Dreading Nail Removal: Why should I do it if I feel okay?

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I’m 9-months post-op and in about 6-7 months is when it’s recommended to remove the hardware, but what’s the point?

-I know I won’t ever be 100% again.

-I’m at 90%-95% movement wise, and it’s only getting better with time. Good enough for me

-My scars have healed nicely to be honest....Mahboubian initially did a great job so credits to him.

-I don’t have any lingering pains, thank god.

-I really want to be done with this chapter of my life, and going under the knife again brings back bad memories lol.


Only thing I’m worried about and uneducated on is how leaving the hardware relates to cancer? Thanks!

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“One thing we do know from studies — placing a long titanium or metal pin down through the middle of a bone to stabilize it is linked with a much higher increase in the amount of metal found in the bloodstream. Chromium seems to have the highest levels reported for these intramedullary nails. Intramedullary titanium nails also increase the amount of titanium found in blood samples, but not as much as chromium. Evidently, the large surface area of the intramedullary nail exposes the bone to more titanium, thus the higher levels of serum (blood) metal.”

https://eorthopod.com/news/can-titanium-plates-be-left-in-the-body-safely/

Really interesting article, worth a read.

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Agreed. If you’re into athletics after this, get them removed.

Do you have any info related to cancer?

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How long did you wait to remove it?

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Quote from: Medium Drink Of Water on June 07, 2020, 07:45:46 PMYou mean me?

Surgery in June 2007, removal in December 2009.

Maybe a stupid question but I wonder if there’s a SMALL loss of height due to removal? What do you think?

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Quote from: Sweden on June 07, 2020, 10:21:28 PMI never removed mine. They’re in since January 2013. They don’t remove them in developed countries if they don’t bother you.

They don’t bother me. The lower screws man sometimes hurt when I get an impact right there, but other than that it’s nothing.

I jump around and do flips and everything with them inside.

Interesting, and I’m assuming your nails clearly weren’t  weight bearing nails like the Stryde nail

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Quote from: Sweden on June 07, 2020, 11:11:31 PMYes they were, up to 60kg only though.

Why do you think they dont remove the nails in your country?

Do you think you can squat 300-400 lbs safely?