Should I Have My Plate And Screws Taken Out? Hardware Removal Surgery

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The question of whether or not to remove previously implanted fracture fixation hardware should be removed is discussed weighing the risks and benefits.
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[@ltamha]

I've just had all my hardware removed and feel so much better already. The wound from the op hurts of course but my mobility is so far much improved and it's only been a week since getting it all out. Very glad I listened to my gut and pushed for the removal, the surgeons were hesitant but I believed it was worth a go and now I'm very relieved I did. The pain from the hardware that was in my ankle was getting no better even after a years time in recovery. You know your own body, listen to it and your gut and if you know something is wrong don't take "I don't know"/"I'm not sure" as an answer from your doctors. Things can only get worse in time if you leave them untreated. Peace and love to anyone reading this, I wish you wellness and safety :).

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thank you for sharing your experience LTA. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.

[@alfredthirdy9716]

where you operated mam !?and how it is going now mam

[@bessote]

Is the removal fully covered by the insurance?

[@thebestkeptsecret2263]

Did your recovery improved after removing the screw? How are you now? Thanks

[@marecee1054]

Thanks for sharing your own personal experience, I found it useful. I too am currently struggling with mobility issues and ongoing pain in my ankle which I think is because of these screws and plates, even after going to physical therapy 2 days a week for over 6 weeks now. I wholeheartedly agree (with you) about listening to your gut and doing what you think is best, especially listening to your own body. My surgeon too is reluctant to remove them, but I'm going to keep pushing for removal after waiting a year. Although I'm fully aware of the consequences I'm willing to take the chance.

[@8strings]

I had my metalware (7 screws & 1 plate) removed, 15 months after a Weber C fracture. Strangely for me, US/Canadian surgeons often even leave syndesmotic screws in place, even fully expecting these screws to break, once weight bearing is commenced. "It does take up operative time that could be used for other purposes"? Yep, I think that might be the main reason. This operation does not pay much and when I talked to an Australian surgeon, he was only willing to take the metalware out in conjunction with an arthroscopy, charging a couple of thousand of extra dollars for the entire procedure. The doctor also advised that he would not be willing to hand me the metalware after the operation. So I decided to head to Europe (Berlin), where I had all metalware removed for a couple of hundred Euros, versus in excess of A$3,000 in Australia. My surgery happened 6 days ago and I feel terrific. No more pressure in that area and totally worth the long journey. Always consider that surgeons are also business people.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Removal of hardware is a controversial topic. In general, hardware removal should be considered when the hardware is symptomatic. Broken hardware is actually often asymptomatic and can remain in place permanently with no negative effects in many cases. You are correct that syndesmosis screws often will break and are left in. I am sure the reason to not remove hardware varies but the main reason is likely a desire to avoid the risk of surgery if it is not absolutely necessary.

[@R4W88]

Hey 8strings Im thinking of having my hardware taken out, what hospital did you use in Berlin? thanks

[@amalekita5009]

@@R4W88 you dont have to go in a hospital in berlin there are plenty of good hospitals in germany i have to know it i live there

[@amalekita5009]

good thing we got a health insurance in germany so we dont have to pay for each operation only like 100 to 200 euros per months max

[@amalekita5009]

@@TalkingWithDocs Jeah i have a radiusfractur and got a metal plate with 4 screws in it and an ulna fracture with one screw very close to the wrist and i have problem number 2 and 3

[@edwardbrothers5597]

Informative and interesting as always. Just 2 weeks post LAPIPLASTY surgery, I never thought about the possibility of having the plate or plates and screws removed and don’t think that was ever the plan. Hoping there will never be a need for that. Other than this annoying boot I have no complaints. Great videos that always answer questions of inquiring minds with reduced mobility.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Glad we could help Edwards Brothers. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@alexv90]

coolest , easiest , simplest , clearest video on the subject ran outta words thank you doctors!!!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Alex! You are too kind. Doing our best to keep the channel informative and somewhat entertaining. All the best. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@doreenviscardo9126]

Hi Docs, love your videos. I fractured my wrist 1 1/2 years ago and had a titanium plate and screws put in. Seven months later had hardware removed due to pain. Removal went well and dr found a neuroma, cauterized and buried it in screw hole and held with bone wax. Still had discomfort and pain but went for months of occupational therapy and felt well for 3 or 4 months. One day kept flexing wrist and now have had pain almost daily that doesn't resolve except while sleeping. Went for a second opinion was blown off. Dr took many x-rays and kept saying "not bad". Wrist healed straight. I requested another ultrasound trying to rule out nerve or tendon problem. Dr. said what he was able to see looked good. MRI after hardware removal showed some mild tendinosis. I am at wit's end about what to do. I keep telling myself I had felt well and can get back to that point. It really takes a toll on your mind when a dr says you might have this forever. It also hasn't been a year since removal. Any encouragement or suggestions would be much appreciated. Have you ever heard of success with acupuncture? Dr would not give cortisone shot. He said skin is too thin and discolored. Thank you in advance. I find it incredible that you take the time to answer all these questions.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Sorry to hear this Doreen. It can be complicated and often a specific cause of the pain cannot be identified. Acupuncture is worth a try. Cortisone same. Maybe topical medication. Physio. Best of luck to you. Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@doreenviscardo9126]

Thank you so much for your response. I'm telling myself that if I was able to feel good for 4 months post hardware removal, I can get to that point again. Believing that is more than half the battle. Thanks again!

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

I had an L1 burst fracture, with spinal fixation done over a year ago (from T11 to L3). It reduced my mobility, and the surgeon who did the fixation told me it was better to remove that hardware to put less strain (over many years) on the surrounding vertebrae. I just got the hardware removed and already I feel so much better!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Very nice. Glad you are ok. Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@Boudreaux911]

Cuiv, The lazy Geek. I was wondering what kind of pain you were having before they took hardware out? I have T12-L1 fused 4 years ago and now it feels hardware is causing problems. Thanks for sharing your story!

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

@@Boudreaux911 For me it was mostly a constant kind of pain right under one of the fixation rods getting worse with exercise, along with very easily feeling fatigue and strain on the area around the hardware. Commuting on crowded Tokyo trains during the rush hour always had those symptoms come up, so it wasn't great for work. Lying down from time to time helped a lot though...

[@clintdarquea3719]

I have a t11-l3 fusion almost two years ago. I find the hardware to be pretty painful bu I've been extreamly nervous about another surgery and having it removed. Has anything gotten worse since having it taken out?

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

@@clintdarquea3719 It's much better since I got the hardware out. I basically feel like I'm back to normal, as I was prior to the accident! No pain or anything. I'm 38 though, so I'm still relatively young.

[@NeetiB]

Thanks for this video! i recently got a plate in my foot and was confused about a lot of things that might come in the next 1-2yrs. This clarifies a lot of doubts and such a to-the-point video... THANKS!!!!!!!!!

[@winniehuang9547]

Hi docs! Christmas of 2016 I was snowboarding and had an unexpected fall resulted in shattering my left elbow (distal humerus fx etc), had ORIF with plates and screws. I think it was a pretty severe injury, I suffered lots of joint stiffness and pain. My bones are healed per my ortho team. Nov of 2017 my ortho doc noticed a small bone grow in the joint in the way of flexion, but said it's my choice if I want to have surgery to take out the bone growth (since he's in there already, he'd take out the implants too). I wanted to try my best with conservative measures of recovery and wanted to rule out the pain is not just a healing process but actually from the implants, so I waited. Now (Aug 2018) I'm still having pain, unable to bear much weight, some joint stiffness; though range of motion is improved, it's not 100%, and I'm just modified in my daily functional stuff. Should I go forth with the surgery given this status? My recovery from 1st surgery for trauma was pretty brutal, would this round of surgery be theoretically better & quicker? I'm a 34 year old female, active lifestyle (pretty bummed due to this injury). I have a hard time finding studies about outcome of hardware removal for specifically my type of injury in the US. I would love to hear your opinion!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Winnie. So a fracture of the distal humerus is a difficult fracture that often results in pain and reduced range of motion after surgery. The risk of hardware removal is that you have ongoing pain, ongoing stiffness or possibly a nerve injury. This is something that is always best discussed with your surgeon. You need to decide if the disability you have now is acceptable or not and if not, what are the chances that this surgery will reduce your disability. It is often a very difficult decision. Hopefully that helps a little.

[@silverfox8244]

Thank you so much for this very informative video. Had fibula plate put in on Oct. 31st. It drove my mad crazy hopping around with my walker on one foot for six weeks. I'm at 50% weight-bearing and in therapy, I am so anxious about recovering during the winter months in MI. I'll be doing the best I can, just hope we don't get a lot of snow and ice. Thanks again.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Silver Fox. You are very welcome. So sorry to hear that you broke your ankle and had to have surgery. Time to look forward to your recovery. Yes the snow can be tricky - we know it up here in Ontario. Best advice is to go slowly. Good luck and thanks for watching.

[@c-maxprime]

Hi 😊.. i also just had plates fixed on my fibular..was hoping if you'd be able to give an update on how you are doing now. Just so i can know what to expect. Thanks

[@JohnnyTHolland]

Thanks chaps and I found your advice very useful and pragmatic. I have an old tibia metal plate and 5-odd screws which have been in for over 40 years and have not intention of having them removed if I can help it - though a TKR may not be easy. Whilst I am sure the older 'Doc' won't like me saying so, the combination of you two Doctors as the younger, enthusiastic and questioning Doc and the older, dry humoured, sage Doc works well (!).

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thanks so much Johnny. Truth be told we are pretty close in age and trained together. Good luck to you and stay safe. Thanks for watching and for subscribing if you did.

[@kaypendergast5676]

@@TalkingWithDocs really? I think you need to clarify what close in age means? You look say maybe 35yrs and he looks about 54yrs.

[@doreenviscardo9126]

First of all, I love your videos and I'm amazed you take the time to answer all the questions. I broke my wrist almost 2 yrs ago and had the hardware removed and a neuroma fixed 7 months later. I was still in pain but managed to be basically pain free about 5 months later with OT for 4 months. Then the only thing I can think of is one day I kept flexing my wrist back and forth all day (felt tight, like I was stretching the scar) and set off ongoing pain (except while asleep). I have gone for EPAT, Graston technique, acupuncture, cold laser, and more physical therapy . Went to a highly regarded ortho at HSS in NYC..more x-rays and I brought MRI and ultrasound reports. Really no definitive answer or problem seen. Is there a way to know if there is a nerve stuck in scar tissue? I am in such pain...still wondering if constantly flexing back and forth is aggravating the issue. Dr. is putting me on gabapentin and MORE OT. He said he would really try to avoid more surgery. I am having a hard time with this pain. How much does your mind and anxiety play into this problem? Sorry I hit you with so much but I respect your opinion. I am the type of person who likes to know exactly what is causing the problem. I have no tingling,zapping, numbness but some sensitivity by scar. Thank you in advance!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Doreen. So it could be the nerve. Usually you would have other symptoms. Gabapentin may help this. Sometimes a nerve conduction study can help. Wishing you the best of luck. Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@evachebishev4339]

I had a bimalleolar ORIF in December and it healed just fine. Then 6 months later my roommate’s cat bit my ankle right on the scar which led to a MRSA infection of my ankle and emergency surgery for hardware removal the day before my college graduation! I made it to graduation in a wheelchair with a huge cast and hooked up to a drainage bag LOL but it could’ve been a lot worse. I’m glad we caught it before it became septic. Moral of the story: always get things checked out and don’t wait until the last minute. Now I’m just waiting for my incision site to heal and to finish my course of antibiotics 😊 hopefully all my ankle drama is finished

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Eva. Crazy cats! Glad to hear you are on the mend. Keep getting better and thanks for watching. And congratulations on your graduation!

[@oioi-skank8547]

Got out of surgery yesterday only had 2 screws put in my ankle. Anxious and scared was a understatement. Got nothing but massive appreciation to these doctors and nurses (first time ive had to have any op done)

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi oioi. Hope you are doing ok now. Speedy recovery. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@alkalagratamira6263]

Hi oioi-SHANK. After how long from 1st surgery are your screws supposed to be taken out?

[@LaurenLawDawg]

Oi! Oi! Skank Have you had issues w hardware because I wanna pay extra for gold. Lmk. Oi! Oi! SKUNKS 🧷

[@steve00alt70]

But isnt the leg stronger than before?. Removing it only takes 15 mins some surgeons say. Mine with the metal work, fractured fib and tib 2 years repaired after surgery. Safe to do downhill skiing? Or teakwondo?

[@oliviakeller4213]

Hi Docs! Thank you so much for posting this video and for taking the time to help out everyone through the comments. I had an ulnar shortening osteotomy post distal radius/ulnar styloid fx earlier this summer. Everything seemed to be going well post-op until I hit the 8 week mark and had a big increase in my activities and started to do a lot more with my arms. After about a week of increased activity I got pretty bad tendinitis (suspected) over the surgical site and ecu tendon. The skin surrounding my scar and over the distal ulna is now numb. I'm 18 years old and am striving to be a surgeon in my future, so I'm a little concerned about long term effects from this, considering I want to be using full dexterity of my hands in the future. I definitely will be talking to my surgeon about it but I came across this video and would like to get your advice if you have the time. Do you have any ideas why the area over the incision is suddenly numb?

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Olivia. So there are superficial sensory nerves in that area that can be irritated with the plate and activity. Removal around one year is not unreasonable. Best of luck with your surgical pursuits! Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@matthewgraham2546]

Plate and screws in my fibula by the ankle for 35 years, no problem with it. Glad to see this video I can directly relate too.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Leave it in there!

[@spencrob]

Hey thanks for taking the time to educate us! I had an open fracture on my tib/fib and a spiral fracture on my femur and I have 2 IM rods. I am experiencing large amount of pain above the kneecap whenever I extend my leg, it feels like the IM rod is pressing into the joint, it's only been 6 weeks since the operation, but I feel like my PT exercises are causing me more and more pain, and causing the knee to become more swollen. I am only 21 years old, if I am adamant to get all the hardware out, can I get the screws and rods out at the same time? Do I get the femur rod out first?

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi spencrob. So you've had a lot of surgery. There are a few things that can be causing the pain above your patella. It is always important to see your specialist for an examination and if you have severe pain a new xray to make sure everything is where it needs to be. As far as removing hardware, if the femoral rod was put in retrograde (from the knee), you may be able to have them out through the same inicison. If not, you could still consider having both out at the same time. Usually you would have to wait at least a year and would want to ensure complete bony union. Open tib/fib fractures have a tendency to take longer to heal. Just don't start smoking as it will delay bone and wound healing. Good luck!

[@spencrob]

Ahh that makes sense doc, I must have 3 screws at the top of my femur rather than the usual 2. I gather they would have used the incision above the knee for both the femur and tibia rod. I have taken your advice from another video and today I bought myself some vitamin D to ensure I am sufficiently nutriated. In regards to smoking I stopped cold turkey after my accident, I hope I get union, because I would be suicidal if they have to replace this nail due to non-union. This surgery is pretty cruel and if I had the option of an external fixation device I would have leapt at the opportunity. Thanks for your help docs!

[@thebestkeptsecret2263]

Did they remove your screw eventually? How are you?

[@shahree100]

Canadian Surgeons rule!! Thank you!!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Shahriar. Thanks for the positive feedback. We are doing our best.

[@tracifoster1678]

Thank you both for this video. I had back surgeries and was in a lot of pain from the screws

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Very welcome Traci

[@marthacaldera5865]

Thank you for probing us these important information for those who just had surgery, you guys seem to be a knowledge teem

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Doing our best Martha. Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@lindamartin6860]

I had ORIF for a broken ankle 14 months ago. A metal plate and 6 screws were installed. Two screws went through the ankle bone. The ankle screws rubbed against any shoe I tried and every step was painful. I had all hardware removed 6 weeks ago. It’s no longer painful. The ankle is a little stiff, but I am hopeful it loosens with exercise. Even if it doesn’t, the pain is gone, and the 13 minutes in the OR was totally worth it.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thanks for sharing

[@michelleongoro5495]

Just a question when its cold why does the plate give a tingling sensation

[@lindamartin6860]

@@michelleongoro5495 I assume it’s the metal reacting to the cold. Mine ached in the cold.

[@michelleongoro5495]

@@lindamartin6860 oh really does stop at some point or will it be there for a long time

[@lindamartin6860]

@@michelleongoro5495 To my knowledge, as long as there is metal in there, it will react (ache) in the cold.

[@sl4081]

Hello, once the hardware is removed from the ankle, when would it be a good time to start with Physiotheraphy? As the numerous screws removed leave behind a lot of holes in the bone. And also when would one switch from partial weight bearing to full weight bearing keeping in mind about the holes in the bone and not to risk cracking them? Thank you in advance.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi G A. It is impossible to give specific advice to your situation without examining you and your xrays however generally speaking physiotherapy would start once the wound is healed - often around 2 weeks. As for weight bearing it would depend on your exact procedure but often patients are able to nearly full weight bear very early on. Ultimately it is up to your treating surgeon who you should discuss this with.

[@illyfigs]

I have an ankle injury and this was super helpful. For something so short, sure was informative!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

That is great to hear! Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@sydhughes6041]

Had plate and screws in my ankle 10 years ago with the NHS in Wales UK..top renowned Surgeon. Free , no hospital bill. Have full range of movement of foot but can feel the hardware under skin. No pain so happy for it to stay put.!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Agreed syd!

[@julie4289]

Hi i had surgery 2 weeks ago for a broken wrist. I now have a plate. Your explanations for leaving the plate in are informative. However, i understand that plates have only been used since around 2000. Therefore, i am concerned of the long term effects of keeping the plate in. So any stats on the long term effects will not be older than 18 years. I am trying to make an informed decision about whether to have the plate out. My gut feeling is to eventually remove this useful, but alien, object! Thank you for your help.

[@youngman7600]

Dude I'm not trolling you at all. These guys are Canadian Universal Healthcare Asshats. I had two metal plates and twelve screws on my left forearm implanted 13 years ago. They bothered me the whole duration of the time. I just recently got them out about two months ago and the difference is mindblowing. If a doctor tells you no, go to another doctor. Spend the money do whatever you have to do just GET THOSE OUT

[@halamanmahiwaga2063]

@@youngman7600 how you feeling now bro? im planing to remove my plate in my forearm after 2 years im only 5and a half months post op.

[@youngman7600]

@@halamanmahiwaga2063 Amazing brother I can get back to doing all the things I love. Actually just got done boxing lol

[@halamanmahiwaga2063]

@@youngman7600 sounds good! how long the hole in the bone will heal? and how long the operation? i only have 1 plate and 6 screw on my radius bone

[@youngman7600]

@@halamanmahiwaga2063 Give it 6 months to be on the safe side. I had 2 plates on that bone and I'm back to normal. I'm so happy with the decision to get the plates out

[@VK-vt4hg]

thanks for reply

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Welcome VK. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@davids6485]

Thanks a lot for a great video-post. I'm not sure if it's the right place to ask, but in case it is, I will really appreciate a pointer to article/study with regard to pros and con's of removal of one of screws following the intertrochanteric hip fracture. I found articles that studied 390 people, but I'm looking for a study with bigger number of parameters: factors like age, gender, presence of metabolic malfunctions like diabetics, number of fracture peaces (multiple peaces), number of screws in the head of femur, places that screw went out of the femur head, number of weeks that took to the screw to went out following the fixation surgery. In particular, I want to understand the influence of above factors in terms of a possible damage to the joint due to the outstanding part of the screw that 'scrubs' the joint (whether the damage is recoverable or unrecoverable). And also in terms of construction, meaning the influence of the screw removal on the construction strength (given an unhealed bone in a timeline of several weeks after the fixation surgery).

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi David. All cases are different however if there is a screw in contact with a joint surface that cartilage will be destroyed at a rate that depends on the amount of contact and movement at that location. The damage is irreversible. If the screw is removed before the bone is healed, the bone may not heal depending on the rest of the construct. If the bone doesn't heal, all of the hardware will eventually break. For that reason, if you have to have screws removed before the bone is healed, the hardware is often replaced with new hardware in a different position. Hope that answers your question.

[@davids6485]

Crystal clear. Many thanks!!!

[@lisemargaret589]

this is so helpful! I broke my fibula & talus, and I have screws and plates.. It's scary to know I have metal but this helps! thank you!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Glad we could help Lise.

[@bwnco]

My body is plates, screw, rods.. lol no worries! I still ski, ride, rock climb.. you good!

[@pavanrajrp]

I too had talus surgery, could you please share with me how you feeling now?

[@jyotideshpande3593]

Hii Lise....i m from India...i too had broken my talus n tibia just two months back...i had surgery now cast is removed...how long it takes to recover from it.

[@tigergold999]

Back in January of 2015 my son broke his upper right femur while at hockey practice. The orthopedic surgeon placed a rod in the bone and 4 metal screws (2 high and 2 low) in the bone to hold the rod in place. Three years later and my son tells me he is beginning to feel discomfort from where the screws are. We've consulted a orthopedist while he was being seen for a totally different injury this year (2017-18) and he said that it's up to him whether he wants to have surgery to remove the screws. My question(s) is, if he has surgery to remove the screws, will they also remove the rod in his femur or will that be left in? Will he also have to undergo post surgery physical therapy or just a few days of bed rest and recovery?

[@Danny-hv9ox]

I had my screws removed from my knee, but my rod was left inside my femur. They said if it's not bothering you then to leave it. The screws in my knee however was pitching me from the inside over the years.

[@Sebas_tian_]

@@Danny-hv9ox i JUST had that screw by my knee removed 2 weeks ago. I left the rod in though (reinforced femur? Why not lol). That screw was pinching pretty bad. I also had plates and screws removed from my right fibula, left radius / ulna and right radius. Main reason was because my left arm was still hurting at the gym even after a year and a half from my accident. If any1 is thinking about removing hardware wants to know an update just reply and ill reply back at that given time. God bless!

[@alfredthirdy9716]

@@Sebas_tian_ sir i have my plates and screws in my left forearm just had surgery 3 weeks ago. how long will ever go bck to normal. and how long did it stay to your bones the plates screws in your radius and ulna before you removed it.

[@nicolaxoxo1]

@@Sebas_tian_ lots of injuries, wow. I just fell on Christmas morning and shattered my radius and broke my ulna. Also displaced wrist bones. No hand surgeons available due to the holidays so I had a hellish 16 day wait for surgery. I am allergic to most metals. So he found a polycarbonate plate but unfortunately titanium screws. PS there’s no such thing as 100% pure titanium despite what Drs say. There’s ALWAYS trace metals. Titanium is soft, nickel and cobalt are hard and cheap. Sometimes trace metals cone during manufacturing. In any case my pain and swelling and discoloration are worse than before surgery so I am hoping to get this shit removed asap! I was in great shape and very flexible before but not have already lost 90% of my arm muscles in just this month of inactivity. Since surgery I go to therapy but can not bend fingers or move my wrist. Pain is awful despite pain medication. I cannot imagine how long until I can lift weights or do arm balances (yoga). Really bummed.

[@Sebas_tian_]

@REVOLUTIONARY hey how are u and to everyone else.. so it's been 5 months or so since I had the metal removed. My arm feels GREAT. seems like the screw that was backing out was definitely causing the pain. My arm is now fully healed and I even got back into the gym. Been pushing and curling decent weight with no trace of the previous pain. I had to wait this long due to a Tendon being very inflamed as well from the removal process but I can tell u I'm extremely happy with the results from removing the hardware. Unfortunately my foot did receive permanent damage and will eventually need an ankle replacement but for now I'm not complaining. Happy I can still walk. Every case is different and for me it's been a very positive outcome from removing the hardware.

[@danielsonscott3038]

If the idea of having metal stuff in your system bothers you get'it removed, it feels relief!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

It is a very personal choice for sure. Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@doctor9101]

Amazing combination, 2 people with sLightly different opinions, and both are right , and no hesitation to show that, that's how it is in medicine

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Doctor Sai. We are not sure if you are being genuine or sarcastic. Did you like the video or not?

[@doctor9101]

@@TalkingWithDocs I geniunly likes your videos, my mom's (78) with severe pulmonary edema, and struggling with life. So no time for me to be sarcastic

[@BrigidSamhain]

I had bi-malleolar fracture - plate & screws in left ankle. One year later plate, screws were removed. The only stress was the nurses terrorizing me all night - overnight for observation. I'm more afraid of technicians getting the injured arm or leg wrong or from needing to pee with a fractured knee but no one to help me get to the toilet. The knee ORIF wire has come apart but it doesn't look like they will remove it. It bugs me - wire all over my otherwise smooth knee/patella. That's why I watched this video. Thanks Docs!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Brigid. Thank you for sharing your story. Good luck with the patellar hardware. Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@pedromax6878]

Is it necessary to remove my screw? I had dynamic hip screw on March 3 2018 my bone healed but im afraid about removal of this due to long recovery and if it is necessary when to remove.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Peter. The vast majority of hardware can remain in place. The main indication for removal would be local pain or if the screw was doing damage to the joint. Good idea to discuss this with your surgeon but they usually stay in. Thanks for watching.

[@thebestkeptsecret2263]

Did they removed your hip screw? What's the update?

[@Dinelie]

Is there a chance I can get a minimally invasive removal l4/5

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Dinelie. Thanks for the question. It depends on the hardware you have in place and would best be discussed with your treating surgeon. Thanks for watching.

[@gangaramtamang7640]

Hi dr i am from nepal Please please suggest me I had surgery 15 years before because of my humarus fractured so i had 2 screws and two wires in it. I am planning to removed it so I would like to know i am doing right or wrong please share your experience and thoughts thanks

[@ryndudley2242]

Hi! I appreciate that you are answering people, that’s very considerate. I have a lisfranc fracture screws and plates, it’s been 6 months which is when I was told the plates would be removed but not the screws. Thanks to Covid this surgery is not happening. You both have suggesting longer wait times can be beneficial, is this so in a lisfranc fracture. I’m still experiencing pain and numbness but am healing slowly all over my foot except where the metalware is. The pain in this section doesn’t change much. I have very little cushioning in this area and am for a lack of a better word- bony 😂 I rather hoped that metalware removal would help because this is what seems to be inhibiting my walking most. And I used to like walking. The broken Tib and fib on the other side certainly don’t help that though. I know it’s it’s a complex injury and everyone heals differently, if they heal so I realise it’s probably not black and white. But for particular injury are there pros/cons to getting the metalware out sooner rather than later? Thanks!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Ryn. So yes everyone is different. A Lisfranc injury is a very serious one that can lead to permanent pain in some patients unrelated to the presence of hardware. There is little downside to waiting to have it out. Only time will tell if your pain will improve. If it did, you can leave it in. If there is a specific area that is sore, you can discuss this with your surgeon and try and correlate it to the hardware if something is particularly prominent. Sorry to hear about your injury and hopefully you are able to get back walking! Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did.

[@ryndudley2242]

Talking With Docs thanks! The hardware is exactly where I’m having difficulties with pain and movement, 2 plates and 3 or 4 screws, I did a lot of damage and the plates are extremely prominent. But it’s good to know that it won’t get worse the longer they are even if it might not get better. And yes I’ve read enough to know some people never heal properly and some do and that it will probably be at least a year before I get an idea about that. Appreciate the info.

[@powerfulaura5166]

Hello Doctors, thank you for your prior response & kind words. It's been decided by my diabetic brother's doctors that his metal plate & screws (reinforcing his comminuted upper humerus) should be removed permanently in a few days after it's been in for ~11 weeks, in order to try completely kill off the postoperative infection via IV. Do you have any commentary on how his arm might hold up without the metal & what we could do to keep it strong/safe? Thank you.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Powerful Aura. Sorry to hear that but it is good to have a definitive plan. Hard to give specific advice without an examination and review of his imaging but they will likely provide him with a sling and possibly some type of brace or splint. Best of luck. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.

[@NPS113]

Hey! I've been struggling with this question (whether ir not to remove my hardware ) because i had a scoliosis correction surgery 8 years ago, when i was 14. Since the last year my scar has been infecting on and off, to the point that, when it heals, it forms a depression on the skin. I wonder that, if i do proceed with the removal, how are holes the vertebrae supposed to heal ? Is there any bone density loss after the removal? Will i be able to continue weightlifting sports? Would love if someone could advise me and answer my doubts. Thank you!

[@mnqobingcobo3200]

Talking With Docs please respond to this question.

[@Dounjikootsvet]

Anything about Removal they don't want to talk to you about. How else do they make money if you're well and never depend on medications! I took mine out regardless and I feel great! You're the person in pain. Doctors won't know how it feel unless they are the patients period.

[@Dounjikootsvet]

Do what makes you feel good now...tomorrow may never come!

[@SA-dy2if]

@@Dounjikootsvet your comment is so on point, I broke my ankle in 3 parts and I've got a lot of metal work that I want removing. It's so painful and as I'm quite slim it's very prominent and it's such a struggle to sleep or even go about my day. The problem is the Dr is only wanting to remove part of it and not all at once. I'm pushing for it all to be removed at once or if he doesn't agree to get refered to the hosiptal I got treated (which is not local to me as it happened in a diff city). It's so hard to persuade them But I'm going to keep fighting and not give up. At the end of the day like you said how will the Dr know the full effects, it's we as individuals who have to go through the agony and stress 😣.

[@alfredthirdy9716]

@@Dounjikootsvet where is your hardware remove

[@athuljiths5906]

Does the screws get loose? Can i go to gym while having hardware in forarms? (Im not removing my plates and screws.)

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Athuljith S. So they will probably not get loose. And yes you can go to the gym. Hope that helps. Good luck. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing if you did.

[@kartiyaee5589]

@@TalkingWithDocs I’m 15 I fell 40ft and I’ve broken my spinal cord, pelvis bone and back bone they put in screws, plates and rods in my back and I healed up in 1 month but to be exact 3 weeks with no physical therapy thanks for the tips :)

[@alfredthirdy9716]

@@kartiyaee5589 does the screws plates fell your back or you are good to do your normal activities

[@ivanyamanaka26]

I just had the hardware (rod & 3 screws taken out supporting my femur 2 days ago after being in 32½ years by Dr. P. Murray who put it in all those years ago!! I only wish I brought crutches or a walker instead of a cane that I thought I only needed. Always like the videos you Drs upload! Thank you!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Nice Ivan. Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@bunnytoes7200]

I had my hardware removed about a month ago. The screws were sticking out up under the skin looking like little skin tent. After the removal I almost immediately felt pain in a certain area. But felt it was likely just healing. At 12 days I had my staples removed only to discover the incisions had not healed at all but were open. I’d fallen first step out of my car on arrival ho,e from surgery, slipping on some water that has spilled on the garage floor from a watering can I had no idea what’s there. Perhaps the incisions popped open then. It was painful but an x-ray showed no breaks. The nurse at my doctor’s office applied sterili strip and a breathable mepore bandage and sent on my way. Instructed to come back if there were complications etc. Five days later I sent pics of the incisions to my surgeon who wanted to see me pronto and within a few days I met with him. He was concerned, suggested surgery to clean it out or antibiotics. I chose the latter and am going to wound care three times a week. Three more pills and we’ll see. The course of antibiotics was for seven days. I am definitely concerned.

[@BerylWhiteBing]

At 59, I broke my ankle in 2015. its been a year and I am trying to make a decision on removal. My GP said exactly what you did, why go through surgery if its not bothering me. Thank you for confirming.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Glad we could help!

[@ginskingpak7241]

Talking With Docs I had acl hamstring surgery three and half years ago and I feel pain in tibia and couldn't walk more than 1mile .could you tell me what causes would be possible. no swelling just pain and little bit stiffness

[@mickpinwell59]

Talking With Docs ...Hi I had hardware put in at l4/s1. My surgeon has opted to remove it as my disc at l3 has a problem but mri's are a problem because my hardware is effecting the pictures. My hardware has been in for 28 years.

[@GDL88]

What if you break the bone again while the hardware is in. And also i was given a metal rod and my doctor said that eventually it will just disappear into the arm. I have had two rods in my radius and ulna for 7 months and im about to have surgery to take them out in a few weeks

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi DriftSlayer101. So if you break with hardware in place, you will break above or below it. The hardware will not disappear. Good luck with your surgery. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing if you did.

[@alfredthirdy9716]

do you remove your metal plates and screws

[@alfredthirdy9716]

have you remove your metal screws in ur ulna and radius

[@GDL88]

@@alfredthirdy9716 no not yet

[@GDL88]

@@alfredthirdy9716 because of covid it was delayed by a lot

[@lackadaisicalwray6090]

Thank you! I had patella repair..2 screws and the wire.. I'm living fine with it in... Don't want to get my knee opened up again.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

We agree if you don't need to Lackadaisical Wray! Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.

[@adams8876]

Hi docs. Love the videos...you two are so 'down to earth' and represent how all docs should relate to their patients. Quick question. I am about 5 weeks post op from a bimalleolar fracture (8 wks post injury). I believe I may be feeling the plates/screws, but am not sure. At what point would I be able to tell? I'm assuming it would be difficult to tell now, considering the ankle is still very swollen and I am still experiencing pain (controlled with Ibuprofen). Also, how long does it typically take to get to the point where one is relatively pain free following this type of fracture? I am beginning physical therapy in a week or two. Thank you!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Adam. Thanks for the kind words. It would typically take 3-6 months for the swelling to go down and the bone to heal. Having said that patients often improve out to 1 year and beyond. Discuss it with your surgeon but a lot of the pain can be related to the procedure rather than specifically the hardware. Hope that helps. Good luck and thanks for watching.

[@adams8876]

@@TalkingWithDocs Thank you so much for the reply. As a recent (first time) surgery patient, I have a recommendation for a future video: post-op care, in terms of what to expect regarding healing of the wound(s), as well as potential complications. I had a scare regarding calf pain, and was sent for an ultrasound to rule out a clot. Just an idea!

[@metehand8838]

Hi I broke my hips when I was 16 now I m 26 years old and my legs is so much hurt when it’s cold when I walk and get tired and making me hitch if I will remove plates am I gonna be alright ?

[@AnimeBee25]

Yeah that happens with me too. I had an ankle surgery with a plate and screws. Whenever I ride a bike or it becomes so cold outside it starts to hurt. I don't know what to do!

[@wg_gamer8496]

Remove them it will be fixed my cousin had the same issue. After removing the plates it stopped hurting

[@AnimeBee25]

@@wg_gamer8496 on 7th January this month I got them removed. Now my cuts are healing. I didn't took a step from 7th January. Now I'm trying to walk. But whenever I put whole weight it feels like my ankle is electrocuted. It's a scary sensation@@

[@bessallin459]

I broke my tib and fib in 1999 , I had a plate put in 2000. Off course it hurts occasionally in wet or cold weather. Used to it now. But I doubt these are genuine medical consultants. A dr will never advice a plate removal

[@AnimeBee25]

@@bessallin459 Now I can walk properly. It's more than a month my implants get removed. Walk properly but hurt a little if I do lot's of work standing

[@srishti3588]

Hello sir I'm very nervous, I have plate in my skull because of blood clot and now when I touch my head I can feel the screw is it OK sir? Because I don't want do that all over again... Please reply doc

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Srishti. So prominent hardware is common. If it hurts, you can see your surgeon to discuss removal. Hope that answers your question. Sorry for the delayed response. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did.

[@ruslang68]

Hello, Doctors! I am impressed that you comment every single comment! Could you, please, answer my question? I just had ORIF calcaneus last week, and the screws and a plate on the outer side. How does the skin fix itself over the plate? Is it hanging lose, so I can pinch and pull it off? Does it attach itself to the heelbone through the remaining holes in the plate? Does it get discolored? Thank you. 2) can the bone grow over the plate causing ugly bumps?

[@TalkingWithDocs]

So the skin will adhere to the plate somewhat. The bone may grow over the plate but not always. It can be prominent in this area. Hope that helps

[@Redlotus1688]

Thank you guys ,I have been thinking about if I should remove the hardware on my wrist .

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Very welcome Red lotus. Good luck with your decision. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing if you did.

[@ahsantanveer8055]

May I will feel pain when my plates were removed from my arm

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Ahsan. It will be painful for a couple of weeks typically. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did.

[@ahsantanveer8055]

A lot of pain or little pain that I can handle

[@Daluke61]

Hey Doc's, how about little curve ball of sorts? Took a recent hard spill while training on a road bike; fractured acetabular joint, illium, etc. with plate and screws newly installed. On the mend with full intention of returning to competition. That said, weightlifting has been a thing (including squats) in my not too distant past. Realizing the complexities and variables involved in this sort of injury, I do wonder what your general thoughts might be regarding those pursuits in the future, both cycling and weightlifting. More like a knuckleball, maybe?

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi daluke61. Cycling should be ok. Weightlifting may be painful but also ok. Will depend on how much damage to the acetabulum. Best of luck to you during your recovery. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@craigwoollett2523]

Thank you Drs. My dhs is staying put after your sage advice

[@TalkingWithDocs]

All the best

[@advcardio]

Your Videos are very helpful and brilliant - thank you. I have 2 screws from ACL surgery (20 yrs ago) and now need TKA surgery - the screws are in the way and need to be removed. Question: What is the advantage of a *staged* hardware removal procedure vs doing it during TKA?

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi advcardio. Thanks so much and you are very welcome! So the main benefit from a staged removal of hardware (speaking generally) would be that it would allow you and the surgeon to determine if the hardware was in any way related to your pain. Secondly, it reduced the amount of time it takes to do a total knee so would typically make that procedure easier. Third, it can potentially reduce the risk of infection at your knee replacement. The other reason is if removing the hardware leaves a hole in the bone, that could be bone grafted, alllowed to heal and restore some of the bone stock before having the knee replacement. Having said that, for ACL screws, the incision does not typically have to be extended significantly and they often come out without incident. Best of luck to you. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did.

[@flodask8ing21]

Great video & channel Docs. I am 25 years old & fractured my elbow (olecranon) last October. So 6.5 months ago. I had a plate & screws put in that curves the corner of my elbow and is a “J “ shape. The surgery went quite well but I still seem to have quite some pain on the right side of olecranon (left arm) I feel that maybe getting the plate out could reduce this pain?? I play competitive golf and am trying to get back into weightlifting, but this always gives me some sort of pain when I do both. The hospital was Aurora St. Luke’s in WI. ANY insight would be greatly appreciated! & fantastic channel 👍

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thanks JAKE. So sometimes removing the plate can improve function. You just want to make sure that your pain is actually caused by the plate itself rather than being a consequence of the trauma and fracture of your elbow. Hope that helps. Best of luck. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing if you did.

[@The_topg2405]

Broke both my arms 3 years ago in a motorbike accident and had plate put in been in intense pain ever since up till this day now 3 years later been pushed forward to have the plate removed next week but this video cleared up a lot of worried and questions I was worried about so thank you !hopefully I recover and can finally not be in pain

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hope it helps!

[@jazminmiah]

Is there any updates on your pain? My bf broke his femur almost 4 years ago and has a metal rod. It was kind of bothering him however now pain is getting more intense. He has an apt to get it removed in two weeks but we are still unsure if that will even help.

[@Nflfan838]

Thanks so much for respond the screw is bothering me and affecting me for excercise purpose I’m just nervous about the flexor tendon on the epicondyle. I hope they could get the tendon out of the way and get the buried screw out and return back to excersise

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Good luck Mike.

[@blpadge2]

I had a MCP joint fusion in my right thumb due to pain from osteoarthritis combined with a fall onto my palm from a truck tailgate, K wires with a secured a figure 8 tension wire. Had to have them removed about 8 months later because the tendon to my thumb tip was rubbing across the top of it and limiting movement.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Bobby. You have to be careful on the back of the truck!. Glad things sound like they worked out and often tension band hardware does have to be take out due to irritation of surrounding tissues.

[@harveythomson2293]

Very good and interesting to hear guys! As i am nearly one year in to having spinal metal fixation, I am not sure whether to have it taken out or not. My consultant said that 10% of his patients get it taken out due to problems / issues. And although i still feel pain in my back he did say give it up to 18 months and for any nerve pain to heal. After that length of time its pretty much permanent, or so i am told...

[@harveythomson2293]

Meant to say, im 32 years old. Do you think there'd be a risk of spinal instability getting the plates out? Or should the bones have healed well enough after a year? Thanks, Harvey

[@marilynbowles7982]

I had my second knee surgery last July and had hardware replaced and a plate and 11 screws put in. The screw near the bottom on my knee cap never bothered me as much after my first surgery as it does now. It’s a lot more sensitive, and I can feel the screw head under my skin. My plate also has been causing me lots of issues, and I’m trying to figure out if I should get everything removed or not. My surgeon isn’t very…people oriented it seems, so he never really goes into detail about anything and kind of brushes off the questions I ask about it.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Marilyn. Maybe a second opinion? Best of luck. Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@carolinekoehler9041]

I had a tibia plateau fracture with a grade 3 LCL rupture in 2019 that needed reconstruction. A plate and 8 screws later I had the hardware removed after 2 years due to significant pain/limitation of ROM and swelling. Absolutely life-changing. I had to go to another surgeon to get it removed because the original ortho refused to remove it. If you're suffering with issues long after the bone has healed, speak up. You WILL find a surgeon willing to help you out.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi caroline. We totally agree. If pain persists, it certainly can be related to the hardware. Thanks so much for sharing your story. Glad to hear you are doing well. Take care. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing if you did.

[@prettybrowneyes1020]

I have a tibia plateau fracture as well. I slipped and fell on the wet grass in 2017. The past year my knee has had so much pain. It’s sometimes unbearable to walk. I’ve had one cortisone shot in 2020 and another shot( can’t remember the name) back in April 2022. Neither shots have worked. I’m also dealing with plantar fasciitis. I’m not sure if it’s related to the screws or not. I’m desperate for some relief.

[@outspoken3297]

I had tibia fracture and 7 screws and plate the bone is healed but my leg feels like ice specially in cold weather the doctor is trying to frustrate my not take the plate out but my brain tells me that it's the plate and screws causing this. Can you advise me

[@thetattedpharmacist3215]

Just had my plate removed from the top side of my 5th metacarpal today... plate was causing irritation to the proximal end of my finger and had caused adhesions of the flexor tendon, so underwent tenolysis at the same time... hopefully this fixes my pain and joint stiffness, 15 months on from the original reduction/fixation surgery!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Chris. Good luck in your recovery and hopefully the hand works better without the plate there. Thanks for watching.

[@Saffy1999]

I had my clavicle pinned plated and the ligaments reconstructed 7 years ago … for 7 years I have not been able to lie on my left side / have suffered pain; not only that region but going into my neck/shoulder, too. I have had MRI for cervical issues … there are none, so I can only assume it’s the metal work. I suffer from CRPS/RSD which is a risk as one of the Consultants I went to said I had this in the collarbone area. (However it is nowhere near like it is in my hand and ankle). Concerned on what to do. 3rd surgeon I have seen said he will remove the plate (as one of the pins is going into arthritic bone opposite) and take out the AC joint and scale down the bone that has osteoarthritis in it)

[@missbee1330]

Hi Drs. I’ve been following and you are doing a great job. I followed up with your anesthesia and I opted for spinal anesthesia. Surgery went successful. I had a corrective osteotomy done to correct a coxa vara and a limb length discrepancy. I’m not supposed to bear weight for some time. I want to ask if I can sit down and extend and flex my knee without fracturing it? I have a plate and pins in situ

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Miss Bee. Thanks for your support. So best to discuss with your treating surgeon as they may have some range of motion restrictions in place. Good luck during your recovery. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did.

[@SpicyGoose.]

I broke both my bones in my right forearm really badly(kinda looked like I had 3 elbows) in 7th grade, and I had this surgery. Other than a little nerve damage and aches every so often, it has been a little over 2 years and I'm great. Also I love Canadian doctors.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Hjonk Am Goose. Thank you so much. So glad you are ok. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did.

[@zahrahani5125]

Same

[@SpicyGoose.]

Just found out I have tardy ulnar palsy in that arm so maybe not great lol

[@nikkicrabtree2173]

I'm having the longer screw in the inside of my ankle removed soon. The hardware has been in there for 11 years. I've been working out (walking) There is tenderness and my surgeon is performing arthroscopy with synovectomy with hardware removal. Thanks for all your advice. Wish me luck!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Nikki. Good luck! Sounds like you hitting the gym has aggravated that hardware and that is not uncommon especially in the ankle as there is less soft tissue to cover it up. You are very welcome for the advice. Keep us posted. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did.

[@nikkicrabtree2173]

@@TalkingWithDocs Thanks so much. Surgery went well. Larger screw removed, plate and smaller screws left. A calm patient is a good patient. Love your videos and subscribed.

[@alidavalentinagosgnach700]

Thanks for your informative video docs! Question, can you have screws put in your hip? If so how long do you have to keep the in?

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Alida. Yes depends what it is for. Most can come out. Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@debralarue7021]

I had a bunion removed 2 years ago and to reshape the bone that was growing wrong, ,,a plate and screws were put in. Now I am experiencing swelling and tenderness around that spot... Going to go see doctor in a few weeks..

[@coffeecat086]

Just got my plate and screws removed yesterday. Doesn’t hurt nearly as much as it did when going in. Lol broke two bones in my ankle on October 30th and had surgery the 4th of November. Fun stuff.

[@southbay281]

I have 9 screws and 1 plate on my left ankle. I've been really wanting the hardware out. It still hurts to our on a boot. Did that pain go away after the hardware comes out ?.

[@coffeecat086]

@@southbay281 I won’t know that until the sutures heal up honestly so I’ll tell you more once I know more

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thank you for sharing your story Rachael. Hope things are going well. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.

[@sandraobrien8705]

How did you heal after the removal?

[@aliyasomji9480]

@@coffeecat086how are you now

[@devm7812]

Hi doctors, I had laminectomy and L4,L5, & S1 fused back in 2016 and it was a successful surgery. Last July when I lifted a heavy item, I heard and felt unusual sounds like some screws being pulled in the fused bone. The first symptom was dull ache and within 30 minutes I started to get severe muscle spasms around the area. I couldn’t walk for about a month afterwards. Took a lot of medication and now all the muscle spasms subsided but now I have pain in the S1 bone where the screws are placed. The more I move around the more pain ache I feel in the bone. Especially if I bend forward I will have to be in bed for the next few days. The nerve pain is from the lower back, to buttocks and thighs down to the knee level. I took x-rays, CAT scan, and MRI. They don’t show any loose screws. But I feel the screws cause the pain. Yesterday I got steroid injections in the back but I didn’t see any difference. I’m hopeless and don’t know what to do. I’m going to see my surgeon next week but I’m not sure if he will be willing to solve this problem. I’m wondering if I could get my hardware removed at your clinic privately. Please let me know.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Dev. Best advice is to see your treating surgeon. We are not spine surgeons and in Ontario there is no private surgery for this kind of thing. Best of luck. Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@devm7812]

Thank you so much for the reply

[@albania10]

Thanks for sharing this informative video. I have one question pls, I have a tibia plate operation, as I had great pain on my right knee, doe to my football injury’s, but after 1 year of operation, I am still in lots of pain and still can’t run properly, so the question is removing the metal plate, would that help, with the pain and the swelling? Thanks 🙏

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi kashi. The answer really depends on the location of the plate and what is going in inside the knee. It is possible that it could be related to the plate or may be related to a different cause. Best to have your surgeon assess you with a physical exam and some new xrays. Hope that helps.

[@pranabeshchanda8227]

Are u able to play after thar

[@josephlocurto9398]

I had a lumbar fusion at L5-S1 and have had bad burning pain ever since. My cat scan came back that the tip of the s1 screw projects over the posterior cortex of the s1 vertebral body. What does this mean?

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Joseph. Without performing a physical examination and reviewing your imaging, it is very difficult to give you a specific answer to your question. After having any type of surgery and particularly of the spine, there is a possibility of having ongoing pain at the surgical site and the surrounding area. The specific part of the report that you are talking about identifies that the tip of the screw has possibly exited the bone. This is often the case in order to improve purchase of the screw. Whether or not this is responsible for any ongoing symptoms would be something that you should ideally discuss in person with your treating physician if your symptoms are causing you difficulty. Hope that helps.

[@tonyzunigamusic2811]

Thank you gentlemen for your insight. I recently had an accident. I took a fall rock climbing and fractured my calcaneus. I currently have three screws and I have the option of getting them removed. My question is whether the gaps or holes left from the screws will heal properly crating new bone and fill the holes. I’ve read and researched and have had different opinions on whether the holes would heal properly or not and now I’m not sure if I should have them removed or leave them in because having the the hardware removed might give me a risk of re-injuring due to screw holes not healing. I would very much appreciate your opinion. Thanks you and God bless 🙏🏽

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Tony. So we usually recommend leaving them in unless they cause a specific problem. You will likely have some persistent pain due to having a fractured calcaneus. It can be a bad injury. Often the holes will fill in but it can take a long time. Worth a chat with your surgeon but we try to leave them in

[@phartsky]

When my right femur was repaired back in 1965, the rod that was inserted (an SMO 404 12x58) seemed to move up beyond the top of the femur, after about a year, and caused me great pain when I flexed my hip.. so I had the rod replaced with a shorter version (an OEC 11.3x42). After a few more years I was nervous about having the "rebar" in my thigh (thinking that a big hit to my femur would fracture my knee or my hip, which would be a bigger problem) I elected to remove the second rod. Now I have a pair of stainless steel windchimes!! Your thoughts?? Thx as always!!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Pete. Removal is always a personal choice. Sounds like it worked out. Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@tuppence71]

Two years ago I broke and shattered my left femur while hurrying down my carpeted stairs. also broke the left wrist. A steel rod and screws were used. Next week I will visit my orthopedic surgeon to see if the bone has healed enough to remove the rod and screws.. I work hard every day to heal the bone. The leg hurts after sleeping and several time during the day. I've used Doterra Deep Blue Rub every day since which helps. I am 80 years old otherwise in excellent health. Would you suggest removing the plate. It is my dream to have it done with some reservations. Thank you for you help.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi janie. Do you have a plate or a rod in your femur? Either way, it is important for you to discuss with your surgeon whether or not they think that your pain is coming from your hardware. Sometimes after surgery people have pain related to the initial injury and removing hardware may not alter this. You just don't want to be exposed to the risks of surgery if the chances of improving your pain are low. Hope that helps.

[@TonyNawrocki]

In 2001 I had a plate/screws put in the lower left arm near the wrist from a break during hockey. I seemed okay until I re-jammed the wrist playing lacrosse in 2007 and it created a small bulge in the arm that was not there before (possible plate bending?) I went to the orthopedic doctor to ask about taking the plate/screws out and he gave the common sense answer, "I would not want to try to take hardware out and cause more damage. You re-injured your already injured arm/wrist. Physical Therapy for life." The bulk of the pain in the arm went away and I moved on. Not long after, I noticed my whole arm would turn purple while lifting weights or even holding lighter objects at a certain angel. Next, my shoulder/neck slowly started to become tight/pained/stiff-- eventually my jaw felt tight on that same left side and smiling symmetrically was hard. Even feeling like my left eye was being tugged down on. I saw a slew of doctors for thoracic outlet syndrome-- dye tests on my heart and ultra sounds-- MRI of my head for possible injury to the brian ect. They did not find anything and all thought I was crazy (except when I showed my arm turning purple by lifting weights in their office.) Is there any chance that this plate is pinching nerves in my arm/wrist affecting other parts of my body? To this day, my arm still turns purple lifting even a light object at an angel. If I grasp the injured area I can more easily crack my neck back into place and jaw tightness lessens. Massage helps to. I am not crazy, just suffering from unexplained pain. It is now 2018. Would anyone even want to take this plate out? I feel like any doctor would give the same common sense response, "Your wrist doesn't hurt, that injury would have nothing to do with your neck, I wouldn't want to take it out b/c it may injure you more." Any thoughts or insights on this are appreciated and thank you so much in advance!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Tony. It is always difficult to answer specifically without examining you or reviewing your imaging but you make very valid points. It is unlikely that the plate would cause pain in your neck. Sometimes pathology in your neck can cause arm pain. Taking out the plate does carry some risk but the main reason to take it out would be issues localized to your wrist. The changing of color can be related to blood supply/drainage and can be a consequence of having surgery in that area. Hopefully that helps. Good luck.

[@craigsampson4602]

Thanks for the information What is the normal recover time after having a plate and screws removed from an ulnar bone ?

[@ellemeno0]

I had jaw surgery almost 20 years ago. Titanium screws in my upper and lower jaw and extender in my upper palate. A few years ago I started having some sensitivities to cellular/wifi/bt (pins and needles in my hands mostly). I also used a NuFace electric device on my cheeks/jawline and am wondering if that could have set off my implants (I no longer use it). When I turn on the cell phone I sometimes have sensation in my jaw/tooth/nasal area- heat, tension, and metallic taste. I know that psychosomatic manifestations can be very convincing but could there just as well be something real happening, and if so what should I do about it?

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Mia. See your doctor and get an xray to check the position of the hardware and then make a decision if there is a role for removal. Best of luck. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.

[@teeganconroy9608]

Hi, I am a young adult and live in the UK, I am due to have this removal surgery soon, I am quite accustomed to the whole process as I have been though it before with my other wrist which was removed 2 years after initial surgery, my backstory with my condition/surgery was I have underwent major bilateral corrective osteotomy of both wrists which required me to have a prolonged hospitalization after....., for this removal surgery I have been apprehensive about the whole thing this time around cause of the hardware has been in for longer 8 years and I now have to contend with a health condition of factor 7 difficency hemophillia, this will be my first surgery with this condition so I dont know what to expect or what the experience will be like......, also both of those things could pose significant complications with the removal and of course after postop, going with my previous surgeries I have alway had to be admitted and prolongly hospitalized - days+ due to complications from the recovery room and stay on the ward as my experiences have always been a tough ride......, I think I am ready for it but am apprehensive due to now having the factor 7 condtion and the not knowing, but apparently my ortho consultant surgeon said there will be stuff in place and think they will be extra cautious......., another thing is that its ment to be a day case under general anesthesic with possibly a overnight stay, but going from my other experiences nothing is ever simple with me and I require to be admitted to a inpatient ward after....

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Best of luck Teegan. They will be prepared for you. Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@chrisshafer7299]

Context: #5 metatarsal Spiral fracture on the shaft. Surgery was on May 12. A plate with 8 screws. On 08/07, at the 3rd post-op, the doctor said it healed so well that there were no indications a fracture occurred. Why wait a year or two to remove the hardware?

[@ranshu4802]

Thank you for the very informative video :). I just had a few questions. You mentioned that if the hardware is going into a joint and causing arthritis, then it should be taken out. Can you give an example of when this is the case for a hip femoral neck fracture? Is it when the screws are protruding into the hip bone from the head of the femur? I’m having a hard time envisioning how this can occur. How can you tell a pt has arthritis? Can you tell just by looking at the X-rays? Thank you.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Ran. So yes if you have a lag screw that goes up into the femoral head there is a small risk of the screw migrating through the bone at the level of the joint. It would present with severe pain. It would likely be obvious on xray. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.

[@ranshu4802]

​@@TalkingWithDocs Subscribed and thank you for your reply! Is a screw ever taken out ahead of time as a precaution or when you think there is a high chance of migrating through the bone? is it more difficult to take out the screw after migrating through the bone vs before migrating? Are there negative consequences besides severe pain when the protruding happens?

[@FloridaMan786]

I had a compound fracture in my ankle back in 2010. 11 years later, I have a sore on my ankle I’ve had since 2016. It hurts sometimes, but I’m concerned. I went to the orthopedic doctor and he said it wasn’t a problem. I’m going to have insurance through my job and I’m going to have to get it out. I’m concerned about healing time.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Florida. Depends on the location, the skin, etc but usually heals well. Good luck. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@whatsnext9977]

Did you get it removed? My sore was caused by a pin trying to work its way out. I saw the xtrays last week and hopefully they will take all the hardware out. I can see the head of the pin poking out of the sore.

[@sandraobrien8705]

Just got 2 big screws out of my ankle - immediate relief. I felt better as soon as they were out Still have a plate and screws. Will definitely get them out in 6 months time (earliest possible point according to my surgeon).

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Nice Sandra. Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@TeamAqua-hg2lm]

Thank you doc's. I had a bad ankle fracture 4 years ago. I'm back to work but every other few days I'm bed raided after work in a old of pain I refused to take any heavy drugs for pain. So just deal with it I'm scared it might bother my Hart one day

[@bwnco]

LOL.. for rest of you.. To date I have a plate in my neck, my knee, my right arm, a rod full lenght of femur and one into my hip. I have had none removed. For the beating I have taken joints work damn good. So no worries about leaving them in.. side note.. there are good orthos and bad ones.. Shop around and dont be shy! Ask questions. Sometimes its just a doctor you dont get along with personality wise. But it means Tons when you love and trust your doctor. Ask Questions, and shop! if possible.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi bmnco. Thanks for sharing. We totally agree. Leave it in if you can. And try and find a doctor you like and trust - not every pair is meant to be. Thanks for watching.

[@alfredthirdy9716]

wow what a strong words.. whats your age sir?? and how long already the metal plates in your body.? seems you find a great ortho.!

[@tonystott3754]

Hi just to put some people at ease ! I had titanium plates to repair fractures to the left radius and ulna more than 38 years ago . Although I have lost some rotational movement maybe 20% and some muscle loss due I think to the length of time getting the bones to heal approx 2years of failed operations , eventually had a bone graft wich was successful.as time as gone by I have never contamplated having them removed.i can honestly say I never have had any problems.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Tony. That's awesome and thanks for sharing your experience. Most hardware can stay in place and the majority of issues that people have after a fracture are likely related to the injury rather than the hardware. Having said that if people have severe pain or restriction they should always see their doctor. Thanks for watching.

[@archeilferrer9484]

did the hardware affect the growth?

[@22b3ast]

Question: I broke my femur the beginning of 2015 I had a rod inserted & screwed into place. Since I was able to walk I was experiencing pain in the hip where they went in at and still to this day if I’m sitting a little funny or running it becomes irritated. Im thinking that removing it will make me feel a lot better I’m just not trying to go through surgery again. How long would I be on crutches again and will the surgery be as painful as the first?

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Jb. Removing it may not help. Have a long chat with your surgeon about expectations. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@rebeccawalker225]

I had surgery to remove plate and screws from a fibula fracture because it was showing signs of possible infection. My surgeon also did arthroscopic surgery at the same time to remove a bone spur, scar tissue and repair ligaments. I was sent home in a splint. No pain after the surgery and very little swelling. Three days later I went in for the post op during which the splint was removed and the wounds were wrapped in gauze and a bandage. I was told to remain non-weightbearing (using a walker B/C the crutches didn't feel safe) and was told to wear the boot 24/7 except when sleeping. Within five hours of being in the boot I had pain, swelling and break-through bleeding. As of this writing I still have four days before stitches are removed. Just wondering why I need the boot if I am essentially non-weightbearing, and especially since it rubs against the tender site of the operation? Seems to be causing many more problems that helping in any way. I hope I will hear back from someone. Thanks...

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Rebecca. The boot is designed to support the bone after hardware removal. Our best advice is to wear a thick sock or add some padding to the tender area and hang on until the sutures are removed. Best of luck. Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@debrao4756]

Hi Docs, Thanks for this video. I have osteoporosis, and broke my radius and ulna 26 months ago. After ORIF and plate & screw insertion, I've had constant pain for 26 months, which is increased when I twist my wrist. My doctor has mentioned hardware removal, but isn't sure it will remove my pain. How does one know if it will or not? And is it dangerous to do this surgery with osteoporosis? Also if it's not a pins and needle type pain, is it most likely not a nerve issue? Thanks in advance for your response.

[@wibblywibble]

I had an ORIF after breaking and dislocating my ankle two years ago. Since then I’ve had multiple internal infections around the top of the plate which makes it extra tender, hot and swollen - and the screw on the bottom of the plate can be seen pressing under my skin which is uncomfortable. I’ve got an appt with my ortho surgeon tomorrow to potentially have it removed!!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Well good luck to you Phoebe! Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did

[@user-wb2yv7ll9d]

Thanks for sharing that, did you end up getting them removed?

[@wibblywibble]

@@user-wb2yv7ll9d yes, wow. Best decision I ever made. It’s like I never had a problem in the first place!! AND it took no time to heal!

[@user-wb2yv7ll9d]

​@@wibblywibble Thanks for sharing your experience. It's so great to hear you're doing so well. How quickly did it heal? A few weeks? Did you have bimalleolar ORIF?

[@doreenviscardo9126]

Hi doctors, love your videos. Fractured my wrist last year and had plate and screws put in. Had a lot of discomfort so my dr suggested hardware removal. That went smoothly but he also found a neuroma stuck in the scar tissue. Cauterized that and tucked it into screw hole and held it with bone wax. Also partially cut tendon so I could straighten fingers. Now about 3 months later, I have pain during most days and am worried about another neuroma. Had MRI and ultrasound. Will these tests show what the problem is? My dr is telling me to be patient and give it a year or more. I am concerned about another neuroma. I do not want more surgery. What should I do? Would a second cortisone shot help? Thank you so much!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Doreen. Yes often things will improve simply with time. An MRI and ultrasound should be able to reveal any potential pathology. Rushing into a second cortisone is probably not necessary. Lots of physio, ice and time . Best of luck to you. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.

[@ferenchansagi6317]

Hi there. I got a question. During hardware removal from leg, some of the screws could not be taken out from the plate because their head was messed up so the doc put the other screws back and that was it. It was too risky to move the plate, could cause fracture etc. since the insertion 3 years passed. What option do I have in this case? If the screws cannot be safely removed, should I ask other doctor opinion, go through another operation and rrisk to get cut without any benefit? Thanks for the input doc

[@debbieevans1602]

Thankyou so much for this very useful info ,,,I have had all my hardware out 5 weeks ago this was 16 pins and 1 eight inch plate and 1 4 inch plate ,,,the wound has healed great but the pain that I am in is constant ,it changes area daily and swells too around the ankle ,friends say I am expecting too much too soon ,I am weight bearing ,but just want to feel normal agin

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Debbie - you are welcome for the info. Often patients think they are going to bounce back quicker after removal however the incision is the same size or bigger than the first operation and the tissue is being cut for a second time so those factors can delay healing. Slow and stead wins the race. Good luck

[@debbieevans1602]

Talking With Docs thanks guys ,you have confirmed what everyone has been telling me ,,just a little impatient ,having really high hopes that it would feel just like the other leg straight away ,will take on all good advice and tell you both how it feels in a couple of months time

[@TalkingWithDocs]

For sure, keep us updated.

[@bongamkhize5264]

@@TalkingWithDocs Hi Docs which exercises can I do ,I had operation in 2001osteosynthesis for a right tibial plateau fracture yesterday did 15m jogging high Hill, when I woke up this morning I couldn't walk pain around my knee

[@bongamkhize5264]

X

[@jeremiahhenry9056]

I’ve got 4 plates in my jaw, 2 on my mandible and 2 bigger ones in the front. Can’t keep a sleeping schedule, get insomnia quite regularly and it aches badly especially with weather changes. Been thinking about having them removed but not sure

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Best to discuss the risks and benefits of removal with your surgeon Jeremiah. Best of luck. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.

[@tabi3047]

I was hit by a car while on a scooter in Canada recently. Tibial plateau fracture, acetabulum fracture, and hip dislocation, and a small radial head fracture on my arm all left side of body. I am 3 weeks in, already noticing lower back pain and soreness around the area of incision/hip. Non weight bearing on left leg for 8 weeks total, so I can’t really tell how my walking will be yet with both feet. Already hopping 150 ft with a walker and doing much better because of ortho rehab inpatient. 2 week CTs showing osteoarthritis. I’m 25 with previous history of joint pain, arthritis, and sciatica. Hoping the pain subsides more eventually, but for 3 weeks I’ve made awesome progress!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Wow that’s a lot. Best of luck to you during your recovery. Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@brocks4438]

had a humerus shaft fracture and did open reduction internal fixation (titanium plate and 8 screws). Surgery went extremely well, so much to the point that my physiotherapist was surprised that I had no pain post surgery compared to other patients he's seen. The healing process was smooth sailing. The arm has had full range of motion through physiotherapy and I'm considering just leaving the hardware inside my arm for life. I've seen majority of the comments about people removing their hardware, but are there any other people who have made the same decision as I did, and leaving it inside their body?

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Yes usually it stays in. Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@SVISION888]

i know im late , but im in the exact same situation like you, mobility is great and i think i leave the hardware in , as my doctors suggested

[@knep24]

Watching this because I'm looking at getting some plates removed. Had them in for 7 years, can't wait to get them out.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Good luck Korey. Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@danielsonscott3038]

Go for it, you will feel relief!

[@knep24]

@@danielsonscott3038 got them out December 1st

[@Mxpositive48]

Yeah I had a car accident like a year ago And I had to have some hardware put in And my spine was healed after a few months And I decided to have it removed the moment I found out it was fully healed Mainly because arthritis runs very high in my family Especially in the joints and spinal cord area And I did not want to risk it So I had my hardware removed and i several exercises to rebuild my strength And then I was fully recovered But do take it easy guys and when you're rebuilding your strength do not overdue it You do not want to reinjure the same area

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thanks for sharing Anthony

[@haranharan2912]

I had a recent surgery for removal of ORIF PLATING in Right hand radius-ulna after 3 years of its implant insitu. Most importantly DUE TO lag screw in ulna,it gets to be a complicated surgery lasting nearly 6 hours for its removal through HOLLOW MILLS. Also there's a fracture in ulna resulting for INTERMEDULLARY NAILING .....I'm hopefull for removal of the Nail As soon to get back to my routine...

[@manosxa]

Dr, I have had this operation done years ago, However I was expecting at the tibia side just two tiny incisions just where the screw heads where. I understand that the large cut is mandatory when you insert the screws and put the bone together. Finally the screws will be located at the lower arc of that semisphere that tibia forms. So I am still confused why I have a larger scar now than the orif surgery? I believe 2 things might be possible the location of screws was difficult to be found or the bone covered the heads and the needed larger area to expose.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi manos. Without seeing your xray it is hard to say but you are correct, often there is overgrowth and it is much harder to get it out than put it in. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.

[@Passiion_Fruiit]

I shattered my elbow and I’m getting the titanium plate and screws taken out 3 years later smh. But now watching this I don’t feel el so bad. People couldn’t believe I kept it in this long. My mom put a lot of fear in me about the risk but this 🤬 hurts and I can’t stretch my arm 100% more like 80% hopefully the plate is the cause and not skipping PT

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Naomi. Elbow fractures are very difficult injuries and often lead to incomplete range of motion. Good luck with your hardware removal and thanks for sharing your story. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did.

[@Swim2life]

My doctor recommended my plate to be removed. It's been nine months and pain and certain hand movements are a bummer. I am very happy about it. I can easily feel the screws in my forearm. As you gentlemen stated, my doctor wants to make sure whatever lingering pain is not being caused by the plate. I do have a question(s). Will another nerve block be in place for hardware removal and how long until returning to work. I know staples/ stitches are in for a good 2 weeks.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Heather. There are numerous factors to consider. The majority of healing after injuries like these takes place in about a year. If you have ongoing pain there are many possible causes. The presence of hardware can be one of them and especially so if you can feel the screws. It is important to remember that you can still have some residual pain once the hardware is removed and occasionally new pain. Usually the healing after hardware removal is faster than when the bone(s) is broken. Typically two weeks for staples but generally 6 weeks for soft tissues to heal with physio. Returning to work depends on your job as well as the location of the hardware - usually 4-6 weeks. Regarding the nerve block, it depends on the center - sometimes it is done under a general anesthetic and sometimes with a nerve block. Hope that helps

[@Swim2life]

Talking With Docs Thank you for responding. My hardware was removed yesterday. I was extremely nauseous afterwards. I believe the anesthesia caused this. The pain isn't as bad as when the hardware was put in place, but it still hurts. I do however still have a separate pain in my wrist. It pops. I will question that at my follow up.

[@ajsmith3121]

@@Swim2life hi how do you feel now after 1year harwared removal? Do you lift heavy load on your arm?what about the screw hole they filled it?

[@mrs.salgado1811]

Heather Borrego I am having this done on Friday after having the hardware in for 3 years. I’m nervous!!! I’ve been having pain and functional issues for the past few months and Dr. recommended to remove hardware because there is concern for tendon rupture. How are you doing post op?

[@TalkingWithDocs]

@@mrs.salgado1811 We are so happy that you guys can help eachother out through a very similar experience! Hope the surgery went well.