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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I would think that any big impacts would cause some micro vibration of the nail that wouldn't be good for the bone. So if you do any sports like snowboarding or maybe long distance running, it could be an issue over time. I think that's what some people in recovery on the old forum said anyway.

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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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Quote from: E Z on June 06, 2020, 03:41:08 PMI’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!

Don't be retarded, take it out. You will never fully recover with the nail in.
Bone naturally bends when you run or do heavy weightlifting. The nail does not let the bone bend naturally and in extreme cases it could break your bone. 

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Quote from: BetzLandLiberator on June 07, 2020, 12:53:30 AMDon't be retarded, take it out. You will never fully recover with the nail in.
Bone naturally bends when you run or do heavy weightlifting. The nail does not let the bone bend naturally and in extreme cases it could break your bone.

I completely agree with you. Take the nail out!

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Yeah bro I'm going to disagree with you on this one. I don't think the nails are letting me recover 100% if you're saying you're 90-95% that's probably walking lol but I can't lift weights (squat my with 180 lbs, deadlift 120Lbs ish) without feeling pain and tightness afterwards coming from my hips and I know it's because of the screws there also when I sprint my mobility feels limited and I'm sure it's because if the rods in there and screws, I know for a fact I'll be much better once the rods are out and I'm recovered from that second surgery. Also it's dangerous maintaining the screws in there god forbid you get into an accident that breaks your femurs and bends the nail inside your bone, It'll be a much more radical surgery.

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Hi Movie. Its always good to see your post. How do you feel in regards to working out and running? Is it just tight? Why are you saying you won't recover 100%.

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Removal surgery was a lot easier than the insertion surgery for me.  The legs don't have to be broken, so it's much less traumatic.  You'll be standing and walking again really quickly.

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Hi Movie. Its always good to see your post. How do you feel in regards to working out and running? Is it just tight? Why are you saying you won't recover 100%.