Dove, The question of removing orthopedic hardware is a very individual one. In addition to the symptoms that some people get, the decision depends on why the hardware was implanted, how the surgery was performed, what type of hardware it is, and the risks of leaving it in. The only person who really knows the answer to these questions, and can weigh the relative risk of removal, is your orthopedist. That being said... Most internal hardware implanted for fixation of fractures is designed to stay in for the rest of your life. The question of bone resorption (your bone getting weak from decreased load) is heavily dependent on what kind of hardware it is and how it was implanted. Although it can happen, don't presume that just because the hardware is in there your bone is going to get weaker. Also, be aware that any surgery involves risk, and it would really be terrible to get a bad infection or complication from anesthesia just because you didn't like the idea of having a screw in your ankle (or wherever your particular hardware is). Just be honest with your doctor about your activities (and be honest about what kind of impact your limbs are taking on landings and openings and such) and see what he says. If the risk of surgery is greater than the risk of leaving it in, you may be better off with the hardware. Amy
