Metalwork hurting in leg 15 years after op

[longtompot]

The past few days the metal plate, or the area around it, in my leg has become very sore. It throbs quite a by the end of the day, and it is very tender to touch. It doesn't feel hot or look red.
Now I don't know if I have strained it, or if something could be happening inside after all these years. I originally had two plates fitted, but one developed an infection soon after being fitted, and was removed. This one I've had no issue with, apart from a pin which is right on my ankle bone and can be a bit ouch when I forget.
Does anyone have any idea what could be causing this? I googled it and one result wasn't good.

Please speak with your GP about this. An X-ray will be the first step

I've a metal pin in my leg and was told in most people it's fine and they leave it in but some people need it taking out. I need to contact Dr if it ever becomes an issue. I took this to mean it could be fine for a few years and the be a problem. Can you contact the specialist or if not, Go to the GP asap.

I was planning to phone in a few days, it's been like this for about 3 days now, as I just thought it was a bruise and I'd bumped it on something. Though, there isn't a bruise on the skin. Do you think I should call sooner, ie tomorrow?

I think you should call sooner rather than later.

Throbbing and tenderness can be an indication that something is one the move or inflamed.

Might be nothing at all, but with internal fixtures and fittings it’s best to get it looked at.

I speak from experience of deep joint stuff getting unhappy.nothing awful, but you should listen to what your body is telling you.

I was aware for a while and didn’t act, and ought to have. It would have been more easily remedied if caught sooner.

@ComeBackLaterPlease I nearly left it too late when the other plate was infected, but thankfully all was ok. I'm going to call in the morning and see if I can get seen soon. Hopefully it's nothing, maybe a course of antibiotics.

The latest I've seen an infection develop is 35 years after the metalwork was implanted.

See your gp for an opinion and referral to an orthopaedic surgeon do NOT under any circumstances let them give you antibiotics. If it is an infection you will not eradicate it from the metalwork with just antibiotics, but they can do enough to create a resistant organism, or suppress the growth enough to make a proper culture impossible.

If it's bad enough to need antibiotics, it needs to be in hospital after an xray on the say so of the person taking the plate out and sampling the area.

@FixTheBone wow, 35 years! Ok, I won't accept antibiotics. I'll be phoning at 8am, so hopefully will get an appointment same day. Last time I went in with the infection on the other plate, I was sent straight to a&e and then was operated on the next day! I might pack a bag just in case. Visions of my dh packing stuff for me to come home from having babies just flashed before me (somehow found the jeans and underwear I'd not worn since a few weeks pregnant!)

Good luck op. I've got 13 year old metal in my ankle and thought I didn't have to worry!! @FixTheBone do you know if there are any pros/cons to having a plate removed?

Yes, I agree, get it seen to ASAP. I have two metal plates and nineteen screws in my right leg. I can walk for miles, but it swells like a bastard after. Never had any pain, but if I did I’d be seeing my gp quick sharp.

@fruitpastille

Generally no disadvantages to leaving it unless it causes a specific problem such as prominence under the skin, impingement, infection etc...

Removing it, you run the risk of anaesthetics, infection, damage to surrounding structures.

I’ve had pins removed (so that they could MRI the area) and it was actually one of my tougher surgeries.

The surgeon said they cam out nicely so I can’t imagine what it’s like if they don’t want to budge!

That one is my most troublesome scar area too, having been reopened for the removal.

Spoke to a gp and having a blood test later. If that shows anything I'll hear tomorrow but if not, I'll have a chat with her Friday and go from there. She said next step would be an X-ray. She's not too worried as I'm not showing any other symptoms. I'll let you know.

The metal work in ur leg is breaking down it needs removed. It has served its purpose. Having same problem myself. Major operation tho. Ull be off ur feet for almost a year. Thats only if ur at good health.