Could walking with non union femur fracture damage rods and screws? second opinion scheduled in two weeks to discuss options.

Discuss w/ ors: Good idea for 2nd opinion. Femoral shaft non- unions are uncommon. May recommend removal of rod/ screws and ' re- rodding ' w/ larger locked rod; bone grafting, removal of hardware w/ compression plating/ bone grafting, or other options( dynamization, elec. stimulator, time etc.). Walking now w/ rod in place minimal chance of damage to rod. Screw breakage common w/ non- unions.best of luck!

Rod failure: Metal devices used to fix fractures are meant to hold the bone in correct alignment while a fracture heals. Once the fracture heals the divice seves no purpose. if the fracture does not heal it is possible over a period of time the rod or plate will fatigue and fail much like a paper clip bent to many times. There is a wide degree f variability in what fails and if it is material. seek an opnion