In 1996, surgeons repaired my fractured tibia by installing a plate and 8 screws just below my left knee. Recently, the bone area involved has become more painful when I walk, and even worse when I twist or turn. Is it too late to have the plate removed? I have done just about everything on the leg since the surgery, but it has alway been slightly painful and has gotten progressively worse. The leg is not very stable anyway because of an improperly healed torn achilles tendon. I have Parkinison's disease, and this causes even more problems with my balance.