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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Fracture At The Upper End Of The Tibia And Plate Inserted. Weakness, BP Remains High. Side Effects And Plate Should Be Removed?

i have one plate and 10 screws in my left leg, was operated before 5 years for the fracture at upper end of the tibia, recently i feel weakness, my blood pressure remains high, somehow i got the sensation that its all may have connection with the plates and screws in my body? whether its the effects of the systemic metallic poisoning from the plate ? i m confused what to do, whether to get it removed or keep it as it is? As such there are no local symptoms because of the plate at the site of operation,
posted on Wed, 28 Aug 2013
Twitter Wed, 28 Aug 2013 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 29 Aug 2013 Last reviewed on
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement,  's  Response
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.

There is absolutely no correlation or connection between the plate & screws in the body and the development of weekness and increased blood pressure. Atleast I have not seen even a single case report (like yours) in my clinical practice.

Though there is a possibility of metallic ion release in to the systemic circulation, it is more often seen in Metal on Metal joint replacement surgeries (where two opposing surfaces will be rubbing against each other producing lot of metal debris) whereas it is a remote possibility in case of a stationarily lying plate on bone surface.

In an elderly patient (>65yrs), the implants are generally left alone for life but in a young patient it is preferable to remove the implants after 2 years or later as the bone under the plate becomes osteoporotic (weak).

I suggest you to consult a General physician for further workup regarding your high blood pressure and further management.

Hope this information is helpful. Good day
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Fracture At The Upper End Of The Tibia And Plate Inserted. Weakness, BP Remains High. Side Effects And Plate Should Be Removed?

Hi, thanks for writing to HCM. There is absolutely no correlation or connection between the plate & screws in the body and the development of weekness and increased blood pressure. Atleast I have not seen even a single case report (like yours) in my clinical practice. Though there is a possibility of metallic ion release in to the systemic circulation, it is more often seen in Metal on Metal joint replacement surgeries (where two opposing surfaces will be rubbing against each other producing lot of metal debris) whereas it is a remote possibility in case of a stationarily lying plate on bone surface. In an elderly patient ( 65yrs), the implants are generally left alone for life but in a young patient it is preferable to remove the implants after 2 years or later as the bone under the plate becomes osteoporotic (weak). I suggest you to consult a General physician for further workup regarding your high blood pressure and further management. Hope this information is helpful. Good day