Removal of plate and screws from tibia fracture

I fractured my femur and had a plate - not sure how many screws put in. Once recovered didn’t have much pain but it felt odd, also Dr suggested that as I got older (I’m 76) and the skin became thinner might cause irritation. So I had the metal work removed. Didn’t take nearly as long to recover as from the initial surgery. Everything is good now except for occasional ache on that area. Pleased I had it done. BUT yours is in a different place and everyone reacts differently so not sure how useful this information is.

@belton I had my plates and screws removed from Tibia and Fibula. My surgeon said I had to wait at least a year. It was a year and a half later. I have less pain, but there is pain with arthritis from the injury. I had hives and seemed to be having an allergic reaction to the titanium metal. Recovery is easier than after the fracture, but you’ll have increased risk of fracture for awhile because of holes from screw tracks.

Hi guys.
Well...I had a tibial plateau fracture about ,2 years ago...they put in a plate and screws, which constantly hurt. It was beginning to affect my gait, and hips. My Dr. Always told me, I would have to wait a year, but if the plate bothered me he would prefer to remove it (since he put it there. ), but it was up to me. So just 3 months ago I had the plate removed,(after 2 years).I waited till I felt my leg was strong enough(worked out in gym, before the surgery). The surgery was considered out patient, and a easy surgery. The pain in my knee and hip went away, I walk better now. I did about 3 months of pt, so far...and it feels great. I say DO IT. It's a foreign object in your body, and has the potential to get infected any time. It served is purpose, and now u don't need it anymore, so take it out). Very easy surgery..
Was waking right away.

@verars Sounds like you’re not having a fun time. Have you seen your ortho to have it checked out? You most likely require re-X-ray of your implant to ascertain if any damage occurred to cause you continued pain.

Chloe, what was your resolution. I had my tibial plateau hard ware removed two weeks agon and walked on it 1 day and now, I can't walk at all. I can put no weight on it and have shooting pain in my knee cap; which I never had, and my foot is numb and tingling. The doctor seems casual about it and will see me as scheduled. I do RICE and get some relief but some nights I shoot up awake in pain. I had hip replacement 4 months ago and was pre metal removal, able to walk with a cane, now, nothing. Exercise was my life, my peace of mind. I hope you have a happy ending and can share what became of your pain post metal removal.

@cgavin61
I broke my right tibia 1/19/25 and had surgery on 1/31/25 I have pins protruding out my kneecap and a large plate next to my kneecap which constantly hurts. I have been in Physical Therapy and now transitioned to a Physical Trainer. My Orthopedic doctor said that it is the hardware causing me such pain and can be taken out a year after surgery which is this January. I was worried about the recovery time because I have all steps in my house and 4 dogs 3 large so I can't have that much down time. He told me total recovery time would be about 6 weeks plus I have torn miniscus from surgery which he can fix same time which adds to pain. He said I would be achy for about a month but they get us moving same day and he said my steps shouldn't be a problem for me which I'm hoping is correct. No driving for a week to two depending on how my leg feels. My pain has been awful the pins stick out of my kneecap and the plate rubs on my knee bone as well I'm a thin person so it really bothers me. I did break my ankle on same side 11 years ago both sides and fractured top, the pins and plates again hurt and rubbed on my ankle so had them taken out and wow I was walking and feeling so much better within 2 weeks hope same for this surgery.

@verar
Yes definitely the hardware causes pain. I had mine taken out 12 years ago after ankle surgery and what a difference. I broke tibia bone same leg January 19, 2025 and surgery 1/31/25 been doing Physical Therapy now Physical Trainer but still having such pain and I am a very active person. I'm gonna get the hardware out mid January hoping I feel so much better doctor said I should.