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Should you be able to feel the top of a tibial nail?
I broke my tibia in August of 2023. The surgeon implanted a T2 Alpha Tibial Nail (10x375mm) with two screws securing it in place at my ankle and my knee.
As I recovered and was able to bend my knee, I noticed that I could feel the top of the tibial nail. During multiple follow ups, I asked the surgeon and his PA if this was normal. I was assured that the tibial nail was placed well below my skin and I would not be able to feel it.
Now fully healed, I can still feel the top of the tibial nail. I am unable to kneel on the floor without pain. When I bend my knee, you can clearly see something protruding from the soft tissue.
I am struggling to find out if this is normal? Should I be able to feel the tibial nail? Or was it not implanted deep enough?
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Tell your PCP your concerns and ask them if they would order simple x-rays of your knee with the complaint that you’re unable to kneel without pain. This procedure will easily show the position of the nail and the knee in question. The radiologist will be able to tell whether the nail is out of place or not.