Question:
In spring of 2004 I slipped on some ice and broke my tibia and fibula. A steel rod was drilled into my tibia and screws were used to stabilize it. The fibula healed along with it.

Last fall I had the screws removed because they were very uncomfortable. Now it still hurts to walk on hard surfaces because I am feeling pressure from the rod in the bone. I am trying to decide whether I should have the rod surgically removed.

Any advice from anyone else who has had this experience would be appreciated.

Answer:
Hey rosemaryrqb1, how are you doing?

An x-ray may show that the bone is likely to break. Bad pain is usually experienced before the fracture occurs in patients with advanced cancer.

Because these bones support your weight, fractures, particularly in the leg bones near the hip, are likely to occur. Usually surgeons place an external steel support over the fracture to support the bone.

When cancer invades bones, it can weaken them. The best treatment is to prevent the fracture.

REFERENCE
American Cancer Society, Inc.: Managing Physical Problems of Advanced Cancer

Best wishes,