Titanium Rod Removal (tibia) after 16 years?

[bettym31]

I had a titanium rod put in my right tibia 16 years ago after fracturing my tib/fib in a skiing accident.  Didn't give it much thought until I developed a love for running in the last year, and have been having some knee issues.  I have seen an orthopedic surgeon who recommends removal and I'm set for the surgery next week.

I have a few concerns:  What kind of recovery am I looking at here?  (I'm 31 years old and otherwise healthy.)  I also have some reservations about the strength of that bone after having the rod supporting in for so long.  I'm concerned about how long it will be until that leg can bear weight again.  Anybody have some words of wisdom/advise for me on this?  

Thanks in advance for your help!

[gammy08]

my ortho says that the plate in my leg has to be removed --the wrong plate was put in to start with -and this type  never last over 2 years--and the leg was set crooked and my hip is thrown off by walking crooked(not done by my current ortho) i am in constant pain and can walk very little without  my leg and knee swelling--i am a 64 yo female i have osteoporosis--ortho suggested i wait as long as i can to have the plate removed--and he also said i will have to have a total knee replacement i have waited 3 years now and the pain is worse all the time--i plan to see my ortho real soon concerning surgery--of course we all  are concerned if we will be better after surgery( a risk ) but at my age i do not heal real fast----any advice appreciated

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

Your healing would have been complete and only if you have symptoms you have to get it removed or else you can keep it.

As your orthopedician has suggested removal go ahead and you will recover by 4-6 weeks to be physically active if there are no complications.

Take care!