# @nickpappasmd on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/Dd6lPIBJudN
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/71166183-nickpappasmd-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/d917b34afb.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-09-30T14:46:58.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Nick Pappas, MD (@nickpappasmd) — https://gondola.cc/nickpappasmd

## Caption

🦴 When does orthopedic hardware like a tibial (shin bone) nail be removed?

One of the most common questions people ask after getting an orthopedic implant like a rod or a plate is “Do I have to have it taken out later?” 🤔

The answer is… not usually. ✅

Once the bone has completely healed, most intramedullary nails and plates can safely stay in for life. However, there are certain situations where removing the hardware makes sense.

🔹 Common reasons to remove an implant like a nail:
• Persistent pain from the hardware 😣
• Prominent screws causing irritation 🦵
• Infection 🦠
• Hardware failure or loosening 🔩
• The bone didn’t heal correctly (malunion/nonunion) 🦴
• Occasionally in younger or very active patients if symptoms are clearly related to the implant 🏃

⚠️ Hardware removal isn’t risk-free. There is a small risk of infection, bleeding, nerve injury, and—very rarely—a new fracture after the implant is removed.

As always, the decision should be individualized based on your symptoms, your X-rays, and a discussion with your orthopedic surgeon.

👇 Have you ever had hardware removed? How did your recovery go?

#orthopedics #orthopedicsurgeon #fracture #tibia #traumasurgery

## Stats

- **Views:** 614,773
- **Likes:** 2,144
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- **Comments:** 40

## Tags

orthopedicsurgeon, traumasurgery, fracture, tibia, orthopedics

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