2004 tibia compound fracture/fibula non union

Hi, I was in an auto accident in 2004 which resulted in compound fracture of my tibia and fibula. A titanium rod was placed from knee to ankle with screws top and bottom. Fibula originally thought to heal several years later discovered non union. I have pain at upper part of tibia frequently and lower part of fibula almost daily. Went through rehab. Went from walker to cane to no limp now (except in the am upon rising). When exercising fibula becomes painful afterwards. Docs told me fibula was non weight bearing bone and could be removed. This worries me. I would like to know the problems that could occur if I did not have the surgery and left he fibula alone. Also, it was suggested that the rod be taken out of tibia. Does this really need to happen. I am not a fan of surgery. Thank you in advance for your opinions.

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

Rods and screws and other hardware are put in complicated fractures to aid in healing and can be removed after its work is done.

The tibia is the dominant bone in your legs and you have to go for removal of fibula if it does not heal after all measures as your tibia can do the required weight bearing.

You would need your blood vessels to supply blood for nutrition of the bone and for healing or else there is trouble with proper healing after fractures and with avascular necrosis the surgeon has no option but to remove the bone which is without blood supply.

Take care!