Metal plate, Orthopedics FAQ

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Ankle Screw Removal: When and Why It’s Necessary

Issues Related to Ankle Screw Removal The right ankle has sustained a fracture, with screws placed on the medial side and a plate on the lateral side. My questions are: Will the screws and plate need to be removed later? How long after the surgery can they be removed? Is there an...


Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, foreign objects in the human body should generally be removed. As for the timing of the removal, it depends on the type of metal plate used; for lower limbs, it is advisable to wait approximately one and a half to two years. Thank you.

[Read More] Ankle Screw Removal: When and Why It’s Necessary


Understanding the Need for Hardware Removal After Arm Fracture Surgery

Removal of metal screws issue Hello Doctor, I had surgery on October 27th of last year following a car accident, primarily for a right distal humeral fracture. The current condition, as shown in the photos [link], has improved with ongoing rehabilitation, but I still experience s...


Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Each person's recovery varies. Whether or when to remove it should be discussed with your attending physician. Generally, a hospital stay of about 3 to 4 days is required post-surgery, and it is advisable to avoid vigorous exercise for at least 3 months. Thank you.

[Read More] Understanding the Need for Hardware Removal After Arm Fracture Surgery


Should Facial and Foot Fracture Hardware Be Removed After Surgery?

Do facial and foot fractures need to be removed? Hello, doctor. Recently, I was involved in a car accident and suffered fractures in my right face and right thigh, which were treated with screws and plates by different doctors. The doctor who treated my foot mentioned that since ...


Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, metal nails and plates are considered foreign objects. In principle, they should be removed after the completion of staged tasks (bone healing). The reason is that several years later, if the body's resistance is low (such as in cases of dialysis or diabetes), there i...

[Read More] Should Facial and Foot Fracture Hardware Be Removed After Surgery?


Understanding Facial Bone Plates: Is My Recovery Normal After Surgery?

The feeling of facial bone screws makes me wonder if I'm not normal? Hello! A few days ago, I sustained multiple fractures in a car accident. My current concern is regarding the fractures in my face, where I have metal plates and screws in my right cheek. After having the st...


Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, the likelihood of healing after facial bone fractures is very high following surgery, so there is no need to worry. Any discomfort in the short term after the surgery will also improve quickly. Please be patient, thank you.

[Read More] Understanding Facial Bone Plates: Is My Recovery Normal After Surgery?


Unexpected Complications After Plate Removal: Unhealed Fracture and New Surgery

The doctor said the fracture hasn't healed yet, so they placed a steel plate again? Hello, doctor. I had a regrettable incident while having a plate removed in a rural area: 1. I fractured my metatarsal in early August last year and had a plate installed. A year later, durin...


Dr. Wang Jiacheng Reply:
1. It is usually necessary to confirm that the fracture has healed before removing the metal plate. 2. It is possible that it has not fully healed yet.

[Read More] Unexpected Complications After Plate Removal: Unhealed Fracture and New Surgery


Understanding Metatarsal Fractures: Complications After Plate Removal

Metatarsal fracture Hello, doctor. I had a regrettable incident while having a plate removed in a rural area: 1. I fractured my metatarsal in early August last year and had a plate inserted. After a year, I returned for a follow-up, and after an X-ray, the doctor assessed that ...


Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. It is usually necessary to confirm that the fracture has healed before removing the metal plate. 2. It is possible that it has not fully healed yet.

[Read More] Understanding Metatarsal Fractures: Complications After Plate Removal


Understanding Hip Plate Removal: Risks and Recovery After Fracture

Removal of hip bone plate? Hello, I initially had a fracture and dislocation of my hip bone, which was later stabilized with metal plates. However, activities like getting up and bending over still affect my daily life, and I am considering having the plates removed. After a foll...


Dr. You Dianqi Reply:
Each individual's condition and recovery process varies. It is recommended to follow up and discuss with the attending physician. Thank you.

[Read More] Understanding Hip Plate Removal: Risks and Recovery After Fracture


Do You Need Rehabilitation After Removing a Steel Plate?

Is rehabilitation necessary after the removal of the steel plate? Hello, on April 7th, the steel plate from my proximal humerus was removed. I have had my stitches taken out and an X-ray done. The doctor said the wound looks good and the bone is gradually healing. If I don't...


Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello, generally, there is no need for rehabilitation after the removal of the metal plate. It is advised to avoid vigorous exercise for one month after the removal of the plate.

[Read More] Do You Need Rehabilitation After Removing a Steel Plate?


Should You Remove Your Proximal Humerus Plate After Surgery?

Is it necessary to remove the hardware after proximal humerus surgery? Hello, I had a proximal humerus fracture in a car accident in December 2021, which was fixed with a self-paid titanium alloy plate. The wound is located on the anterior side (not the lateral side), and the fra...


Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If the metal plate does not interfere with the upper arm, there is actually no need to remove the plate.

[Read More] Should You Remove Your Proximal Humerus Plate After Surgery?


Rehabilitation After Severe Foot Fractures: Safe Standing Practices

Rehabilitation exercise station Hello, doctor. On August 13, I had an accident and fell from a height, resulting in crush fractures in both feet, as well as fractures in my right calf and thigh. My left foot is more severely injured, and I cannot move it at all. On January 30, th...


Dr. You Dianqi Reply:
Hello, please trust your attending physician. If you have any concerns about rehabilitation, you can discuss them with your physical therapist. Thank you.

[Read More] Rehabilitation After Severe Foot Fractures: Safe Standing Practices


Improving Finger Overlap After Third Metacarpal Fracture Surgery

Steel plates and mobility After the third metacarpal fracture, an interlocked plate was installed near the distal joint, but the joint itself was not injured. Subsequently, there is an overlap between the middle finger and the ring finger. Will removing the plate improve the over...


Dr. Wang Jiacheng Reply:
After the removal of the metal plate, rehabilitation may not be effective because the fracture may have healed in a slightly misaligned position (rotational alignment). Therefore, unless a second surgery is performed to correct it, it may not be possible to change the situation.

[Read More] Improving Finger Overlap After Third Metacarpal Fracture Surgery


Can Removing a Steel Plate Improve Finger Overlap After Fracture?

After the removal of the steel plate? After a fracture of the third metacarpal with the installation of an interlocking plate near the distal joint, but with no injury to the joint itself, there is overlapping of the middle finger and ring finger. Will removing the plate improve ...


Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
After the removal of the metal plate, rehabilitation may not be effective because the fracture may have healed in a slightly misaligned position (rotational alignment). Therefore, unless a second surgery is performed to correct it, it may not be possible to change the situation.

[Read More] Can Removing a Steel Plate Improve Finger Overlap After Fracture?


Post-Surgery Concerns: Understanding Intramedullary Nails and Bone Plates

Regarding intramedullary nailing of the femur and plate fixation of the metacarpals postoperatively? Dear Doctor, I have a few questions regarding my recovery one month after my femur fracture surgery, and I would like to seek your expertise: 1. When I fully extend my knee, I ca...


Dr. Zhan Xian Reply:
Hello Mr. Lin, the X-ray you provided cannot be opened, and I am unable to give feedback on the images. Since it has been about a month post-fracture surgery and the fracture has not yet healed, you can discuss your concerns with the surgeon during your follow-up appointment.

[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns: Understanding Intramedullary Nails and Bone Plates


Struggling to Open Hand After Wrist Fracture Surgery: Causes and Solutions

After a fracture, the hand is unable to open and lacks strength? I underwent surgery for a fracture of the radius and ulna, during which two metal plates and one screw were inserted. It has now been a month and a half, and I have been actively participating in rehabilitation. Mos...


Dr. Zhan Xian Reply:
Please visit the orthopedic outpatient clinic for an examination. Thank you.

[Read More] Struggling to Open Hand After Wrist Fracture Surgery: Causes and Solutions


Challenges of Removing Long-Term Orthopedic Hardware After 27 Years

Pain while walking due to a fractured steel plate? Hello Doctor: I suffered an open fracture of my right thigh in 1995. A year after the surgery, I intended to have the steel plate and screws removed, but the doctor advised that it was unnecessary and I could live normally withou...


Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If the metal plate has fractured, it is important to check for any associated bone fractures. If there are no fractures, the metal plate can simply be removed. However, if there is a fracture, a second surgery will be necessary to stabilize the bone.

[Read More] Challenges of Removing Long-Term Orthopedic Hardware After 27 Years


Impact of Custom Steel Plate on Knee Flexion After Tibial Plateau Fracture

Medial tibial plateau fracture I would like to ask if the installation of a self-funded steel plate on the inner posterior tibial plateau of the right knee will affect the flexion angle of the knee. Currently, after the installation, I am unable to flex my knee to 105 degrees lik...


Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. Factors that may be affected. 2. You can seek assistance from the rehabilitation department; it is important to start rehabilitation as soon as possible to potentially increase the angle of curvature. 3. It is still considered normal for the fracture line to gradually disappea...

[Read More] Impact of Custom Steel Plate on Knee Flexion After Tibial Plateau Fracture


Understanding Hip Fractures in Elderly Patients: A Caregiver's Guide

Hip fractures in the elderly? I would like to ask the doctor: My mother is 75 years old and has osteoporosis. On April 15, 2022, she fell down the stairs after missing a step. She landed on her right side and was unable to get up by herself. After I helped her up, she said she wa...


Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, hip fractures in the elderly can be categorized into two main types. If it is a femoral head fracture, it is often treated with a partial hip arthroplasty combined with bone cement, allowing for quicker recovery, and patients can usually bear weight and walk almost immedia...

[Read More] Understanding Hip Fractures in Elderly Patients: A Caregiver's Guide


Effective Treatments for Pain from Bone Screws After Surgery

Is there a way to treat pain from bone screws? Hello, when I was around 20 years old, I had a severe car accident that resulted in a comminuted fracture, and I have metal plates in my face. The doctor at that time advised me not to remove them. It has been about 11 to 12 years no...


Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
You can consult the original surgeon to see if removing the bone screws might help alleviate the pain.

[Read More] Effective Treatments for Pain from Bone Screws After Surgery


How Soon After Fifth Metatarsal Surgery Can You Walk Safely?

How long after a fifth metatarsal fracture surgery can a patient start walking? Hello Doctor: I would like to inquire about my surgery on February 10, during which a metal plate was inserted. I had a follow-up appointment on February 22, and my recovery is progressing well. My at...


Dr. Wang Jiacheng Reply:
After surgery, the joints can be mobilized to prevent adhesions, but it is not necessary to bear weight on them. If the fracture has not yet healed, walking and applying weight may lead to displacement.

[Read More] How Soon After Fifth Metatarsal Surgery Can You Walk Safely?


Post-Surgery Recovery: Walking with a Steel Plate in Your Leg

Surgery was performed, and a metal plate was inserted? Hello Doctor: I would like to inquire about my surgery on February 10th, during which a metal plate was inserted. I had a follow-up appointment on February 22nd, and my recovery is progressing well. My attending physician inf...


Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
After surgery, the joints can be mobilized to prevent adhesions; however, it is not necessary to bear weight on them. If the fracture has not yet healed, walking and applying weight may lead to displacement.

[Read More] Post-Surgery Recovery: Walking with a Steel Plate in Your Leg


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