Question 1

how much pain is expected from getting a metal plate removed from the leg?

Accepted Answer

Surgey: It dose have moderate pain.

Question 2

my left ankle is two inches bigger than my right due to severe swelling, often painful. is it because of the metal plate and screws? it's been a year

Accepted Answer

Swollen ankle: should be looked at by your surgeon. Swelling can be due to the original injury and or the surgery that followed. It can also be post operative swelling, either way the ankle needs to be examined by your doctor.

Question 3

do metal plate and screws in ankle cause the bone to get crushed (or cause bigger injuries) if the same ankle gets re-fractured in the future?

Accepted Answer

Do not cause crush: While screws and plates do not cause a crush injury in the same area, they certainly do weaken the bone where they are.  The plate takes some of the load off the bone.  Stress strengthens bone, so if we remove stress we weaken the bone.  Generally screws and plates are not removed after a fracture heals unless they cause pain, screws are backing out, or there is a non-healing wound.

Question 4

what's a good way to address leg pain caused from a metal plate?

Accepted Answer

Speak with Ortho: This issue should be evaluated by your orthopedist to determine the cause of the pain.

Question 5

i have a metal plate in my left fibula. how much weight can it take prior to giving out.i'm asking because i lift weights and want to work out my leg.

Accepted Answer

No limit: No limit on the plate for a human, as long as the bone is healed.
I take most plates out in patients under 50 at about a year post op.

Question 6

my father fractured his leg bout 3yrs ago n the doc fix it by putting metal plate, screws. now the doc wnt to rmove it but he rfused. is it necessary?

Accepted Answer

Hardware removal: Orthopedic plates and screws are removed for a number of reasons. Infection, loose hardware, and pain are common reasons for hardware removal.

Question 7

i have ametal platein my leg, and need anmri scanof my low back. will the metal plate prevent me from getting the mri?

Accepted Answer

No: Before your MRI you will be asked a series of questions to determine if the MRI is safe for you.  The metal plate in your leg should not prevent you from getting an mri.  If you become uncomfortable during the scan, you may have to stop and take a break.

Question 8

will the metal plate in my ankle last forever?

Accepted Answer

Should: But it may depend on what material it is made of.

Question 9

i broke my ankle 2 months ago, had metal plate and 7 pins put in,  i am walking ok with one stick, but my ankle is still swollen is this normal.

Accepted Answer

Yes: You may have periodic swelling now that you are walking. Using compression socks that go to the knee may help reduce edema. If it doesn't resolve then see your doctor.

Question 10

does anyone know if a metal plate with 6 screws in ankle will set off the detectors in the airport?

Accepted Answer

Non Magnetic: They probably will not set off the metal detector as they are non-magnetic. And I have had no patient mention to me that their fracture hardware set off the detector.

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Doctor answers about:

How painful is it to get a metal plate removed from the leg

A member asked:

How much pain is expected from getting a metal plate removed from the leg?

A member asked:

My left ankle is two inches bigger than my right due to severe swelling, often painful. is it because of the metal plate and screws? it's been a year

A member asked:

Do metal plate and screws in ankle cause the bone to get crushed (or cause bigger injuries) if the same ankle gets re-fractured in the future?

A member asked:

What's a good way to address leg pain caused from a metal plate?

A member asked:

I have a metal plate in my left fibula. how much weight can it take prior to giving out.i'm asking because i lift weights and want to work out my leg.

A member asked:

My father fractured his leg bout 3yrs ago n the doc fix it by putting metal plate, screws. now the doc wnt to rmove it but he rfused. is it necessary?

A member asked:

I have ametal platein my leg, and need anmri scanof my low back. will the metal plate prevent me from getting the mri?

A member asked:

Will the metal plate in my ankle last forever?

A member asked:

I broke my ankle 2 months ago, had metal plate and 7 pins put in, i am walking ok with one stick, but my ankle is still swollen is this normal.

A member asked:

Does anyone know if a metal plate with 6 screws in ankle will set off the detectors in the airport?

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