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Is there any impact if the steel plate remains in the body for a long time?

Oct 17, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
In general, having a metal plate in the body for a prolonged period may cause various complications, such as pain, risk of infection, stress shielding effect, plate fracture or bending, and rejection reactions. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive treatment under a doctor's guidance. After the fracture has healed, patients should consider whether to remove the plate based on their individual circumstances and the doctor's advice.

In general, leaving a metal plate in the body for a prolonged period may lead to various complications, including pain, risk of infection, stress shielding, plate fracture or bending, and rejection reactions. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive treatment under a doctor's guidance. The specific issues are analyzed as follows:

1. Pain

If the plate is placed in areas with thin skin and soft tissue, such as the wrist bones, it may cause pain and discomfort due to long-term friction and irritation. This discomfort may worsen over time and affect the patient’s quality of life.

2. Risk of Infection

As a foreign object, a metal plate left in the body for an extended period may increase the risk of infection. Especially when there is skin damage around the plate or when the body's immune system is weakened, bacteria can easily grow around the plate, leading to infection. Infection may cause local redness, swelling, pain, and fever. In severe cases, surgical removal of the plate and anti-infective treatment may be required.

3. Stress Shielding Effect

When a plate is fixed to the bone for a long time, it may create a stress shielding effect. This means the plate bears mechanical stress that would normally be borne by the bone, depriving the bone of necessary stress stimulation during fixation. As a result, the bone may become weaker and more prone to re-fracture, particularly in the period following plate removal.

4. Plate Fracture or Bending

Over time, the plate may fracture or bend due to osteoporosis, vigorous physical activity, or external trauma. Such damage not only compromises the plate’s ability to stabilize the bone but may also cause additional harm to the body. Therefore, patients should follow their doctor’s advice during the fixation period and avoid activities that could lead to plate deformation.

5. Rejection Reaction

Some patients may experience a rejection reaction to plates made of materials such as titanium alloy. Symptoms may include local redness and swelling, skin rashes, and itching. Severe reactions could even lead to necrosis of the skin and tissues surrounding the plate. Patients experiencing such reactions should seek medical care promptly and consider surgical removal of the plate.

After the fracture has healed, patients should decide whether to remove the plate based on their individual condition and their doctor’s recommendation. If removal is chosen, the procedure should be performed under medical supervision, and postoperative rehabilitation guidelines should be followed to support recovery.

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