Can a steel plate remain in the body for a lifetime?

Sep 20, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yang Ziqi

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, a metal plate can remain in the body for a lifetime. This primarily depends on the material of the plate. If the plate is made of titanium alloy, it has good biocompatibility and can safely stay in the body indefinitely. However, if the plate is made of a conventional material with poorer compatibility and corrosion resistance, it may need to be removed after recovery from treatment.

Under normal circumstances, whether a metal plate can remain in the body for a lifetime primarily depends on the material of the plate. If the plate is made of titanium alloy, it can usually stay in the body permanently; however, if it is made of standard materials, it may need to be removed after treatment.

Titanium alloy plates are highly biocompatible and generally have minimal impact on the body. If a titanium alloy plate is used and the patient experiences no other discomfort, it typically does not need to be removed. However, if the plate becomes deformed or fractured, or if the body shows signs of rejection, it is recommended to remove the plate promptly to prevent potential harm from damage.

Conversely, standard-material plates have poorer biocompatibility and corrosion resistance. Leaving such plates in the body long-term may lead to significant adverse reactions. Therefore, after completion of surgery and follow-up treatment, these types of plates usually need to be removed.

After surgery, patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities during recovery to prevent any impact on the plate. Whether removal is necessary should be determined under a doctor's guidance, based on the plate's material.

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Can a person with a steel plate in their leg undergo a CT scan?

In general, whether a CT scan can be performed on a leg with a metal plate depends on the area being examined. CT scan is a medical imaging technique that uses X-rays and computer technology to create detailed cross-sectional images. CT scans can provide detailed structural information about the inside of a patient's body, helping doctors diagnose diseases and develop treatment plans.

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How many days after removing the steel plate from the tibia of the lower leg can one walk on the ground?

One week or about three weeks after plate removal from the tibial shaft of the lower leg, patients can start walking. After the surgery, there will be a local incision site. If the patient has good physical health and the wound heals quickly, they may begin walking with crutches about one week postoperatively. However, if the patient's constitution is poor or proper postoperative care is not maintained, it usually takes about three weeks before they can walk again. It is important to avoid excessive weight-bearing during recovery.

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

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.

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How many days after removing the steel plate from the clavicle can one move?

The number of days before movement is possible after plate removal from the clavicle depends on the recovery condition. If there is no obvious exudate and wound pain gradually subsides, recovery tends to be faster, and movement is generally possible after about 3 days. However, if the clavicle fracture was severe and there is local exudate or significant pain at the wound site after plate removal, recovery is usually slower, and movement may not be possible until around 7 days post-surgery.

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How long does it take for the bone to heal after removing the steel plate?

The time required for bone healing after plate removal depends on the patient's physical condition and the severity of symptoms. For individuals with good overall health and mild symptoms, healing typically occurs within about one month. However, for those with poor physical condition and more severe symptoms, healing may take approximately three months. During this period, patients may appropriately take calcium supplements as directed by a physician to promote bone healing.

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How long does it take to recover normally after removing the steel plate from the arm?

Under normal circumstances, it takes about three months to fully recover after plate removal from the arm. After plate removal, holes left by the previous internal fixation devices remain in the bone. These holes need to be filled with new bone tissue before the original bone strength can be restored. Additionally, nerve damage may occur during the plate removal procedure, and such injuries typically require about three months to return to normal.

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How long does the numbness from anesthesia last after removing the steel plate?

The duration for the anesthetic sensation to wear off after plate fixation surgery depends on whether local or general anesthesia was used. If local anesthesia was administered, the anesthetized area is usually small, the drug dosage is low, and the metabolism time is short; the numbness typically disappears about 2 hours after surgery. If general anesthesia was used, a larger amount of medication is involved and metabolism takes longer, so the anesthetic effect usually fully resolves in about 5 hours.

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Can a metal plate that has been in the thigh for over 20 years still be removed?

The metal plate in the thigh can generally be removed even after more than 20 years. However, since the plate has been inside the body for over two decades, the metal may have fatigued, making the screws prone to breaking during removal. Additionally, screw heads are likely to become stripped, increasing the difficulty of extraction. Re-drilling may be required to remove the screws, which could potentially cause local fractures and increase the risk of infection.

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