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Has anyone had hardware removal from their leg?
Bones, Joints & Muscles | Last Active: Aug 10 5:34pm | Replies (14)Comment receiving replies
Yes I was 17 and in a car accident had a pin plate and four screws. That was in 1988. Doc took it all out the next spring break and had to use crutches for a few weeks but if I did not have the scares I would not know I ever broke it. He did say had we waited another six months he would have not been able to get it out .. the bone was growing up around it. I actually still have part of it. I would always say if you can have it removed do it. Amy
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Good advice.
Readers should be aware that as long as bone is healthy, surgeons will use a form of titanium, or other metal, designed so that the bone grows into the metal. It's freaky science but the outer edges of the titanium are microscopically porous and bone cells grow right into it.
Personally I think it's better to leave it that way. Not all titanium does this however so it's always best to check with your doc.
Finally, if a person has osteoporosis - bone loss - only cement can be used in attaching a metal prosthesis. The bone is no longer growing and has a very limited blood supply, if any, on the outside of the bone.
Joe