Metal plates- can they come undone??

[*LittleMissSummer*]

Bit of a strange thread this one and not sure how many would know..

But i have a metal plate and screws in my right arm after a horrible horse riding accident almost 5 years ago.

Lately i have noticed whenever i move my arm it cracks in the area where the plate is. Sometimes it feels weird.. DP said if it had come undone i would experience a lot of pain.

Who would be the best person to see about this? I went to my GP about a year after the accident, i was experiencing horrible pains and he seemed clueless so i didnt persue it further..

[sloane]

hmmm - i think the screws can definitely loosen. maybe that's what's happened? you prob need an xray - although you might need a referral from your GP? sorry - not much help!

[Footsteps]

you need to see your gp and get a referral to a orthopaedic surgeon. i had metal put in my ankle years ago and i get pain and cracking etc now. iv seen a surgeon and am waiting to go back as mine was a extra bone and the hosp are concerned its back. good luck huni, x

[kawazuki]

steps to take

gp first for an x-ray
then to see the surgeon if possible.

the screws may loosen as the bone grows, since it was done when you were 16 and have grown since it may of moved slightly

my collar bone cracks and causes tingling every now and then, but thats due to a nerve which is through the area..

[*LittleMissSummer*]

Thanks ladies. I might go to the drs tomorrow and get a referral for an xray, hopefully i can get in on tuesday so DP can come with me. My biggest worry is that the screws have become loose and ill require surgery again. I've had nothing but issues since the damn thing was put in. It aches all the time, i can't carry anything heavy and i can't throw balls without excruiating pain shooting up my arm.

[kawazuki]

as you have grown it may of upset the growth plates..
t may need to come out and get re aligned (worst case scenario hun don't stress)