I am a 44yr old male who broke both the tibia and fibula playing soccer.after having an operation to repair both breaks a steel plate was fitted from just below the knee about 12 inches long to add strength to the recovery of my leg break .It is now about 14 weeks since the op and I am walking without the aid of crutches and still recieving physiotherapy.The problem now is that whilst I am improving with my walking I am becoming very aware of the steel plate and feel it is hindering me rather than helping me recover (the plate is fitted perfectly ,no movement in it ).Can anyone tell me if this is just a stage of the recovery process and that it will disappear or that I will always be aware of the plate or I would be better to have it removed (baring in mind that the consultant said they usually recommend it stays in for 18 months sometimes forever) has anyone experienced this before ?