How long is it until it's too late to have internal fixations removed?

Question

I have plates screwed to my tibia & fibula,Is there a time limit for them to be safely removed without causing me distress?I imagine bone grows around the breaks,will the steelwork have to remain?

Answer 1

Unless the pins and steelwork are causing you problems, they will not be removed. Most surgeons would not see the need to give you another operation to remove the pins.

Answer 2

Quite often the metalwork will be left in place, unless the screws start to come loose and start pushing through the skin. This is a pain, because they catch on things and can start getting sore. At that point, your surgeon will probably remove them.

Other surgeons will remove them about a year or two after they're put in - all depends on the surgeon really.

Answer 3

Normally the metalwork remains in place for ever. Just very occasionally it is a temporary arrangement but you would be well aware of that. Just enjoy setting off metal-detectors wherever you go!