Plates in arm - to keep or to remove

[Tacet]

I've recently had a MTB accident, resulting in open fractures of my left ulna and radius. Both bones were fused with titanium plates. I'm wondering now whether I should keep them or remove them once the bones are mended. Some people complain about the plates aching in winter, but I've also heard people complain about mended bones who have no plates. The orthopedic surgeon admits quite frankly that healed bone can cause aches in winter, but he feels that the studies are inconclusive as to whether the pain is worse with or without the plates.

Currently I'm leaning to keeping them - can't see the point in yet another operation if I'm still going to end up predicting the weather.

Your opinions?

 

[froot]

A friend of mine broke her wrist in an accident, and 4 months later, had the plates and pins removed.
My mom has plates in her neck and they do cause some pain in the winter, but as you said, the bones themselves ache too.

 

[Tacet]

My mom has plates in her neck and they do cause some pain in the winter, but as you said, the bones themselves ache too.

When the first thunderstorm after I got the plates hit, my arm was quite sore. I was resolved to remove the plates, until I realized that the silly arm has been sore the same time, each day, due to increased activity (making dinner). So I'm wondering how much more a plated bone will hurt, and how much of the additional hurt will be my mind playing games with me.

 

[TehStranger]

I'd say learn to live with it if things are inconclusive. No point in yet another OP with all of the bells and whistles that come along, just to maybe feel a bit better in winter.

 

[ichigo]

I've recently had a MTB accident, resulting in open fractures of my left ulna and radius. Both bones were fused with titanium plates. I'm wondering now whether I should keep them or remove them once the bones are mended. Some people complain about the plates aching in winter, but I've also heard people complain about mended bones who have no plates. The orthopedic surgeon admits quite frankly that healed bone can cause aches in winter, but he feels that the studies are inconclusive as to whether the pain is worse with or without the plates.

Currently I'm leaning to keeping them - can't see the point in yet another operation if I'm still going to end up predicting the weather.

Your opinions?

I had a plate in my leg after breaking my femur in 3 places and was removed later and haven't had any problems with my leg at all even in the cold.

I have got a titanium plate in my jaw when they had to extend my bottom jaw and it can be irritating and painful in winter or any cold time so taking out the plate wins if you hate pain and discomfort .

It feels like screws/metal is poking my mouth and weird metallic taste for me .