later(Feb. 2010) I had them removed, I had 2 broken screws I told them to leave them because they would of had to rebreak to get these out.Today 4.5 years later I can not bend my ankle and its starting to hurt more often and more painful.Something I was told to get use to. I just try and be careful, as I am 50 now. Good luck.
I have a plate in my femur and the bone hasn't joined yet.it is 5 months ago that i had got the surgery done.The plate is continuously bending outwards nd the bone is also bending.The doctor has stoppede form bearing weight.What else can i do to prevent my femur plate from bending. Please help
i am having a screw removed from my knee and i was wondering how long i would be out of sport for
I have a metal plate on the outside of my leg and screws in the ankle on the inside of leg. about 8 or 9 screws all together. in the foot and leg. I fell broke both ankle bones and had nine breaks with the bone in leg broken also. this has been 17 months ago. The dr says the screws and plate stays. I do have osteprosis at 3.5 in the foot. But my problem is the top of the foot is numb but the foot burns like fire, I am now taking Neurotin 3 times a day and still have so much burning yet. I feel like theres no help for me but somewhere someone has got an answer .PLEASE help
Due to severe pain on knee and lower leg 3years after rod put in. fibula,finding it hard to walk, and what todo for best.
After. I fractured my tibia + fibula 3 years ago in a fall i had a rod put in my fibula, thats causing me severe pain can it ne removed?
i underwent sergery on my broken right forearm on dec. 14 2013. i'm still in the healing process. my forearm has a slight cuveture to it. is this normal or is my arm permenantly curved/deformed.
I fractured my left ulna and radius bones in September 2003 in a go cart accident. I had plates and screws in both bones by having surgery. In September 2004 I had surgery again on my left radius due to non healing so they put an artificial bone graft to help. Every few weeks, my arm swells near the ulna side and forms a large lump which is red and extremely painful. I've had numerous xrays and im told everything is fine. I have seen the surgeon to see how I can stop this from recurring and was told I need to live with it. I did ask if i could have the hardware removed but he didnt think that was a good idea. The pain seems to come from overuse and changes in weather patters and generally lasts between 6-7 days. What would you suggest? Thank you for all of your help!
Hi my son who was 24 at the time fell and broke his elbow radial head and it was dislocated, he had ORIF full radial head replacement he also has a plate and screws on his forearm, this happened in August 2011, he is always in pain he describes it at a dull ache and when it is cold he is in more pain, he was going to have the plate and screws removed in September 2012 but he had a baby son to care for while his wife was at work and decided to wait, now he wants to have the plate removed along with the screws , is this possible after 2 years ? thanks
Hi doctor, I was in serious car accident (2003) broke tibia and fibula of both left and right ankle joints, and as the Left was much worse I was told coral was used as a bone growth substitute, additionally large plates and screws are in both ankles. My questions are if I should remove the plates and screws, and if possible somehow the coral implant? Over the last 10 years Occasionally I experience excruciating pain where the coral was implanted, such as a pulsing throbbing pain and usually occurs after I wear a boot which has a high side and creates pressure and friction near the coral implant site/metal plates. This is the second time I have severe inflammation in 10 years, and am currently taking Naproxen 250mg from doctor that told me it is due to inflammation at a site near the scars on ankle. Recently (August 2013) I have had a surgery on shortening the paroneal tendon as it was rolling over my ankle joint when flexing the tendon up the the left. I have also experienced minor swelling and redness near the sites of metal plates on my left ankle several times since 2003. What would you say my best option is to proceed in healing in the near future? Thank you kindly,
Thank you for your recent reply. I didn't explain it very well but it wasn't a fractured neck of femur, it was what I think you would call a non-displaced extra capsular fracture. It was a clean break of the thigh bone. He has a plate on his upper thigh held in place with screws or nails. The pain he is in has a big impact on what he is able to do and how far he is able to walk. Is this normal? His GP referred him to the local orthopaedic surgeon, but he just said there was nothing wrong and didn't really want to know. Should we try to see somebody else do you think?
Hi, I broke my tib and fib in April and have a plate around 20cm long and 9 screws in my fibula towards the outside. I seem to be healing well, dorsoflexion is improving but I suddenly have very localised swelling following my plate. The ankle itself is a little swollen as it often is. There is only a little stiffness and pain. My main concern is some tendon ot nerve involvement (I haven't been able to feel some of my foot since the surgery). Any advice would be very nuch appreciated. Thank you.
Hi I am a 44 yr old female had a bad fall in my bathroom with an outstretched arm and suffered a comminuted proximal humerus (5 piece break) right arm. I had surgery 4 days later and had ORIF plate and 15 screws fitted. I have a large scar too as a result which is healing well. I am nearly 4 weeks post op and attend Physio every week and improvements are experienced on a daily basis but it is very slow and I am still stiff. Full movement in fingers, wrist and elbow. I went for a review at the hospital last week and was told that I may not be able to reach above my head because the metalwork would impinge around my shoulder joint. I was distraught at this news. My physiotherapist was more optimistic but said it will take time. I have also suffered from all oover body itch since the surgery to present day, could it be the hardware, I don't want a titanium plate in my body. Could I request or pay privately to get it removed 1 year post op?
hello doctor, male 33. my left femur broke in 2009.surgery with rod and plate. now it is better i can walk&cycling even ruining i feel no problem. but problem is that rod is longer from hip to near to knee. it is teasing me in my muscles like a steel nail. i want to remove that.because now my bone is assembled. should it better to remove that all rod and plate? would it be danger or something other? because i want to live like previously (before broken)i have. kind regard,
I have an epidermal inclusion cyst on incision scar after ankle surgery. Can cyst be removed without also removing plates and screws? Background. I had surgery for bimalleor fracture of right ankle Dec 2012. Plate and 6 screws. During recovery nurses and pt's noted spot on incision line that wasn't healing normally. They believed there was a stray stitch that would come out on it's own. Couple of months went by, still not healed properly. In July 2013 Ortho referred me to dermatologist. Diagnosed epidermal inclusion cyst. Didn't want to excise herself because cyst goes all the way down to metal plate. Ortho gave me two choices: 1. he'd excise cyst but wanted to remove hardware at same time. Concerned I believe about infection risk and resulting complications; 2. leave cyst in place and monitor for signs of infection, at which time he would want to remove cyst & metal. I selected option 2. However, it's become a problem because shoes rub and press against cyst and it becomes inflamed if I walk any great distance.
My husband broke his hip almost 3 years ago. It was the top of his femur that was broken just before it meets the hip joint. He was operated on and now has a plate along his thigh bone with nails holding it in place. He still gets a great deal of pain in the area of the surgery when he puts weight on his leg. He can walk quite well with a stick but because of the constant pain he can only manage short distances. We cannot understand why this is so painful after all this time. He has been back to the local hospital and had xrays but the doctor he saw said there was no problem with the metalwork and it looked "pefect". He would not discuss removing the metal. Is it normal that he should still be in such pain whenever he puts his weight on this leg? He thinks it must be the metal. Could it be anything else? He was told by the hospital doctor locally "this is as good as it gets, you will just have to live with it". I would really appreciate your views on this.
My husband broke his hip in a fall almost 3 years ago. It was the top of his femur that was broken before it meets the hip joint. He was operated on in Southampton and he now has a plate along his thigh bone with nails holding it in place. He gets a great deal of pain in the area of the surgery whenever the leg is bearing any weight. He can walk quite well with a stick but because of the constant pain he can only manage short distances. We cannot understand why this is so painful after all this time. He has been back to the local hospital and had xrays but the doctor he saw said there was no problem with the metalwork and it all looked "pefect". He would not even discuss removing the metal. Is it normal that he should still be in such pain whenever he puts his weight on this leg? He thinks the metal nails and plate are causing the problem. Could it be anything else? He has been told that this is as good as it gets and he will have to live with the pain for the rest of his life. I would really appreciate your views on this.
Hi, I had a open complicated fracture ulna and radius. Had ORIF done 4 years ago,now i am having severe pain and swelling of my arm,x-ray and bloods done no infection.I have implant of stainless steel.Will it be rejecting by my body after so long.is it better to be removed. please reply Thanks
Hi ya, I had a sports accident back in December 2010 while in Spain which I broke my arm (radius/alna mid shaft) clean break, so I was operated on in Spain to reattach arm with plates and screws. After several months my radius bone didn't heal creating a non-union, but by mid July 2011 the surgeon here in England re-operated with a bone graft and replaced existing plate with a new plate with new screws and holes on radius. Now due to occasional aches and pain and plate rubbing and catching at times would it be good reason to remove plates now, but do worry about any weakness that this may bring and if this is a life time feeling or if I can get confidence and real strength as If their hadn't been a break there at all, if you can give me any advice please .thank you
My husband broke his hip in a fall on some steps almost 3 years ago. We were on holiday in Greece and it was almost a week before we could fly back to the UK for an operation. It was the top of his femur that was broken before it meets the hip joint. He was operated on in Southampton and now has a plate along his thigh bone with nails holding it in place. He still gets a great deal of pain in the area of the surgery. He can walk quite well with a stick but because of the constant pain he can only manage short distances. We cannot understand why this is so painful after all this time. He has been back to the local hospital had xrays but the doctor he saw said there was no problem and the metal plate and it looked "pefect". He would not consider removing the metal. Is it normal that he should still be in such pain whenever he puts his weight on this leg? He thinks it must be the metal. Could it be anything else? I would really appreciate your views on this.
Hi, I would like to first say thank you in advance god this forum and your anticipated response. My son will be going into surgery to have about 1-3 screws place to help heal a metatarsal fracture. My questions is how soon after can he have the screws removed? And if not how long is the life expectancy of the screws?
Hello, Thanks for the interesting article. I'm a radiology typist :) I had bilateral tibial transfers in 2008, with fantastic results, my ROM and comfort have been hugely increased. However during surgery I developed bilateral DVT, even with prophylactic Clexane, tights, mobilisation (the works!) so my surgeon has said to me unless there is a problem the screws (2 each side) will be staying put to avoid further risk of DVT. Recently though I seem to have developed a very localised "itching" inside my knee over what I believe are the screw heads. It feels a bit like the "itchy" tendonitis feeling, but as I said it is extremely localised and recent. Could it be that the screws have fractured and/or are working there way out of the tibia? I realised that I would need x-ray to be certain, but I wonder what is the life expectancy of the hardware? Thanks Fiona
Trauma: Car accident Late December 2010, Classified as a 'crush' injury closed fracture to my upper tibia and fibula. The fracture was located inferior to the knee joint. ORIF 1: Intermedullary rod with 4 screws total. 2 inferior to the knee and 2 superior to the ankle. Endured about 3-4 months of physical therapy and returned to work at a new job. ORIF 2: In early 2012, I go for a second opinion because I had still experienced a lot of pain, discomfort, and even slight swelling after working at a bank all day and then coming home to use my laptop at night. After the initial X-ray my new trauma surgeon/doctor could not see enough to warrant a new diagnosis until he had a CT scan. So after he saw the CT scan he told me that a plate would do the trick. In May 2012, he removed the I/M rod and 4 screws. Now I have a plate with 3 large screws affixed horizontally in a triangle right below the patellar and as well as another 8 screws or so evenly spaced up except for a diagonal screw perpendicular to the line of the fracture. POSTOP: About a week later he called me to say it was an emergency because the lab found a benign infection from the samples taken during the procedure. I had to have a PICC line inserted into a brachial vein travelling up my arm ending at my shoulder. I was at this point on antibiotic home infusions 30 mins a day-- Ceftriaxone, as well as an aggressive oral antibiotic, Rifampin. This way the antibiotic pumped directly into my heart flowing through my whole body, to render the infection as non-threatening after a few weeks. I had about 3 follow up xrays and as of May 2013 (4.5 months ago) my surgeon said this bone has healed 100%. He left the option to completely remove the hardware as a result of another infection occuring. It was at this May appointment that I had asked him what the pain and discomfort was that I had felt SUPERIOR to the ankle, on the MEDIAL side of my lower leg which is no where near the fracture site. I asked the doctor and he said that this is a result of the LOWER END CORNER of the plate bending against the smaller diametered portion of my tibia. So now lies the question, do I undergo this third and hopefully final procedure? I plan to do it in January right after the holidays are finished. He told me I would be about 2- 4 weeks non-weight bearing and another 2 weeks toe-touch bringing full recovery to 4-6 weeks. What are my risks, do the benefits outweigh the risks?
Trauma: Car accident Late December 2010, Classified as a 'crush' injury closed fracture to my upper tibia and fibula. The fracture was located inferior to the knee joint. ORIF 1: Intermedullary rod with 4 screws total. 2 inferior to the knee and 2 superior to the ankle. Endured about 3-4 months of physical therapy and returned to work at a new job. ORIF 2: In early 2012, I go for a second opinion because I had still experienced a lot of pain, discomfort, and even slight swelling after working at a bank all day and then coming home to use my laptop at night. After the initial X-ray my new trauma surgeon/doctor could not see enough to warrant a new diagnosis until he had a CT scan. So after he saw the CT scan he told me that a plate would do the trick. In May 2012, he removed the I/M rod and 4 screws. Now I have a plate with 3 large screws affixed horizontally in a triangle right below the patellar and as well as another 8 screws or so evenly spaced up except for a diagonal screw perpendicular to the line of the fracture. POSTOP: About a week later he called me to say it was an emergency because the lab found a benign infection from the samples taken during the procedure. I had to have a PICC line inserted into a brachial vein travelling up my arm ending at my shoulder. I was at this point on antibiotic home infusions 30 mins a day-- Ceftriaxone, as well as an aggressive oral antibiotic, Rifampin. This way the antibiotic pumped directly into my heart flowing through my whole body, to render the infection as non-threatening after a few weeks. I had about 3 follow up xrays and as of May 2013 (4.5 months ago) my surgeon said this bone has healed 100%. He left the option to completely remove the hardware as a result of another infection occuring. It was at this May appointment that I had asked him what the pain and discomfort was that I had felt SUPERIOR to the ankle, on the MEDIAL side of my lower leg which is no where near the fracture site. I asked the doctor and he said that this is a result of the LOWER END CORNER of the plate bending against the smaller diametered portion of my tibia. So now lies the question, do I undergo this third and hopefully final procedure? I plan to do it in January right after the holidays are finished. He told me I would be about 2-4 weeks non-weight bearing and another 2 weeks toe-touch bringing full recovery to 4-6 weeks. What are my risks, do the benefits outweigh the risks?
Hi I broke my ankle in 3 places almost 6 months ago, I have 7 screws and 1 plate! In a couple of weeks I go in for my checkup and im hoping for good news that I can get all the hardware removed soon as I know it hinders my walking at times! My doctor told me when he first did the surgery that he would forsure remove the hardware but he also said he would inject the holes with bone marrow paste, I have never heard of this procedure and was wondering if you could please explain this to me and if you could give me an estimate of healing timeline for all this?? thanks alot!!
Hi, im 20 now and last year i had my knee surgery bcoz my ligament (im not sure the details) and i have kinda metal screws in my knee (bcoz i see the xray) What is the complication of not removing the metal screws? Bcoz the these day i feel kinda weird in my knee. Thank you.
Hi just wanted to check if you have encountered a similar set of circumstances and have any thoughts or recommendations regarding: 13 year female in accident, Laforte 1 2 3 one side 2 3 other side, depressed skull fracture, extensive reconstruction surgery. One surgery for brain/skull fracture and only one other for face! The doctor worked morning to night...she took out bone fragments in the nose and eye floor, realigned the other bones and rebuilt beautifully my daughters lovely face. Because there was over one inch separations... An intricate configuration of surgical plates... Nine of them... And bone grafts to repair the occipital floor... Was used. Ideally, dissolving plates would have been used but they went with metal. There was an initial intention to remove them as it was expected a further surgery would have been required to fine tune the setting of the right eye's final placement (only the best guess could be used for placement because of the swelling) My daughter is now 24. When we fly she consistently lands with the appearance of a black eye and the pressure is very painful on descent. In extreme cold the place where the plates lie under becomes red and mottled and painful. She says that it feels like she is an electrical field magnet, and feels vibrations around charged concentrations.... Do metals attract electricity. Does toxicity build up from leaching of metals. We haven't been able to mend children for that long really in relative terms... Long term outcomes for taking out versus leaving in. Pain is starting to radiate to other joints... Might be related? Your thoughts wold be appreciated... The is a paucity of info and I was delighted to see your post. Thank you so much
Hi, I had recently undergone ORIF for left forearm fracture. Due to the surgery i now can't fold my left thumb. Please advise me whether it is permanent or i can bring back my nerval activity on the thumb movements.
Hi,first of all thanks for this site giving me opportunity to post this question here. I am 23 years old and i broke my forearm(both ulna and radius). Doctors fixed my fracture using ORIF procedure using two titanium plates, One with 6 screws and other with 7 screws. Surgery happened before a week. Already i am quite comfortable with my surgery without any pain now. Eventhough the plates helping my recovery i still dont wann that plate to be in my hand. Please advise when should i remove both my plates. What are the chances for refracture on removal of my plates. Whether i should consult same doctor for removal. Please advise.
I had a plate implanted after a car accident in 2005. it troubles me when I bump it against something. after streneous activity it becomes swollen and distorted, my arm, and feels bruised and hurts. it is currently in this shape. recommendations?
a 12 foot fall, comminuted right ulnar with exterior 5 inch plate and screws at elbow and right wrist fracture with ulnar plate and radial head replacement. Subsequent (3yrs) development of aseptic vasculitis but not local, systemic even to the point of a small stroke in otherwise healthy 53 year old. Stainless steel and without other source of vasculitis seriously thinking about plate and screw removal. have not drawn metal levels nor done patch testing. Your recommendation?
Hi I had a tiba fiba fracture and would like to have pins and plate out its been 8 months as having plain
Hi, i have on 26 July a orif due to a bike accident with middle radius simple fracture. A totally incompetent surgeon put me a 1/3 semitubular plate with 7 screws and due improper bending of the plate he broke a triangular part of the bone, then he put a screw just in the fracture focal and moved about 6-7 mm the bone part. Now is almost 5 weeks, i have excruciating pain, how soon can i remove these plate? I can send you x-ray with initial fracture site, after 3 weeks if you could give me a email address. Thanks, Dan
i had a fracture of upper end of tibia before 5 years, fixed with plate and screws, all went well, i was totally recovered, no pains or local symptoms except mild occasional pain to severe pain if i overused the same knee, and slight restriction of mobility of left knee, unable to flex completely, 5 yrs passed with plate inside, no problems, but since 1 month, my bp used to remain consistantly high, since few years my bp used to hike occasionally, otherwise i was healthy in every aspects, no diabetes, no other illness, no history of any major illness all my life, my weight is 65 kg, i met with the motorcycle accident in 2008, there was a fracture of the upper part of tibia, very close to knee joint, and surgery was performed with plate and screws fixation was done, all went well, and everything healed well, in 3 months time i was normal, the pain too was minimal, few years passed but since 1 month i am feeling heaviness in mind n body, sometimes vertigo, and blurring vission, weakness, fatigue, lithargy, aversion to physical work, my bp used to remain high regularly without apparent reasons, Now i need your guidence in regarding the side effects of the plates keeping in side for 5 yrs, do you think it may produces symptoms like these which i mentioned, are these the symptoms of systemic metalic poisoning? if i remove the hardware from the body , will it help relieve these symptoms, as such i have no problem of pain at the site of operation, but there is slight restriction in the mobility of the knee, i cant flex it 100%. kindly guide me, i m confused whether go get the hardware removed or to keep it as it is? whether its advisible to keep it in for 5 yrs to continue furthur or should get it out? pls help me to get rid of this worry so that i can decide better.
Helo sir. with due respect may humbly inform you all that I am caring a nail inside my ulna of right hand for last 18 years. so long it was ok. but now I feel pain in the elbow and dont get full strength. I wanted to remove the nail but Doctor failed to do so. any way I want to remove the nail. please advice me ............ with Thanks .. Rayhan.
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July 17th surgery for Big Cell Tumor removal at distal fibula. 3 screws and a plate to support bone graft. I am a competitive soccer player, 33, and I am worried about regaining original strength and range of motion because of the hardware. Is this a well founded worry, and enough consideration to remove hardware. Feeling lots of stiffness and aching still. Thank you.
Hi, My hip joint was broken due to an accident when I was 21years and had to undergo a lag screw operation ( with 2 Pins) and my doctor said that I can remove it after 1 1/2 or 2 years... But as I had to join my husband abroad, I could not go for the Pin removal operation and now its been almost 3 years... When I met the doctor last time, he mentioned that if screws are tighten with the muscles he's unable to remove the screws. Also he mentioned that he cannot give any decision until he open it and see the situation. However now I am in a situation where I have to decide whether to keep it or take a risk and open it and see if they can remove... I prefer to keep it if there is no after effects... Please explain me what is the best decision to make at this point... Also please advise me if there are any effects if i do not remove the screws... Thanks.
I had a plate and 6 screws put in my wrist in February for distal radius fracture. I seemed to be healing and regaining movement, slower then I would like but doing exercises etc. I am bruised along the scar now and have a lot of pain. My surgeon is out of town and I go back on August 13. Could this be the metal plate causing bruising? It is very painful when I move a certain way.
one more question....i hv another 3 weeks until time for me to xray my leg again...in the 3 weeks CAN I BENDING MY ANKLE UP N DOWN EVEN THOUGH ITS VERY LIMITED FOR MY ANKLE TO BEND NOW ?? SOMETIME WHEN I FORCE MY ANKLE TO MOVE TO 90 DEGREE I CAN FELT PAIN...IS IT OK TO ME TO DO IT EVERYDAY ?? u as a dr on this field, can u give me some advices that can help me to improving my ankle bend back to the normal ...
I'm 20 now .I have a metal plate with 5 small screws on one side and 1 large screw on the madial malleoulus which is the actual broken part.... i broken my ankle about 1 month already and thinking to taking it out ASAP. is it possible for me to having surgery removal on this year ?? if so how long the recovery time ( walking without crutches, play p.pong, badminton , running etc.)..
I had ORIF surgery after triple fracturing my ankle in a motorcycle accident. The surgery was PAINFUL, so not sure I would want to go through that again in a million years! They'd seriously HAVE to keep putting local anesthetic into the foot and ankle for 3 days after the op for me to even consider it, and they just don't do that for some reason. Instead I took loads of morphine and other drugs, which still didnt manage to keep the pain level down. I would love to have the foreign body out of my body though, especially since I want to start running again in the coming months! I worry about the dynamics of the load bearing structure being altered and less efficient, due to plate and screw, of which I have 1 and 9 respectfully. I sometimes go for long walks and I think I can feel an indentation in my ankle that is near (but, not on) the plate. And I sometimes get pain in there too.
I am the one who posted before , asking a ? I had fell and broke both ankle bones.which came thru to the outside .Everythig in the foot went to the left and the foot itself went to the right , nine breaks , 3 fractures, I am now back in rehab I am now in a permanent brace cause the foot wont pick up. The PT seems to think that I may be able to get out of the brace, I have asked my dr about removing the 8 screws and the metal plate . theres screws thru both sides of the ankles. I don't think Pt will help cause the foot will not bend with screws and metal plate . I can feel those screws in the one ankle. I asked the dr about removing them and she has told me NO. Is it because of the osteprosis and arthritis that I NOW have in the foot. I would give anything if they could and would take these screws and plate out..but my dr refuses too.
I am a 46 year woman that was assaulted and my wrist was broken in several places. I had surgery and a plate and 6 screws were inserted into my wrist. The screws were too long and cut my muscle, ligaments and a nerve. I went to the Dr. several days after the surgery complaining of terrible pain and knew something was wrong. He ignored me and claimed it was all in my head and claimed I was just after more pills. When I went to get another opinion he became angry and wrote out on a prescription pad and gave it to my knew Dr. demanding that the screws not be taken out, they were and now I have lost the complete use of two fingers, my wrist and the strength in my hand.
i broke my left tibia and fibula in 2010. The fibula was broke up higher, and the tibia was broke down low closer to the ankle, spiral fracture. I have a plate with 11+ screws, and i have had some redness and swelling in the area of the screw placement. I've learned to live with it and about a year ago, my OS prescribed some ketoprofen cream to apply during these "flare-ups", my problem now is i am suddenly experiencing, sometimes excruciating, knee pain, but always constant left knee pain that cannot be explained. Could the plate have some type of affect on this? i have absolutely no problem with my right knee. i work as a bartender so im on my feet 8+ hours a day. my OS is no longer practicing, as he has retired.. Do i just gamble and have the plate/screws removed to alleviate the knee pain?
My sister fractured her thigh and surgeonjfixed steel plate with screws on 14 .10 2010 now can the plate removed their us no problem with it
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I broke my hip 8years ago they put pin and screw,a year later they asked me if i wanted them out i said no,in the meantime with this fall it effected my left,i was born with a clubfoot, and i was fine upto my accident,now i walk side ways and im about 3inches short on my left leg,to cut the story short,my angle of my femur is 135degrees(the shaft neck)what they want to do is take out my pin and screw and see how my leg falls,im so confused i dont know what to do,im scared stiff being cut opened again,it took me over a year to walk when i shattered my hip,please help i have to give a decision,thank you.
Hi im a 17 year old student who broke my ulna and radius on my left arm clean in half in a rugby game about 14 months ago. I had 2 plates and 12 screws put in but now I'm wondering if I should get them out. There's a few factors that are making me think this: 1 it is quite painful whenever I go the the gym and exert force on it, 2 I'm slightly worried about the distortion factor making my bone more vulnerable to breaking at the ends of the plates, this is quite a risk considering I still play rugby union at a fairly high school grade and it gets bashed around a bit (my doctor didnt advise against me playing but he said its at my own risk), 3 It does get targeted alot during games because I wear an arm guard to protect it, opponents often stomp/punch my forearm which is quite painful. 4 I want to keep playing rugby and remain generally active I'm the future and I see the plates as a constant burden (vulnerability). I understand that taking plates out is often not done and I also understand te risk involved (having holes where the screws were). What do you think???
Orif ankle 3 months ,2 large screws inside ankle ,plate 6 screws outside,2screws on the bottom of my plate are popping out ant when I rub something on them or touch then I get an electrical shock in my toes ,I also recovered from infection in ankle ,If I suggest hardware removal and dr. Says no what options should I follow for pain relief?Ankle still swollen pain ans purple at sight.
Hi! I have a friend who had a motorcycle accident 10years ago. She broke her tibia and had a titanium implants to support her leg and since then it wasn't remove. But now she develop an ankle swelling,redness,hematoma,pain and skin bruises on the screw site of the affected leg.I am so worried what is the cause of this?.What she is going to do? I hope you could you could help us.
I fell one year ago and broke both ankle bones which come thru to outside on the right leg.bones of the foot and leg were broken in nine places. and 3 fractures. I have a metal plate on one side and 8 screws on the inside of ankle and leg. I cannot walk the way I should and am wondering if these are taking out if I could walk better. I also tore the tendon down the back of the leg and it was very severed . the dr says I need a permanent brace. I have osteorposis now at the point of 3.5 and arthritis already in the foot. I am 66 years old .my foot goes numb when I lay down and it still aches and hurts
thanks. With the osteoporosis and arthritis already in the foot I was wondering if it would be possible to remove the screws and plate all together. I was told that I almost lost the entire foot completely.. and wondering how suffiecent the AFC brace will be in walking normal again.? I thank you for your response .
hi i am rocky and i have steel in my hand for five years and still not taken out .i am not sure wether i could remove those or is it not possible .i want to see that i can remove it .but theres no pain but sometime it gives a fraction pain in my hand what must i do ?
Hi, i broke my left humerus bone in clean half about a month ago in badminton(sad case). So two weeks ago, i went for surgery and doctor placed a metal plate with 10 screws into my bone covering almost 3/4 of my upper left arm. Surgery is good, no radial injury, ongoing PT. But to me, i find it uncomfortable having a metal plate on my arm and is slightly heavy to me. I need advice if i need to remove the metal plates, what are the risks of doing it ? Timeframe to remove the plate ? In 1 year max ? Please seek your kind expert advice, i've been thinking alot on this. Thanks.
My 9 year old granddaughter has a plate and 4 screws on her ulna bone, when she is out in the sun her arm gets really red and she says it feels hot on the inside. Is this plate heating her arm up from the inside out, and now possible causing damage to the surrounding tissues?
I had a level 4 tibial plateau fracture in March 2010 from a skiing accident. I have a plate along my tibia and at least 9 pins/screws. I have become accustomed to the pain from weather changes, walking too far and standing too long assuming it was just what I had to endure. I recently started a "boot camp" with lots of squats and lunges. My knee has really been bothering me so I went to the Dr. to see what was up. He was very surprised that I was doing that type of exercise and strongly advised against it stating I would wear my knee down in no time. He recommended swimming, bicycling and elliptical. He also recommended that I have my plate and pins/screws removed that it may make me feel better and he would be able to clean up some of the cartilage in my knee. The Dr. that put the hardware in said I could leave it there. I really don't know what to do. Will removing the hardware really make for a better quality of life? Will the aches go away that I experience when I over use my knee? Just not sure if the risk of another surgery is worth it or not?
good afternoon - my husband had a 14months ago a hockey injury and broke his leg on two places - 17 screws and a plate was put in - he assured full complience -not to play hockey past winter - but now some friends recomended that he has the plate removed !!!???? would any doctor recmend -to do so ??? thank You
I have a pin in the marrow cavity of my right tibia to correct for a break in the lower part of the bone. (A typical show from a skiing accident though mine was due to being kicked by a horse). This all happened in 2006 and I am now planning for removal of the pin as I am in increasing discomfort from the leg affecting my ability to walk - my foot goes numb after a short time and I get pain behind the knee and then traversing to the groin. My main worry though is the discomfort when at rest with feelings of heat along the bone. I am cobalt allergic and in recent weeks have been diagnosed with COPD and thyroid problems. Is there much evidence of toxicity from these implants for people already allergic to cobalt?
Its been a long and grewling 3 years since I fractured my arm. I broke the ulna and radius and both were plated. when I got the casts off I had contractures in the fingers. the pip joints have beed swollen and inflamed for 3 years now x-rays show some formof casifications forming. I have been seeing physio and OT for 3 years with slight improvement. could the plates be interfering or have you ever heard of this sort of thing? Thanks Tammy
i had a bone plating operation on my right arm below the elbow last march 7,2013.the doctor told me that it will be 3 to 6 months before they will remove the plate.is this possible to this short period of time? Thanks.
I had to have surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN in 2007 to remove an Enchondroma bone tumor which they initially thought was Osteosarcoma or Osteoblastoma. Luckily, it wasn't EITHER of these, but an actually and Enchondroma. Anyway...I had the surgery to removed the tumor on my left femoral head in the "ball and socket joint" of my left hip. A YEAR post-op, I HAD to have the screws and hardware removed as they were "reacting" with my body....Seems my bod doesn't like ANYTHING FOREIGN and I was SUFFERING TERRIBLY with UNGODLY PAIN! Now, here in 2013, My hip is acting the SAME WAY it was in :07......having the SAME PAIN, the SAME JOINT "POPPING"....just can't deal with it anymore. I just don't know where to go from here!
December 20, 2002, when i was 17, i broke my tibia in half, broke my fibula nearly in half, and shattered the little anklee bone (?) into three pieces. My ankle area on the left leg, if that makes sense. I had a plate and seven screws put on the outside, and three screws on the inner part of my ankle. 3 months later, the dr removed the middle outer screw because it went through both bones. The leg hurts when the weather turns cold, and with any amount of decent exercise. I've learned to deal with the pain that comes and goes. Yesterday, however, it started hurting along the plate. Not just on the outside, but deep on the inside too. It hurts to touch, it hurts to move it or to walk. It literally hurts about as bad as it did when i first broke it. There's not much swelling at all, and the area isn't hot and red like I would think an infection would look. There has been no trauma at all, it actually started while i was driving. Sorry to post so long, but I want to avoid a trip to the ER if possible. TIA!!
My right humerus was broken nearly in half in a car accident 10 years ago this last February. Following my initial hospital stay (I suffered a large scalp laceration as well), I was advised to try to allow the bone to heal on its own. Not knowing anything about such things, I did as was directed - wearing a large sling with side pillow and sleeping upright in a chair. I never had horrible pain, which seems odd. I went back to the hospital for checkups regularly and was given new directions each time. I was told to use a bone stimulator. My last straw was when they asked me to walk with a cane. This was a highly reputable trauma 1 center, and obviously they saved my life, but after FOUR months with a broken arm I was done. I went to a surgeon who took one look and said I should have had surgery day one. Within two weeks, I had surgery. He went in through an incision on the back of my arm - he told me he could try going between my collarbone, but risk of nerve damage was higher. Afterwards he told me that he never wanted to see my arm ever again, because there was so much scar tissue. Since then, I have had most mobility. If I lift too much or if the weather takes a quick turn (not too often), I can have a dull but sore pain at the break site. At this point, 10 years later, is it worth it to have it checked out to be sure ht the plate and screws are all still good? Are these metal parts truly good for life? I avoid push-ups and lifting too much weight in order to avoid pain. The pain never lasts more than a day, probably once every couple of months. Thanks for your help- and sorry for the ramble! :)
I had a radial shortening done April 23, 2012 for Kienbock's disease, from this I had a rod and I believe 7 screws in my radius. My wrist hurts off and on and so I am used to that, but lately I have been getting some stabbing pains in my radius if I hold something too heavy or bend my wrist a certain way. After reading this, I didn't know if it could possibly be due to the metal plate.
Thank you so much for your reply. I did go to the ER and they did ultrasound, X-ray and CT scan but it was not at the same hospital where I had the surgery, so they did not compare to my post tests from after surgery. Unfortunately, since it is a county hospital where I had my initial surgery, I have no choice but to wait. I appreciate your response.
I had surgery for a shattered humurous (actually the very upper portion of my shoulder)9 months. Everything seemed to be going well and I was regaining almost full range of motion. I have osteoporasis and have had severl breaks and surgeries using tinanium rods and plates. This one however, just overnight started giving me pain and reduced ROM. I did not reinjure it in any way that I am aware of and I am very concerned that the plate and/or screws have moved in some way. I do not have insurance and had to have this surgery at the public hospital in Miami. I cannot get an appointment to go back to the clinic until the end of April. Any thoughts as to what may have occurred? Thank you so much.
I am worried about the steel plate that I have. I was told due to the nature of the break they cannot be removed. It is now seven months later and my physiotherapist thinks that there could be some ligament or muscle damage. I have swelling and pain. Could this really be possible?
thank you for your help. Where are you located?. sincerelly Nick Zois
About 5 years ago I sustained an open fracture of the distal third of my tibia and fibula following a horse kick. After initial stabilisation with an external fixator plates were put on both bones. I feel I have made a good recovery but I do experience some low grade intermittent pain which corresponds with the position of the tibial plate along the front of my shin. It is most noticeable if I jump or run but some days I am aware of this discomfort even when just walking or standing. Other days I hardly notice it at all. On most days the pain is enough to prevent me from wanting to run for more than a short distance especially on hard ground. It feels like a " shin splint dullish aching feeling". I wonder whether removal of the plate will alleviate this? I have spoken to 2 surgeons who say they cannot explain the reason for the pain and they are not sure if removing the plates will help though they think it might be worth a try but it's my decision. Xrays taken a few months post-op had shown that the fracture had healed well but none have been taken recently. I'm really not sure what to do. I certainly could "live with" the level of discomfort that I experience but would be willing to go for surgery to remove the metal work if it might improve things. I'd be grateful for your advice.
very fascinating article. Years ago i too had a radial shortening due to kienbocks disease. The procedure seemed to have stop the pain & progression, but my wrist still does not bend. The 6" plate was left in, no problems. Then a couple years later, I flipped my four wheeler and the same arm broke right at the end of that plate. Just exactly as you describe in this article. Another surgery included a 9" plate, to be left in, unless it starts to cause me problems. Its been 2 years since my last surgery and im having some pain & slight swelling at the plate sight. Its an aching pain, feels like a big bruise. Do you think it could be starting to give me problems?
In lay terms on Nov 8th 2012 I had subgery to reset the heal in my rt foot along with removal of screws from previous surgery that caused bones to be too close the screws on the upperportion of my heal has done well but i have a large break in down the center of my calcaneus (Heal) where a screw was placed when the heal was straightened and reset. Could the screw have caused the break. The physician said he does not no what caused it and wants to use a very espensive magnet bone growth stimulator
wrist fusion 6 months ago druj arthroplasty with scheker prosthesis 6 weeks ago pain and pressure at fusion plate. orthopedic surgeon suggesting bone stimulator and vitamin d and protein bloodworm? would plate removal relieve pain since fusion appears healed
Thank you, I will call my surgeon first thing in the morning!
I had a Anterior Cervical Fusion 5 yrs ago. I started about 2yrs ago having problems on and off feeling like I was choking like I had tried to swallow a huge pill that wouldn't go down. I had x-ray 2yrs ago that showed one of the screws had come out but not enough to have it removed. It is getting worse when I lay down it is really bad. Has anyone had this problem and it so was surgery the only option? I'm really nervous about this but the constant choking feeling is starting to really bother me.
Hi I am 55 and have osteoporosis ( taking bisphosphonates for two years) I am also very fit,rowing regularly and training with weights and CV daily. I fractured my radius ( compound,intra articulate ) after a fall nine monthe ago and had an ORIF. I got back to rowing regularly after three months but I get pain and swelling around the plate and pins during and after. My hand surgeon feels the metal work coming out would help as the soft tissue/tendons etc are inflamed. I am a little anxious about having this done because of the osteoporosis and getting fractures where holes would be. I guess if I want to row I have to take this risk and try to avoid any trauma that could cause another fracture. Will I be at the same risk of fracture as I was before or will it be higher? Thanks!
Hello and thanks for the informative site. My 20 year old son had a motorcycle accident two years ago (he was 18 then). He broke the femoral shaft. The surgeon placed a intermedullar titanium rod, one screw at the top of the femur and two screws at the bottom. The operation took place in Athens , Greece and it was successful. Now, two years later, he is serving in the army doing plenty of tiring work as a cook. My son feels some pain from the lower screws. He also limps in the morning. I talked recently with the surgeon and he said not to do an operation unless my son hurts. Also he said that we should wait for one more year (a total of 3). My questions are, should we have the operation? should we only remove the screws that are bothering him? is it safe to remove the inermedullary rod or is it now part of the bone structure? does the femur grow, if he is to get taller, accepting that some men grow in height up to the age of 25? how can he protect his leg after a new surgery? I appreciate you help in solving our issue.
I had a compound fracture in my left humorous 2 and a half years ago. I have a titanium plate from my shoulder to my elbow. The bone is fully healed now and I want to get the plate removed because a screw in my elbow joint is extremely painful when I lift anything with my left arm such as weights or pushups even. I want to get it removed but I heard the screws could potentially break and be stuck in the arm, or the pain may never go away. I am 24 yrs old. Should I just live with the plate in my arm or go for it and get it removed?
Hello! I had a compund radial/ulnar fracture about 10 years ago repaired with plates and pins. Since a pregnancy one year ago I have had occasional 'attacks' as I call them where I feel extreme stabbing pain in my arm sometimes with swelling of the hand. Often after the fact I have a few days of aching and throbbing pain. This seems to go thru cycles now and often with weather changes. I am 30 but I am concerned as I get older the frequency of the pain will increase. Im wondering if plate/pin removal would be a good option for me at this point or is 10 years too long of a wait and will I have to deal with this pain for a lifetime? Btw i do get excellent relief from regular acupuncture treatment by my Chinese medicine doctor but if removal could eliminate this pain I would be willing to consider it. Thanks for your advice
I fractured my humerus above the elbow on April 29, 2012. I had a bad experience with a doctor who told me I didn't need surgery for my displaced fracture. Due to it being from a car accident I couldn't get a second opinion because of the insurance claim. My doctor then decided to put my arm in a temporary splint running along the outside of my arm for 2 weeks. The splint lost all shape in those 2 weeks and my bone continued to move around in my arm. At the next appointment my doctor realized this and decided to MAKE a splint out of casting material. He literally dipped the casting material, pushed it on my arm, and held it until it hardened. This "splint" went from my mid humerus to the top of my ulna/radius. He then left me in this "splint" for 7 more weeks with weekly check-ups when he finally decided to do surgery. 10 weeks after the initial break, I was still feeling my bone move in my arm and I went to surgery. I had a 6" plate inserted with 10 screws. All seemed to go well. He saw me one time after my surgery and then sent me on my way saying that physical therapy wasn't necessary and I could do all of it at home on my own. A month went by and my strength and range of motion was still poor and I felt something moving right above my elbow on the inside of my arm every time I bent my arm. I called the insurance company and they approved for me to go to a therapist on my own. After 6 weeks of therapy and the therapists telling me to get a 2nd opinion after the felt the "whatever it was" moving in my arm, the insurance too approved me to get a 2nd opinion. So now I am 7 months from the day that I broke my arm and my new doctor has done an x-ray and cat scan to discover that my first doctor didn't put the screws in properly or far enough. I have 2 screws that are straight through my bone and aren't even attached to the plate. Along with that I have 2 screws, located where I had the feeling, that are so far out of the plate that my medial nerve is catching on them every time I bend my arm. So I am going into surgery exactly 7 months to the day from when I originally broke my arm and I feel like i'm starting over. SOOO my true question is, what is the recovery for this going to be like. I am 21, don't smoke, and am generally healthy but I obviously have a bad history of recovery. Will I have any immobility again? Pain? More problems down the road? I am a High School cheer coach so anything that will give me an idea as to how coaching will go over for the next couples of weeks/months would be nice.
Hi i suffered a pilon fracture a year and 4 months ago, i have 3 plates and 16 screws in....i have decent range of motion but thin ankle cartilage.I still cannot stand for very long or walk very far without pain.Do you think hard wear removal may help ?
Thank you, this article has been very helpful in reassuring us that it is best to have our daughter's plate and screws removed from her ulna. She was involved in a car accident and had a very serius compund fracture requireing 2 plates and 11 screws. They have been causing such pain and inflammation on the outside of her arm where the plate ends. I was very nervous about weakness in the holes left by the screws but i feel very reassured now. We will be leaving the smaller plate on her radius for now however as it is not causing any issue.
Hello, On Sept 4th, I had two screws removed from my tibia and screws/plate from the fibula. Had absorbable sutures with steri strips and wrapped in an ace bandage. This past monday, I went back to have the bandages removed. The first thing the doctor asked me, was if I was allergic to iodine. Both incision cites were extremely bright red in the same pattern he swabbed the iodine during surgery. He told me to take Benadryl and sent me home. Later that night, I noticed a large blister (with clear liquid) on the fibula side, just below the incision. I have two more very small blisters on the tibia side, I noticed this evening. I'm not sure if they were there during the doctor's visit or not. Any idea on what's going on here? Do I need something more than Benadryl. Thanks.
on December 1,2010 on fell backwards from the top of my garage onto the driveway. I suffered a compound fracture of the left tibia and fracture of the fibia. I was rushed to the hospital and the OS performed surgery to put a plate and screws on the fibia side. I had to wait about two weeks for the rest of the swelling to go down so that the OS could finish putting the rest of the 3 plates and screws on the tibia side. So, I had an ORIF pilon fracture of the left ankle with a total of 4 plates and 21 screws. After follow-up visits to the OS, he told me that i developed arthritis and that the cartlidge is wearing away. I work outside and climb ladders. I am 46 years old a non-smoker and healthy. He suggested that down the road i should consider having an ankle fusion if the pain gets intolerable. My concern is not so much the pain but the way I walk. I don't have much range of motion in my ankle but more than my OS thought I would have. When I walk, my left knee points outward and my foot is pidgeon toed. It looks like i am bowlegged. My OS said that the bone healed perfectly and everthing lined up accordingly. I also compensate a lot on my right leg. My question is by having all that hardware in my ankle is that affecting range of motion and the way i walk? I don't limp. Should i have the hardware removed? Also, i've been reading about INBONE ankle replacement as an alternative to ankle fusion. Which would you recommend? I used to run five times a week and i would like to do some form of activity in my life again. I can't do that right know.
6 months ago I suffered a distal radius fracture of my right arm playing rugby so had a plate and 8 screws inserted. this has caused me no pain whatsoever and within a few weeks was able to return to the gym to do weight training (albeit very light weights). After 6 months I am back to nearly full strength with no pain at all in the arm. Would a return to playing rugby this season(starts next month) be out of the question? If i did return I would switch position from flanker to winger to stay out of the action as much! Thanks
Hello, I had an olecranon plate fixed after a good break. It healed well but kept causing pain at full extention and also when resting my elbow on desks, tables etc.. I had it removed a couple weeks ago due to this discomfort. My surgeon said it would help the superficial pain of resting my elbow as the plate would no longer be there, but that the extention issue would unlikely be caused by the plate. As it turns out, my extention is now better by degrees and painless. I have the plate as a souvenir and notice that the bent bit at one end, which would "poke" my tendon at full extention, is VERY sharp and jagged. Almost as if it had been broke off a rack like a model airplane piece. In my "googling" I notice that many plates have a second screw hole in this position, maybe they bent that off? Either way, the finish of the entire plate is a beautiful polished titanium, chrome in appearence. But that end is not. It would tear your skin if you slid it across the back of your hand. Can this be normal? If I had seen it before hand I would have fully anticipated the resulting pain that I had at extention. I am seeing my surgeon in a couple of days and will discuss, but was curious of your view. Regards, Rob
Hello, I fractured my tibia/fibula in April of 2011 and had the hardwae removed today. No boot needed and I'm able to weight bear as tolerated with crutches. The incisions were closed with a combination of disposable sutures and Steri Strips. My ankle was wrapped with an ace bandage. Post OP check is 7-10 days. The nurse instructed me to not remove the ace bandage or change the dressing for 7 days. Is this the usual procedure? I've always thought, that surgical bandages were supposed to be changed more frequently. Also, I was given antibiotics via IV right before surgery, but didn't need a perscription. Was it most likely a large dose that will last awhile? Thanks
I had an ulnar shortening almost 3 years ago along with arthroscopic TFCC repair. Unfortunately I developed causalgia and have decreased hand/arm strength. In X-ray, the ulna still has a line at the site of the osteotomy. I used a bone stimulator for 6 months to aid healing. I've had pain in my forearm for well over a year. My surgeon is concerned about taking out the plate; he is worried about the ulna coming apart, especially with the delayed healing of the osteotomy. However, another hand surgeon said it was healed a year ago, to remove the plate and then work on strengthening. Recently I started riding my bike for exercise and also taking low dose antibiotics (for another condition), and the pain in my forearm at the site of the plate has increased significantly. When I broke my toe earlier this year it healed within 6 months. So not sure why my arm has such pain and issues healing. Could it be a chronic infection? Should I have the plate removed? What is the risk or developing causalgia again? I'm an active 54 year old and would like to be able to garden, exercise, and work with my hands without so much pain.
I broke my ankle five years ago, I had a plate and seven screws put in..after five years the pins have gradually moved, one piercing through the skin! Four days ago I've had all the metal work removed, so far so good? I will update this message over the coming weeks.
I had a plate put in my neck at the c/3 c/4 level in 2000, I developed a severe body rash and started getting ear infections. All of the bone fused, I have continued for years like this, Depuy sent me a plate to get tested and said I had a slight allergy to it. Recently they sent me for a MRI, I started coughing and after the MRI my throat started swelling and my voice box became inflamed and my neck has a burning sensation all the time. There is no doctor that will touch me because they said they didn't put the plate in. My plate has a small .06% FE in it. Even my PCM does not seemed concerned. Can you help me to get going in the right direction without making my doctors mad. It always feels like someone is choking me.
6 months ago I suffered a distal radius fracture of my right arm playing rugby so had a plate and 8 screws inserted. this has caused me no pain whatsoever and within a few weeks was able to return to the gym to do weight training (albeit very light weights). After 6 months I am back to nearly full strength with no pain at all in the arm. Would a return to playing rugby this season(starts next month) be out of the question? If i did return I would switch position from flanker to winger to stay out of the action as much! Thanks
Hi! I broke my fibula very close to my ankle a few years ago (2007 i think) and i have 7 screws and a plate there. Until a few weeks ago every think was alright but then i hit my leg where the plate is and started to hurt a lot. I took some ibuprofen and the pain went way. But this week came back when i was driving my car and after 2 really bad nites of sleep i gave up on the ibuprofen and took 2 vicodins and got better. I want to remove the plate and the screws but i cant afford to be on crutches for too long. How long do you think i will be able to walk (so i can work) and how long until i can surf or skateboard. I am a non-smoker, don't drink and 37 years old.
In 2005, I suffered a compound fracture in my fibula about 4 inches from the bottom, and have a plate on the bone now. At the same time, I suffered a communited fracture at the joint portion of my tibia in the same leg and it has two pins in it. Additionally, during the accident the Tibia and Fibula were pulled apart from each other damaging the membrane between the two bones, and there was a pin placed all the way through both bones at the ankle. About a year ago I suffered a severe sprain in which this ankle swelled to the size of a large grapefruit. I received physio care for it, however since then, whenever I run, I experience a throbbing pain specifially where the plate is located and my ankle swells considerably, is tender to the touch, and developes redness. Would it be ideal to request having the hardware removed even though it's been close to 7 years? As running is a job requirement of mine, I can't just "not run".
Very interesting article. Last year I broke my ankle in 3 places. It was pinned and a plate put in down the outside of my ankle/lower leg. On Monday I had the metalwork removed after 18 months since it was inserted. This was due to an irritation occurring as the pins protruded, rubbing on footwear and aching when ever they were bumped. I was wondering what the sort of time frame is before I can start running on it? , then moving onto contact sports? Currently I'm walking on it without crutches. Obviously I will have lots of holes in my bones where the pins used to be so I'm wondering how long before my bones adjust to this and become strong enough to use fully. Many Thanks
It will be one year since I broke ulna and radius. It has caused me pain everyday. The post-op pain was off the charts for weeks. It went into neuropathy. Nights of tears on the couch and trying to live one handed. But I would like to have the hardware removed now. I saw the surgeon a few months ago and he said "it can come out." But he did not e-ray? How would he know how much bone has grown over the plate? or the screws? Is this just an unknown factor for all this type of surgery? I want this out-but who wants to be cut open again. I would like to hear from another Dr or someone who has walked through this themselves.
Hi! Curious to know is hardware removal would benefit me. Twenty yr old female and suffered a bimalleolar jan 2011, tin and fib both broken quite severely. Was fitted with a two inch plate on inside and outside of ankle with 7 screws in total. Now after a year the plate on the outside causes me pain that I can only liken to severe cramp with swelling and numbness. When I flex my foot onwards you can see a screw and edge of plate sticking out underneath skin, and if I catch it or knock it I suffer severe pain, or if I'm working long shifts (student who works full tone as a waitress and shop worker so always on my feet). I was told earlier this year I can have the outer plate and screws that stick out removed while the inner hardware must remain due to the fact the bones haven't fused together correctly. I turned down the removal due to the fear of s long recovery period. Should I get the hardware on the outside removed and will it ease the pain? I'm exercise 5 times a week and have combination of uni work and 2 jobs, so don't really want a long time spent recovering! Any advice will be much appreciated thanks.
1 1/2 year ago I fractured my fibula and tore my deltoid ligament causing medial displacement of my tibia and fibula. ORIF was performed on my distal fibula. 7 screws and 1 plate were placed in my ankle. One of the screws was for syndesmotic fixation. That screw was removed after 8 weeks from the initial surgery. Just a week ago I had the 5 inch plate and remaining 6 screws removed from my distal fibula. Doc said he wants me in walking cast FWB for at least 4 weeks. I am 25 y/o male and was wondering if this is on par. I am a very healthy and active individual and hate this slowing me down. Thanks.
Approximately 2 years ago I fractured my humerus while snow boarding. Come to find out I had an enchondroma that was discovered during surgery and removed. A Plate and eight screws were used to secure the bone, which was fractured at about the mid shaft. At this current point in time I experience a fair amount pain with lifting, as well as when I resist against medial or lateral rotation of the shoulder joint. The pain originates in the shaft and radiates distally toward the elbow joint. The plate is also felt fairly superficially, which in turn causes a fair amount of pain when bumped or hit it any way. The surgeon stated that if discomfort from the plate and screws was a problem that I may have it removed, but I am not sure if what I experience is something normal under my circumstances or not. I also feel like when lifting something heavy the bone is not able to "disperse" the weight appropriately under forces of a compressive nature. Tensile forces do not seem to be much of a problem. Please let me know what you think of my situation, and I appreciate your time.
In June of 2007 I was involved in a head on collision which resulted in a tibial plafond fracture of my right leg. From the joint of my ankle, the tibia broke vertically in 3 directions. The surgeon told me that my only chance of avoiding severe discomfort was to have plates and screws internally fixated. I work in the construction feild and I've been coping with severe pain since the procedure. The top of my foot has a constant tingling sensation, when I move my ankle i feel the tendons sliding over something which causes a pain that i would describe as a shock through my foot followed by a warm, squeezing sensation in my big toe. I have gone to the emergency room in the past when the pain hits a climax where I have been told numerous times that my ankle is sprained. I've also shared this with an orthapedic specialist while I was being seen for a wrist injury. It seemed to fall on deaf ears. In the past year I have developed new problems. In 3 very distinct locations I have had sores forming on the skin along the incision site. They appear to be perfectly cicular. 2 of them are right on the edge of my ankle, one at the very top of the larger of the two plates. They happen frequently, a couple times a month. I witnessed the formation of one along with my wife. I had my ankle elevated and I was rolling it after swimming when I felt a pop along with a spike in pain. Over the course of a minute we watched a deep red spot the size of the tip of a ball point pen grow to the size of a pencil eraser. A lump formed and the next morning the skin was broken and bleeding which is the point that they would usually come to my attention. It happened again yesterday and everytime they seem to get a little worse. When lightly grazing the surface with my fingers it causes my big toe to throb. Thankyou
i suffered a bimolar fracture back at the end of december i have 11 screws and a couple of plates in, it was a pretty bad break. It is now 7 months on nearly and i am having problems, i cant lay on either side of my ankle it keeps me awake, no amount of painkillers help at night like they do in the day. I still have a hard job walking i do not use any support as i have been told not to and get on with it! i had an xray at the 6 month mark and everything seems to be fine and there where a couple of cracks still showing, i am considering having the metalwork removed which my surgeon informed me it was safe after 10 months to do so. I really want to get them removed as its so uncomfortable which i dont think i csn live with,i dont want to live on painkillers for the rest of my life! just like to know how would the procedure be? would i be non weight bearing like i was for 7 weeks?
My niece has caudal regression syndrome. Her knees are locked in a bent. they put screw in her knees in January. chk up appt. wasn't until 3 mths later. They noticed the screw came off of her rt knee. she just had her second surgery to fix it. she heeled quicker than last time but her rt. knee is the one that still bothers her. I asked a chriropractor if there was anything they can do for her knees. We are suposed to make a consultantion appt. do you think it would a good idea? would it do more harm since she already has the screws in? My niece is 3 she will be 4 in October. thanks
Two years ago I had an ORIF on 4th and 5th metacarpal. Slowly, numbness progressed and spread in the tips of my fingers. The screws and plates were removed and full feeling was restored. Today I still have a large lump on my hand that is uncomfortable (6 months post op of removal). What is it? Will it go away? The last thing I want is more surgery but daily discomfort is irritating, if it can be fixed with surgery, I guess that is something I would have to do, again.
Dr. Henley, Two and a half years ago I had an ORIF with 2 plates and 8 screws of the 4th and 5th metacarpals. Slowly, I started to lose feeling in my fingers. Finally, I went back to my physician and complained of the possible nerve damage. The hand surgeon removed all of the plates and screws with full recovery of feeling in my hand. Today, there is still a large lump on my hand, 6 months post-op. What could it possibly be and what should I do? Are they cysts, new bone growth in the holes, scar tissue? I really do not want more surgery, but it is uncomfortable.
Quite a while ago I underwent an operation in which my left jaw broke and plates and screws were inserted. Is there any way with medical advances that a bone graft could grow on a steel plate? I was getting an implant and there wasn't enough bone to support the implant so after two absess surgeries the jaw bone became unstable and broke. I now have 5 missing teeth in that area and desperately need the teeth so I can chew normally crunchy food and live a normal life. My partial does not fit and floats so eating is miserable.
Ten months ago, I had surgery for a distal radius fracture in which I had a plate and eleven screws implanted. My doctor instructed me to let him know if my wrist ever hurt on the opposite side of my plate or if I ever lost feeling in one of my fingers. He said that this would indicate that the plate was rubbing against my tendons. Otherwise, he said that my plate and screws need not be removed. For about a month now, I have had pain in my elbow whenever I pick up something. It seems to be getting worse. Should I consult my orthopedic doctor? Is this related to my surgery? Or should I just see my family doctor? Thank you for your time.
I had a spiral fracture of my tibia and fibula seven years ago. I was 48 years old. My orthopaedic surgeon installed a plate and 5 pins. I have had mild but chronic inflammation (redness) over the years, but lately it became worse – sharp pain when going down stairs, and throbbing at night. After several visits to my GP, he sent me for a bone scan. When the results came in, they showed local indications of localized osteomyelitis, and I was referred very quickly to an osteopathic surgeon. I went yesterday, and he said he had never seen an "uptake" like mine before, that it indicated infection on the plate itself, and that antibiotics would not help. He also said it was entirely up to me whether or not to have the plate removed, so he obviously does not think that it is life threatening. I am now 55, and although I don't relish the thought of surgery, I think that it is better to have it now rather than later when my body might not be so healthy. My questions are: how could infection just be on the hardware, and how would it have gotten there? Can they test to see what kind of infection it is? If I don't get the hardware removed, is there more chance of complications later, e.g. spread of the infection or cellulitis? He told me that my leg would be weak from the holes of the pins and that he would put pellets of antibiotics in the holes to prevent infection. What are the risks that the antibiotics won't work? Thank you!
5 years ago I broke my talus, left maleolus, tib and fib in a car accident in my left leg. I have one plate 4 pins and a screw in my ankle and it was a very long recovery. For the most part now it doesn't bother me, but sometimes I limp, and if my foot swells my foot really hurts and I can't put pressure on it. My fiance has suggested to have the metal removed from my foot, but when my orthopedist put the metal in my foot he said it would be there for life. Would there be a benefit to have it taken out?
12 yrs ago I fractured my tib-fib in 3 spiral fractures plus required a bone fusion at the top of my Tib-Fib. The orthopedic surgeon put in a plate & 11 screws & bone fusion. 3 months no weight bearing for the bone fusion to take. When I started walking a muscle herniated in the front of my leg. I've been in pain for 12 years. The surgeon says he can take out the hardware. The bone has grown onto the plate so some work to get the plate off the bone. Everything has healed. He will try to repair the herniated muscle when he removes the hardware What is your opinion about removing the hardware? What options are there for repairing the herniated muscle?
Hello, Last year I was involved in a motorcycle vs car accident...let's just say I was the loser. I suffered a bad pilon fracture of my left leg, an open book fracture of my pelvis, multiple fractures to my sacrum, and a dislocation fracture of my left arm where the radial head broke off and was displaced. Thanks to an outstanding surgical team I was put back together in some semblance of myself. However, I suffered from pain that I could only describe as mechanical. I pushed harder than most sane people and got my arm to work somewhat, but HO and what I felt were the screws kept it from functioning correctly. I finally convinced my surgeon to remove the screws, and some of the interfering HO. After the surgery, the first comment from the dr was that I was right, and one of the screw heads limited rotation of my wrist. Second problem was in my pelvis, and I could feel the plate moving and adding pressure to the screws when it flexed. X rays showed the screws had backed out about 2 mm. Once removed, the pain stopped completely. The last removal was the hardest to convince the Dr to do. I actually had to go to a different surgeon to get it done. The plate that ran up the medial side of my shin was causing extreme pain with every step I took. To me it was a simple lever type of mechanical for e issue, with the top of the brace acting as the tip of the lever and increasing the impact forces in just the one spot at the end of the brace. My question, how long should it take for all the holes to fill in?There were 12 screws in a distance of about 3 inches. One week out, the shin pain is completely gone. However, the medial side where most of the screws were is just throbbing with pain. Could this be caused by the "Swiss cheese" holes in the leg? And how long should it take for the pain to subside?
I broke my collar bone whilst playing rugby and had to have it repaired with metal plates and 9 pins. Also for my troubles I had to have a bone graft as a fragment chipped off too. At the time I swore I'd never play again as it was a long time out and I had a lot of pain. This was 3 years ago and I'm now starting to get the itch to want to play again. I used to love playing so much. What's your advice? Am I able to play? What do I need to do to be able to play again? Have the plate removed?
Hello, I am 50, alittle overweight, smoker. I shattered (bits and pieces) both lower leg bones in a skying accident in 2003. It took 7 months for me to walk on my leg without the help of cruches or cane. I had a plate put in to replace my bigger bone - shattered bones came together, the smaller bone came back together also by itself (quite a miracle!). I had a screw removed at one point because it was unscrewing just below the knee. My surgeon had said back then that if the plate ever bothered me that he would remove it. Well, for the past few years my ankle swells and if I walk more than a few hours (I like to walk alot) I have pain about 4 inches above ankle -in front of leg. This is not where the screw is, or the surgery...that's way near my ankle. My ankle was not broken only my two bones were shattered. I have contacted my surgeon and we should be meeting soon for x-ray etc. My question - does the bone grow around the plate? Like I said, the complete length of the bones were shattered, there was nothing holding up my leg. I'm a little scared having this plate removed, but I know it would take care of the swelling - which happens if I'm standing or walking for long periods at a time. Thanks for your response.
Hi. In January 2012, I broke my left radius that required internal fixation with a metal plate with 6 screws. In April 2012, I broke the same bone again at the end of the last screw due to a fall on that arm. That required another surgery to unscrew the last screw where it broke, and attach a smaller metal plate on the underside of the radius bone. Since I am actively competing as a professional athlete in martial arts, I was wondering when should I return back to training? And when should the plates be removed. Is it more advisable to remove the plates first before training again? Thanks for your reply.
I find this VERY interesting. I had surgery on my ankle due to a terriable break in three places. A plate nine screws were placed. I had constant pain and stiffness. I finially conviced the Dr. to take an x-ray. Sure enough a screw broke. This wasn't even 6mos. after the surgery. Now I need to have another surgery, which I can't afford and don't qualify for medical assisantance. So is the Dr. responsible or what? Perhaps it was a defect screw or placed wrong I don't know. I just don't know why I need to pay for a surgery again when it has been less than a year that this has happened. Please give me any advice you have. Thank You! Terry Leiske email@example.com
I have plate I believe hammered in the bone above my knee along with plate going up the side of my leg with 4 screws. I need knee replacement now. These plates and screws have been in leg for 40 yrs. I am 61 yrs old. Doctors tell me they need to remove plate above my knee in order to do knee replacement. Any thoughts?
Hey! I had 2 major reconstructive surgeries on both my feet 4 years ago. Now i have pins in my feet and a stabalizer bar in each ankle. My right foots fine but in the left, the stabalizer bar seems to rise to the surface of my foot and then my ankle feels week and ill walk with it curving in untill(usually a day or two later) It seems to go back into my ankle and feels better :p Its really frustrating and bothersome. Im trying to start skating again(the surgery was because my feet werent growing straight, not from skating) But this seems to happen. Is there anyway to give it extra support or should i try and get it removed? Its just obnoxious . Thanks!
I had sliding-calcaneal-osteotomy on both feet-- separately, one at age 15, the other at 16. (Each heal has a large-- I'd say at least 2 inch screw in it.) I'm now 25, and my left heal often hurts. They both hurt a bit when weather changes (like arthritis, I suppose) but this one is a lingering pain and even touching the base of my heal where the head of the screw is, it's tender. Could this be a sign they need to be removed? Thanks! I don't ever recall my doctor saying a thing about this happening, but I'm certain anything can happen!
I am second guessing my decision to remove the pin in my foot. Two years ago I was in a head-on collision. I was very fortunate, but broke my foot. It was a lisfrancs injury (not sure of the spelling), so they pinned it. The head of the pin was on the side of my foot and rubbed on my shoes. I had it removed a month ago and now I have an even larger hard lump on the side of my foot which is very uncomfortable.
I just had two small pins removed from my distal fibula that had been in there for 2 1/2 years. My OS told me that despite the small holes in the bones, that my bone is structurally sound and my only recovery is the wound from the removal, that I can do any exercise I want. I'm nervous to go out running and cross-training for fear that the bone isn't actually totally stable or strong yet until the holes grow in. I broke it running the first time, so I'm very hesitant. He assures me it's fine, but at only a week out I'm so nervous to break it again. Any suggestions?
hello!!I met with an accident 1 month back and I broke my both the humoures bones at shaft and an ulnar bone at proximal 1/3 and got my surgery done in which bones are fixed with.... plate and screw method internal fixation... and I'm going to op for removal of stitches so plz let me know how long the plates should be kept and what is the correct procedure .... if plates have to be removed will there be surgery again ..... plzzzz let me know
Hello Dr. I have an issue concerning a surgery that my son has to have again. He just turned 13 and last year he was diagnosed with having bow legs due to Blounts Disease. Well in April he had a surgery on his legs where they inserted screws and plates into his bones to correct the legs they grow. I will say in the first 6 months we saw a tremendous difference, but when we went back for one of his check ups in December the x-rays showed that the screws had broken in the to part of his left leg, so he went back in for surgery. My concern for this was great, I wondered had the dr's made a mistake? How could the screws break they insured it was normal. Now, here we are back to the same position we went to dr yesterday for a follow up and the x-rays show now that the screws have cracked and bent on both the to and bottom part of his right leg. I am devastated and of course he is fearing having yet another surgery. The dr says this time hr will not use hollow screws even though he used these because they are easier to remove, this time he will use more sturdy ones that are solid. I fear this happening over and over, and my son having so many unnecessary surgeries. Everytime he is taken back to the surgery room my heart stops until I know he's ok and in recovery. Dr I ask you is this normal for screws to break like this? Should I have a second opinion done? Is my son safe having this many surgeries and incisions in the same spot in so little time? If this continues to happen should we continue have surgery after surgery? Please help!! I am currently pregnant and don't want the steed of this situation to hurt my unborn child. It seems as if you give great advice and I do hope that you can do the same for us?
Hi. I'm 17 yo male and 1 week ago I fractured my left forearm. Radius to be exact. I've had surgery and have a plate and 6 screws. I have a half cast past elbow for 2/3 weeks. I've decided to remove plate and screws because I'm sure by bones will heal back when I remove them. I'm healthy and fit. Question is, is it common to have cast removed after just 2/3 weeks? How long till my arm is completely healed?(plates in) After 6 months I'll remove the plate and screws, is this a good decision? After taking plate and screws out, how long till the screw holes are healed and replaced by bone? By 4th week, can I do athletic activities? (how much can I use it?) Thank you very much !
I fell and broke my 4th and 5th metartasuls on my left foot at the begining of March.For 3 weeks I have had a plaster cast from below my knee to my toes but after a recent xray the orthopedic surgeon said that the bones are not consolidating and he has scheduled me for an operation to insert a plate on the base of my foot on Thursday. I am 57 years old and it is likely that I have osteoporosis, I live in France but I am English and discussing an operation in French is difficult for me. I am concerned that there maybe other alternatives other than inserting a plate. Is it normally the case that after just 3 weeks the bones should have consolidated and why a base plate Your thoughts would be appreciated.
I fractured my tibial plateau 4 years ago and also dislocated my patella. My orthopedic surgeon did a tibial tuberosity cutting the bone where my patella tendon connected and shifting it over to the right then screwing the cut bone back in place. recently I started experiencing sharp pain that is very localized to where the screws are placed with about an inch on either vertical side along the bone, it started out occasionally but now it is constant. When I put pressure on the leg it feels as though my shin is going to snap in half. My question is could my body be attacking the screws thinking they are a foreign object and damaging the bone? Possibly degenerating it? Should I go back to the surgeon, I'd rather not pay the copay if I don't have to. Thanks.
Hello i am a 32 year female, I got hit in my arm with a cane in 98 and it broke my elbow in half, I had to have a screw put in there. My question is that it's always been painful for me to get all my motion and stuff back into my arm, but here in the last few years it gets painful when i lift something like weights on that arm, i can feel pain, or when i am doing a push up. Is there something wrong now? I was told i would have the hardware in there for life and nothing was talked about having any problems on down the road, so what should i do? I hate the word surgery and i know that the therapy i went through was tough, i can't imagine going through that all over again especially me being in my adult years. Please help!!
I had surgery on my right heal 9 yrs ago. I broke it completely off and crushed my arch. They reattached my heal with titanium screws and plates and rebuilt my arch with coral. I have constant pain and sometimes my foot will "lock up" on me. Sometimes I feel like I have lost circulation in it. I also feel a pinching/stinging in my ankle. I have dark spots on it as well. My ankle is always swollen. I am in tears a lot of times because of it. I have gone to a podiatrist over it and he gave me cortisone shots in the top of my foot...PAINFUL and DID NOT help! He refused to take the hardware out because he wasn't the surgeon who put it in, I had a bad falling out with the surgeon who did the surgery, I haven't spoke to him since. I feel this is my choice because I'm paying for it and he doesn't have to deal with the pain I feel everyday. Do you think removing the plates and screws with help relieve the pain? Please help. Thank you
I can email you the pictures from my x-rays. What is the email adress I need to send them to. Thank you, Letesha
I had surgery on my right heal 9 yrs ago. I broke it completely off and crushed my arch. They reattached my heal with titanium screws and plates and rebuilt my arch with coral. I have constant pain and sometimes my foot will "lock up" on me. Sometimes I feel like I have lost circulation in it. I also feel a pinching/stinging in my ankle. I have dark spots on it as well. My ankle is always swollen. I am in tears a lot of times because of it. I have gone to a podiatrist over it and he gave me cortisone shots in the top of my foot...PAINFUL and DID NOT help! He refused to take the hardware out because he wasn't the surgeon who put it in, I had a bad falling out with the surgeon who did the surgery, I haven't spoke to him since. I feel this is my choice because I'm paying for it and he doesn't have to deal with the pain I feel everyday. Do you think removing the plates and screws with help relieve the pain? Please help. Thank you
My mother had a fusion in her neck along with a plate. Her esophagus is slightly over to one side and she has a problem swallowing. Also she had an endoscopy in which the doctor stretched her esophagus. This should never have been done by the GI Dr. This was done 3 times through the 5 yrs. Now she had a swallow barium test that showed when she drinks the fluid spays in all diff. directions and the plate is now pushing into her esophagus. She gets chocked eating and drinking. No Dr. will touch this or say any correction could be done. Only dangerous.. She is 78 yrs. old and the problem is only getting worse. We were suggested to take her to another area away from the hospital and Dr. that did the surgery. They said no one in the area would touch it and we needed a second opinion. I can't bare to think this is something she will have to live with or could possible wind up with a feeding tube. She can sometimes get chocked on her own saliva.
My mother had a fusion in her neck along with a plate. Her esophagus is slightly over to one side and she has a problem swallowing. Also she had an endoscopy in which the doctor stretched her esophagus. This should never have been done by the GI Dr. This was done 3 times through the 5 yrs. Now she had a swallow barium test that showed when she drinks the fluid spays in all diff. directions and the plate is now pushing into her esophagus. She gets chocked eating and drinking. No Dr. will touch this or say any correction could be done. Only dangerous.. She is 78 yrs. old and the problem is only getting worse. We were suggested to take her to another area away from the hospital and Dr. that did the surgery. They said no one in the area would touch it and we needed a second opinion. I can't bare to think this is something she will have to live with or could possible wind up with a feeding tube. She can sometimes get chocked on her own saliva.
I am 58yrs and 6 years ago I sustained a closed # radius/ulna lower end. A year later I had an osteotomy of radius with bone graft, plate and screws because the bones out of position. The surgeon explained that one of the screws was longer than the rest and may or not cause a problem. The metalwork has now been in place two and a half years. I am not experienceing any significant problems to date. However, the longer screw has resulted in a raised bump,slight deformity, on my forearm above the wrist. The surgeon initially post-op said the metal would be removed. Later he said it would stay in place. My question: would it be possible to remove just the one screw?
Thank you very much for your time and response. I had the arthrodesis because the pain in the joint which was badly damaged by osteoarthritis and gout was so painful. I also had developed a very painful Tailor's bunion on the foot from the way I had to compensate walking with the painful big toe. There was some infection in the arthrodesis incision that was successfully treated with antibiotics. I am not active since I've been ill with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for many years. After reading your response I'm more inclined to leave the metal plate left alone. I am wearing shoes that do not rub the plate and it seems like risking infection again may be the bigger consideration. Kathy
Thank you for your contribution. Your history demonstrates some of the disadvantages of the arthrodesis of the great toe. Convalescence is often long (in your case after four months you might need some more months before the fusion is "solid"). Then there is the inconvenience of the boot (which is very awkward) and now the nuisance of a bone stimulator. A solid fusion is imperative because the loads on that fusion are extraordinarily high, measured in hundreds of pounds. I have come across fractures of the arthrodesis, several years after the procedure and also fatigue fractures of the adjacent metatarsal. If you get a solid fusion, and the plate does not trouble you I would leave well alone. By that time you will be thoroughly tired of surgeons and surgery. Unfortunately I have had to take many of these plates out (even though I do not put them in) because the edges of the plate often rub against footwear.
I'm in an interesting position. I have a titanium plate, R fibula,placed approx 2 years ago.Injury was fibular fracture immediately superior of malleous, plus multiple soft tissue repair (ATFL, CFL, Deltiod/ both peroneal/ both malleous all torn or ruptured), . Previous Hx of modified Brostrom's procedure on ATFL (repair did not hold in injury). Plate is now rubbing through peroneals. Remove, right? Not so easy. I also have agammaglobulinemia, and MRSA+ 10 years +/-. Plus more stuff. Immuno and ID are adamant plate stays.... risk of seeding bone with MRSA high due to the fact that it took 15 months for me to walk relatively unsupported when it was placed, largely from slow bone growth. Due to constant antibiotics, even with Ig infusions, also am at constant risk of add'l soft tissue injury. Ortho wants plate out... even with repair, will eventually cut through, plus the above mentioned stress factor etc. Feeling like a no-win, so am open to ANY insights. Im in my 40's and active to the best of my ability. (Yes, I know full Hx isnt here. And yes, I have good working medical knowledge for multiple reasons.
Your dilemma can be resolved into two pivotal aspects. First: The danger to the peroneii. You cannot sit an watch it happen. You have lost enough of your ankle supporting structures, and if the peroneii rupture you will have an almost insurmountable problem. Second: Managing the infection. If you have low grade infection somewhere there is a risk that it will seed to the precincts of the plate even if you leave it in place. The relative avascularity of the tissues adjacent to the plate make for that vulnerability. Further, if the plate is really abrading through the soft tissues, those also run the (small) risk of infection. Supposing you remove the plate - you will be creating a far less susceptible field for future infection. If the surgery is to be performed my regime would be: The skin incision must be a single cut, no "sawing" ( which produces a ragged incision). Ideally optical enlargement should be used to minimise soft tissue trauma. Practically no use of scalpel once skin incision is complete. The tissues should be separated with an opening of the scissors (not a cutting by the scissors). This will prevent or reduce damage to the blood vessels, even "micro" vessels. Fat should never be cut, only separated and spread. Periosteum might need sharp cutting or forceful elevation off the plate, but only over the plate. Gentle tissue handling. No toothed forceps, no toothed rake retractors, no tugging, no levering, no McDonald's behind the fibula. No tourniquet. The operative field must be lavaged extensively with some liters of saline, throughout the procedure. If diathermy is used (and I hope it is not required} then it should be no more than 6 watts (forty or fifty are commonly used, with considerable tissue damage around the blood vessels). No "antiseptics" on the wound, except perhaps diluted Betadine. Any antiseptic which would burn the eye will burn a surgical wound! No buried sutures of any type. They are entirely unnecessary (see an earlier post) No skin sutures - Steristrips held with appropriate glue onto the skin surface. Immediate application of elasticized stocking, below knee, and do not remove that for at least 24 hours. If there is minimal bleeding into the dressings and visible on the stocking, then leave for longer. With this approach it is exceedingly unlikely that an infection will erupt. If it does, it is likely to be manageable. I hardly ever use prophylactic antibiotics. But do work up pre-operatively with good micronutrients and iron chelates orally.
45 yrs old, car wreck, broke my shoulder bones in 3 places. lots of pain, cant lift arm or lift objects. doctor said it can heal in a sling in 8 weeks then need therapy to use it. orthopedan said screws will make it moveable immediately. i need my hands to work. tentative surgery tomorrow, what to do
I am 58 and in mid-August I fractured a bone in my ankle and moved the tibia bone out of place. The doctor inserted a metal plate with 6 screws. My ankle seems to be healed as I feel no pain, but my knee constantly bothers me. Can the discomfort be due to the cold weather which I'm in most of the day?
A possibility is that you injured your knee at the same time as you injured the ankle, and your present knee pain is unrelated to the ankle injury. Another possibility is that there was an underlying (but painless) arthritis in the knee which was "stirred up" by the fall. Finally hip arthritis can cause knee pain, even though the hip remains painless. The "cold syndrome" is a pain or ache caused by cold, or changing, weather. It does not affect normal joints, but those previously damaged by injury or arthritis. Some find that a warming "knee guard" helpful, where the underlying problem is in the knee (but not elsewhere)
I have to guess much here. I assume that your injury was recent, and that you broke the shaft of the humerus - such injuries can heal without surgery, as you describe, in a sling. Surgery might get your arm moving earlier, but it is doubtful if this would be "immediate". There will need to be a convalescence of at least two weeks before you are confident and pain free enough to even approximate normal function. Surgery does have risks and costs which are avoided by non-surgical methods. If there are complications you might be out of work for far longer than you are planning at present. I seldom operate on broken limbs earlier than two weeks after the injury as the results are better and the risks less if one waits.
thank you for the reply. i backed out of surgery today, got more questions answered about complications and non surgery healing. i do need both my arms to return to work but they told it me it was okay to tAke more time to decide.
I have a metal plate an screws in my right ankle in I have constent pain everyday had my surgery 11yrs ago in pain is bad. What should I do
This is tragic. But because I do not know why you had the plate inserted, or anything else about you, I cannot contribute in a way which will help you constructively. However, whatever the reason you had the surgery, you could expect freedom from pain. You must seek help near home.
**revised** Hey i broke my tibia and fibia in a dirtbiking accident (compound fracture) 3 years ago. They inserted a tibial nail (titanium) and a screw above my ankle and below my knee and i was walking the next day on crutches as advised by a doctor to due so. My ankle screw is starting to ache and i feel bone growing around it almost over it. I am concernes about this because i am a kickboxer and often kick with that same leg and ankle sometimes gets bumped. Could i get both screws removed and leave rod in? Or possibly only one screw since its botherig me? Thank you!!
Contact pain or discomfort is common with implanted plates on forearm and leg, and a valid reason to remove metal. There should be no problem removing the cross-screws (also called trans-fix, anti-rotation or locking screws). However if they are bent it will be more difficult and that will need to be known before embarking on the surgery.The rod could be left in which will make the screw removal less intrusive, and possible under local anaesthetic.
I have a question.... I broke my arm in 94' and had a plate & about 6 screws put in to hold the bone together. Now 17 yrs later my arm is hurting,& uncomfortable. Ive never had any problems with it before so its really upsetting me . Should the plate & screws be removed?
Symptoms after this lapse of time mean something new has occurred, and you need to know what that is. The new pain might or might not be related to your previous break. A diagnosis is necessary and the first step toward that would be a standard X-ray.
Hey i broke my tibia and fibia in a dirtbiking accident (compound fracture). They inserted a tibial nail (titanium) and a screw above my ankle and below my knee. My ankle screw is starting to ache and i feel bone growing around it almost over it. Could i get this removed or should i leave it in?
You do not say when was this break, what the radiology showed or anything about yourself. Orthopaedic surgery is not as simple as slotting in or out a new car radio. Solutions need to be specific to the person. I need to know more...
A result of a tibial plateau fracture is (not infrequently) osteoarthritis. This might be associated with, or mimicked by, cartilage (meniscal) tears or other mechanical problems within the joint. The screws (at this stage) are unlikely to be the cause of your pain.
Hello, I am 38 years old.and worked out and ran up until this year. Almost three years ago I had a car accident in which I broke my Ulna. It broke clean and in the middle of the bone. The doctor put in a plate and six screws. I have had no real issues with it until now. The pain comes from the break area, my elbow and my wrist almost like it is traveling the bone. I had a child this year too and gained fifteen pounds. I am wondering if the changes in my body are affecting my arm or if it could be another issue all together.
I do not know enough about you to be precisely useful. the most likely cause of your recent-onset pain is the (not inconsiderable) repetitive load of lifting your continuously growing baby (and stroller and much else).
I am 58yrs and 6 years ago I sustained a closed # radius/ulna lower end. A year later I had an osteotomy of radius with bone graft, plate and screws because the bones out of position. The surgeon explained that one of the screws was longer than the rest and may or not cause a problem. The metalwork has now been in place two and a half years. I am not experienceing any significant problems to date. However, the longer screw has resulted in a raised bump,slight deformity, on my forearm above the wrist. The surgeon initially post-op said the metal would be removed. Later he said it would stay in place. My question: would it be possible to remove just the one screw?
A single screw, which is that easily felt and therefore just under the skin, can usually be easily removed. I often do this in my office, under a local anaesthetic. It is often not necessary to even use a stitch.
Thank you very much indeed for your reply.
3 years ago I fractured my medial epicondyle and it had to be held with a screw. I bowl for my high school team and it always cramps durning, after, and any other time after that. The doctor that did the surgery said it might have to come out while growing. Is it time to get it out?
I broke my fib n tin and dislocated my left ankle on October 29th. I have three screws and a plate. I'm on my 3rd cast and was told I would move to a boot on December 12. I'm 43, thin and in pretty good health. I'm not in any pain right now but I'm wondering if I should have my hardware removed and what amount of time is reasonable since my surgery was just in October.
I had an ulnar shortening osteotomy in 2008 due to continued pain after wrist debridement due to a TFCC tear. Now I am being advised by my surgeon to have the plate and screws (7) removed because it is incredibly tender when bumped or with certain movements. This is my dominant hand and I was wondering how long it usually takes to make a complete recovery. Also, what kind of casting/bracing can I expect and for how long. I teach preschool and routinely pick up children; is that going to make a difference?
hi, i'm 30, 5 years back i met with a accident and my left leg bone was broken and nail was insterted with three screws, my question is when the nails has to be removed, bcoz its already 5 years ago.
The sole purpose of internal fixation is to hold bones in the correct position until the bones are healed with (very few exceptions). After that they are redundant.
I was wondering.. I broke my forearm 5 years ago and I have two plates and about 10 pins in there. Is it too late to take them out? I couldn't have surgery before but I can now and I'd want to take them out because one of them is a bit annoying. I'd really appreciate your thought on that.
In these comments it is always difficult for me to get an exact perspective of the specific injury, particularly in the absence of X-rays. The treating surgeon will usually be better equipped to give the best advice. In some circumstances a generalized perspective can be useful, and hence the following comment. I will assume that you had a plate on each of the forearm bones. The most troublesome reconstruction plate is usually the one on the ulna, where the overlying flesh is thin. For that same reason the ulnar plate is the easiest and safest to remove. Depending on where was the break in the radius, removing that might be more difficult. Therefore if it is the ulnar plate which is troubling you, you might consider removing that plate alone.
I had surgery on my hip because my hips slipped so they put screws in it I got the surgery in. 1999 ever since the my hip hurt they go numb they both stiffin. Up now and Every once in a while I fill it pop is this normal what can I do to not have the pain an stiffness?
Happy Thanksgiving...My 15 year old broke his elbow in July of this year - he split the ball of the bone (not the biggest,pointy part of his elbow, but the ball above that one) in half, requiring 2 screws. He is at about 20 to 30 degrees in staightening his arm and scheduled to have screws removed (which are poking out and hurt when bumped) in Dec. He just got on swim team, so my question is how soon after getting his screws out can he swim? And how long will it be before the holes left by the screws fill with in with bone?
I think that he has split the humeral condyles. The elbow is a particularly "unforgiving" joint, which means that after injury / surgery there is reluctance to return to the full range of movement. This return to full movement will be essential for competitive swimming. Therefore the sooner that he exercises it the better. As an extension of that the sooner the screws are removed the better. The screw holes are of no consequence at this stage - he should concentrate on returning to swimming promptly - as soon as the wound necessary for removing the screws has healed.
Hello, I just had 3 plates and 16 screws removed from my ankle. I have been on crutches with 50% WB for the past two weeks and am supposed to be on crutches with the same 50% WB for another 2 weeks. Apparently I am at a high risk for re-fracture because some of the holes in my bones are pretty close together and are exactly aligned. My question is: How long does it take on average for the holes to fill in or get to a point where the risk is significantly less? I am a female in my mid 40s, non-smoker, light drinker, not overweight = generally very healthy. Thanks
In almost all cases, where the bone has healed and screws have been removed, four weeks of partial weight bearing - mainly to ensure you are steady and that you can react promptly to those reflex adjustments necessary for balance - is sufficient. These time periods have been provided by your surgeon (I presume) with detailed knowledge of your type of injury, the type of fixation and more. This judgment is based on a number of variables which I cannot know. However surgeons want a good outcome from their surgery. They do not want any complications any more than you do. It is unlikely that you would be allowed to full weight bear after your four weeks, if there was a risk.
Hi there, i had a spiral fracture of the distal fibula in my right ankle 15 years ago. the surgery involved insertion of a plate and 6 screws. in the last 1-2 years i have experienced restricted movement in the ankle which causes a limp. i had an athroscopy on the right knee 12 months ago (possibly relating to the ankle). i am now experiancing excruciating pain in the ankle joint, slight pain in the knee but worst of all a pinched nerve in the (r) groin causing unbelievable pain and collapse of the leg. over the years i have tried chiropractic, physio and currently osteopath. this has given short term (a few weeks) relief but now want long term. i went to my GP who has sent a referal off to the orthopaedic dept of the hospital where i originally had the ankle surgery so just waiting to here from them. i also had an xray. the xray report really only says that there is swelling around the ankle joint. when i look at the xrays it clearly shows the plate with 5 screws inserted BUT 1 screw nearby and not attached to the plate. as i dont have an xray of the placements directly after surgery i am not sure this is right. why would 1 screw not be attached. is this what is causing my pain (a loose screw!) if this is how the screw is supposed to be do you think i should have a MRI or CATSCAN to see if they pick up something else in the ankle?
During ankle reconstruction following break(s) it is not unusual to have a screw placed between fragments of bone (and therefore not attached to a plate). This does not mean that it is "loose". It also does not signify that this screw is the cause of your pain. It probable is not, given that you have soft tissue swelling over a wider area than the screw. The possibility of an infection exists and you need t see your surgeon relatively promptly.
thank you for your advice. :)
Hello. I had foot surgery 9 months ago. A piece of the titanium screw/pin broke off so I still have a piece in my bone even though the other pins were removed. The dr said it is not necessary to remove it unless I'm having severe pain. He also explained that titanium is very compatible with the body, etc. I am worried about leaving it in though and that area on my foot often feels very strange. It's not really painful but uncomfortable at times. I would rather not have a foreign object left inside my bone. If I remove it, will it be a painful and dangerous process? Or Should I just live with it?
You do not say what type of surgery you had, for what reason, and where anatomically is the piece of metal. If it is a tiny fragment, deeply buried in bone, then it might well be better to leave matters as they are. Having to "excavate" bone to extract metal can be a significant procedure. If the metal is titanium, and firmly fixed into bone, I do not believe that you will run any risks, or that it will cause discomfort. The disconcerting sensation which you have might be entirely unrelated to the metal.
Hello Dr. My mother is 66 yrs old and she had a slip and fall and year ago. The bone between her elbow and shoulder was broken and she was operated twice. The first doctor put the rod and plates with screws but that tend to reduce the nerve movement in her wrist and had to be operated the 2nd time. The 2nd doctor removed the plates and screws and did a bone grafting (taking out bone from the waist). Everything went fine but out of 4 support bones (sorry don't know much about this), one did not join fine and she cannot function fully due to that. We took advice from multiple doctors and there are 2 suggestions: Either go fo another bone grafting or fit a plate. We are confused and we do not want multiple surgeries. Any piece of suggestion or advice is appreciated. I can send her x-rays and other medical repots on email if that would help in any way. Many thanks !
I would like to help if possible, but I need to know more about your mother. Please feel free to send the x-rays and existing reports.
Many thanks for the reply ! Is there an email address which you would share on the public forum ?
Dr I had a fracture of my left tibula and a dislocated ankle of which I had a plate and 6 pins to help heal it, recently iv been having serious discomfort and pain whilst walking, I was sent for an xray to find one of my screws has totally conme out of place and is now seemingly floating in my ankle, I haven't had no doctor come back to me yet about the situation so was wondering what would happen since I presume it would need to be removed and what happens after surgery ie will I be able to walk straight away as if nothing has happened ?? Hope you can get back to me and thank you
You should take the initiative and see your surgeon about the broken screw. Passive waiting for the "someone" to organize you is no sure way to go through life. It might not be necessary to remove a broken screw, but the surgeon who inserted the metal will be the best judge. You do not say when your injury was, but after three months removal of the metal should not be a problem, provided the bone has been shown to have healed on your last x-ray. Most people leave hospital within 24hrs and walk full weight- bearing within a few days, or sooner.
Hi My left ankle was broken in 2004. A plate and screws were implanted. I had a hard time, since I am obese and not being able to bear weight during healing was very difficult. However, I eventually healed with no real problems or discomfort, except for a slight soreness/stiffness every now and then. Since July I have had three celluitis infections in my left foot. Been taking antibiotics since 11/1/11 and had an abcess on my ankle over one of the screws drained. Started two different antibiotics. As of 11/18/11 the doctor evaluated and says I need to have the hardware removed. In addition, I had a minisus tear in my right knee that was operated on in October and I am receiving Physical therapy for. So my left leg with the screws in the ankle is the stronger one that I bear more weight on right now. I am still dealing with a lot of discomfort from this. My doctor has scheduled my surgery for hardware removal for 12/1/11. He says I need to have this done asap. My concern is that I wont be able to bear weight on my leg after hardware removal. What happens to the holes that are left after screws are removed? I fear that I will be totally not able to walk. I am trying to figure out how long I can expect to be out of work. Stressedddddddddddddd - Any words of wisdom out there?
Treating your infection is the imperative, and removing the metal is probably essential. What-ever else there is you have to go through that step promptly.
I was in an ATV accident in Feb 2011 that resulted in a spiral break of my lower tibia and 2 fractures of my upper fibula. The doctor did surgery to place a titanium rod and screws to hold my tibia together. After about 3 months I was told I could slowly start weight bearing. Now at the site of the break it feels as though the break hasn't healed completely and feels as if there is some kind of build up on the broken area of the bone. My doctor said nothing about it the last time I had an xray but I'm a bit concerned about it because that spot is still pretty painful. I also have some pain in my knee and not really sure why as i didnt injure my knee but they did make an incision in it to put the rod in( the pain is not near the incision). Also, am I supposed to be able to see and feel the screws under my skin?
Hi Dr. My situation is that I had a dislocated ankle with a trimalleor fracture of my left ankle on August 19, 2011. In the ER they put the ankle back into place and the surgeon wanted to wait due to swelling to do the surgery. On the 29th of August I had a plate, 6 screws along with a screw across my ankle for stability. 11 weeks later I am doing PT but the pain in my ankle is outrageous at times. I try to only take Tylenol .due to the fact that I have to drive to work. I have always had a high tolerance to pain but this is really kicking me. Also along with this is the fact that I'm itching alot. There was a rash that started at the top of my ankle, my MD put me on some steroids and it helped for a while but I'm off of them and it has started again. Is there a way this could be associated with the placing of metal in my ankle? And my surgeon did mention that he might have to go in and take out the screw that he put in that goes across my ankle but nothing about the plate and screws. Can I have them taken out and still have mobility? The PT says I'm doing good but I missed my last appt due to all the pain I have started to experience. Is there a vitamin that will help with the healing? I am a 47 year old woman and want to get a handle on this so I can live my life without all the pain and excuses of not being able to do things.
At two and a half months after this type of injury it is unusual to be getting severe pain. It is possible that this is being caused by tight "diastasis screws" between the tibia and fibula. These screws will invariably break, and my aim is to remove them before they break (at times replacing them with absorbable screws) at about six weeks post operative. It is improbable that the rash is related to the presence of metal. Did you have a cast? You need a precise diagnosis as to why you are getting this amount of pain.
Hello, I am a 20 year old, about 5 years ago I broke both my radius & ulna in a rugby tackle, clean break, I got 2 plates and 13 screws fitted. When the surgeon gave me the option to have them removed a few months after it had healed I refused, due to me playing rugby, american football, and football. For roughly the past 3 years I get pain in the arm, but have always put off the thought of getting them removed, due to work commitments, at the mo I'm almost qualified as a Paramedic so I would have the opportunity whilst waiting for employment. Also, when I play rugby or anything really, and the forearm comes into any direct contact the pain is unreal, I have to sit out for a while untill the pain settles down. Just wondering if you'd recommend me doing anythin about it? Thanks, Kieran
I am not sure that your reasoning for wanting to retain the plates "due to me playing rugby, american football, and football" is valid. After the appropriate convalescence your arm should be as strong as it was before the injury. Retained plates can accentuate problems with future injuries. Indeed the plates are now causing you pain. After having the plates removed absence from contact sport for six months would be prudent, but during that time much swimming and gym would be encouraged, and your fitness retained.
Hello I broke both the radius and the ulna when I was eight I had metal plates in and a year later got them removed then three years later I did it again but couldn't get plates back in. To this day 20 years later I'm still having to go to the hospital once every two years because I've been left with holes in my bones. The pain is worse in the winter for sure. But yes get them removed
The pain you are having is more likely related to the internal scars caused by the original injuries and the subsequent surgery. You are describing the well known "Cold Syndrome".
Approximately 15 years ago (around 1986), I broke my tibia and fibula just above my left ankle, and they were repaired with a metal plate and 9 screws. I am 59 years old now. The affected part of my lower left leg has remained swollen ever since the operation. In the last year, I have been experiencing some weakness in my entire left side. I have seen an orthopedist and a neuerologist for the weakness. They've done a brain MRI and a nerve conduction study but haven't come up with a diagnosis yet. Could either the swelling or the presence of the metal in my lower left leg be causing weakness in the entire left side?
It is improbable that the weakness in your left upper limb is related to the problems in your left leg. Can I suggest using a below knee elasticised stocking to reduce the leg swelling, as that could have some adverse long term effects?
im 25 year old and will be 26 this dec. i do have same thing as you do. my right ankle.. it remained swollen ever since the surgery also. i did used brace or wrap.. but not working.. so i didn't sure if it will get worse? because since few month ago, it getting hurts and keep pop noise every time i move my ankle wrong way..
hello, i had ulna osteotomy about 4 years ago, it went very well however recently i am having wrist pain and it "pops" all the time.....is it advisible to have the plate and screws removed, i am 36 years old......also if it is removed how long does it take to heal...since removal would be an extenstive surgery.
To make any useful suggestion I would need to know why you had the osteotomy, where in the ulna, and where the "pop" occurs
I am 47 and have had a plate in my right hips since the age of 2. Recently my mobility has worsened, as well as my arthritus. My biggest concern is the apparent clunk I appear to be getting part way down my thigh which is where I am told the plate now resides. Having had an x-ray, I have been told by my GP that there has been movement and I am awaiting an orthopaedic referral. My mobility and arthitus pain has worsened substantially and I am concerned what this could mean?
My guess is that you are female and had a congenital dysplasia of your hip, which necessitated an osteotomy and realignment of the femur/hip in your infancy. If that was the case it might not be surprising that you have developed degenerative changes in your hip now that you are 47. The plate is now likely to be firmly buried in bone, and it is highly improbable that it has moved recently. Fortunately we live, now, in the era of hip replacement, with great benefit to those unfortunate enough to have these types of problem. I would not recommend having the plate out now, except if nessary for a hip replacement; the costs do not justify the cure. Recently there was discussion about removing metal in children, and your history demonstrates two possible consequences to having left the plate in place. I do not know if these apply to you, and used your letter only for purposes of illustration. The first is interference with a hip replacement, making it less than straightforward. The second is that the presence of metal, which has migrated with development into the shaft of the femur, will likely make that bone somewhat more vulnerable to injury should it be subject to great forces, such as a fall or motor vehicle accident.
I am a 22 year old Male. 25 months ago I broke my 4th and 5th metacarpals. I had to have 2 plates and 8 screws put in. Since then, my hand has healed very well, but there is discomfort. I get numbness and tingling in the end of my pinky finger. I feel like it would be beneficial for me to get my plates and screws removed. Please let me know your opinion or any questions
The numbness and tingling at the end of your little finger is caused by constriction/damage to that, specific, digital nerve. The site of this can be narrowed down by knowing whether it occurs on both sides of the little finger. I have to assume that the rest of your hand functions perfectly and there is no weakness or wasting of the muscles in your hand. I would also need the x-rays to correlate your symptoms with the plate. It is possible that the plate has nothing to do with the nerve symptoms.
Good day Dr. JP, again I have some questions about removal of plates . As I mentioned before I had a Tibial comminuted fracture 5 inches below the plateau and slightly dislocated my knee. 2 months after the surgery the x-ray result is good the fractures started to heal. Now I'm on my 3rd month of full weight bearing. I am having a limp which I think my leg is shorter than the other but when it was measured there is only 3 mm difference will this affect my way of walking? What really affect me of having a limb? Can I really walk normally? Now I experience pain below my knee is it because of a long screw being put across in it? Sometimes I feel sharp pain in my leg. I can't stand and walk for long . My doctor used buttress plating, a plate and 9 screws.Is it hard to removed? My doctor told me that If ever I want it to be removed he will do it after a year so my question is having 9 screws in my bone. Having these number of holes will these affect the strength of my bone ? I have read different articles from the internet . Different doctors have different ideas but based in your learning, in your patients record is it true that after the removal of the screw the bone will heal and reverts? For how long after the removal? In my case I have nine screws and a plate is there anything to worry? I always pray to God that time comes these foreign object will be removed safely and I want to be back to normal. I hope Dr. JP you will continue to share your ideas to us. I know some people having the same situation of mine will be guided too. Thank you in advance.
A fall In July resulted in spiral fracture of my 3rd metacarpal. A plastic surgeon attempted external fixation. This Involved putting a pin into the 2nd metacarpal. Pinning was unsuccessful due to muscle in between the bones of broken metacarpal. This resulted In 2 screws being placed. Surgery was successful and went to hand therapy. 5 weeks post op I was massaging my hand, pulled on my thumb and felt a "pop". Had Instant pain and swelling to pinning site in 2nd metacarpal, lost my Index finger knuckle and lost ability to pinch. Saw surgeon 2 days later, had x-ray. Was told there was no fracture and that 3rd metacarpal was healing fine, and I as told to return to work (I'm and ER nurse), take Ibuprofen, and Ice It. 1 week later had another x-ray which showed a fracture. A splint was used to keep alignment. One week later I was told that I would need surgery the next day. He placed a titanium plate and 6 screws. 2 weeks later I began to have swelling, pain again at same site. Saw him again at normal post op follow-up and was told the titanium plate was broken in half. He has had me back in splint x 1 month. I have lost all progress from previous hand therapy. I have constant pain and I still have a nasty bulge to area over 2nd metacarpal. He says from follow up x-rays that bones remain in line, but if I continue to have pain or swelling the faulty plate should be removed. Have you ever had experience with a titanium plate breaking with no apparent cause? The plastic surgeon says "It Is because of repetitive motion". I don't agree because I have been in a splint that only allows my thumb to move. I am scheduled to get a second opinion from an actual hand specialist. I was wondering what your opinion was.
I am sorry to hear this sad tale. Much of surgery is difficult and frequently unpredictable. The plates used on metacarpals are necessarily thin and weak. A message from these events is that most muscle actions in the body recruit multiple parallel muscle actions. Using your thumb necessitated bracing your hand (even if it was in a splint) to provide the necessary firm structural base. Many or all the muscles operating on the hand will therefore have been recruited and activated. These include the muscles acting on the metacarpal, and hence the "repetitive strain". That would have been sufficient to break the plate.
As always, you need an accurate diagnosis as to the cause of your pain, not speculation. One way to check whether the plate is making contact with the talus is to look at the movement of the ankle, in real time, under the x-ray image intensifier. I usually film simultaneously. You also need to check whether or which tendons might be snagging - because of scar, on metal or at the edges of bone spicules. Real time ultrasound, in experienced hands, would be a good way to investigate this. Having said all that, eight months is a relatively short time in orthopaedic terms, and you might like to see if further improvement occurs over the next few months.
Hello Dr. I have a question about a surgery that my son had on his legs back in April of this year called a Hemiepiphyseodesis. The surgery seemed to have