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Broken Elbow, Painful. Metal Plates Placed. Regained Movement. Why Do Metal Plates Hurt? Is That Normal?
I broke my right(dominant) upper arm into 3 pieces 2 years ago. It was very close to my elbow. I had to have surgery to put in 2 metal plates and 18 screws. Following the surgery i had severe nerve damage. My ulnar and radial nerves were 90 something % ineffective. It took 9 months for me to regain any movement in my wrist or fingers but once i had the first flicker of movement at 9 months i had regained full movement within a few weeks from then. It took another 4-6 months to strengthen it to feel almost as strong as my left arm. Now 2 years after the accident im experiencing pain in my elbow. It actually feels like the metal is hurting. I am exercisin and when i lift weight it feels like thr metal is going to pop off my bone under the pressure. Should i consider getting the plates removed?
Tue, 11 Jun 2013
Hello,
Thanks for writing in.
As per your question there was fracture of your right humerus bone into 3 fragments 2 years back for which plates and screws were implanted. You also mention significant ulnar and radial nerve damage.
Presently you feel pain while doing weights and feel the plates are hurting.
First and foremost please be sure that the fracture has healed properly. Then you can also get nrve conduction study on your upper arm nerve supply.
Your doctor will help you with the above and if he feels suitable, the plates could be removed.
Hope this helps.
Thanks for writing in.
As per your question there was fracture of your right humerus bone into 3 fragments 2 years back for which plates and screws were implanted. You also mention significant ulnar and radial nerve damage.
Presently you feel pain while doing weights and feel the plates are hurting.
First and foremost please be sure that the fracture has healed properly. Then you can also get nrve conduction study on your upper arm nerve supply.
Your doctor will help you with the above and if he feels suitable, the plates could be removed.
Hope this helps.
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