2 years ago I had a car accident which resulted in a open fracture of my left tib/fib. The tibia was plated from the ankle bone up to mid shin. There appear to be 4 screws. The top screw in the shin (or the top of the plate?) has begun hurting with almost every step. At times it feels like shin splints while other steps the pain is sharp. Can this cause further bone damage? What are the expected results from removal of the screw or all hardware? Recovery?
Hi and welcome to Chat Doctor. Thanks for the query. Screws and other photosynthesis materials are routinely removed after there is no purpose for it in our bones. It means that bone has healed and these materials don't cause stability anymore. For prevention of possible infection, it is recommended that it is removed 6\u00a0m-2 years after surgery. It won't cause any bad effect on bone healing or pain. Wish you good health. Regards