About Plate Removal Surgery
Key Highlights
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Prevents long-term complications like implant irritation or stress on growing bones.Elective procedure with a typically straightforward surgical approach.Minimizes risk of growth plate disturbance in children.Can alleviate discomfort caused by prominent hardware under the skin.Allows for more normal bone remodeling and strength development.
Who is this surgery for?
- Complete healing of the original fracture, confirmed radiologically.
- Persistent pain, discomfort, or irritation at the implant site.
- Prominent hardware causing skin irritation or limiting activity.
- Planned removal to avoid potential interference with bone growth (epiphysiodesis).
- Infection associated with the hardware (though this is less common).
- Patient or family request after the orthopedic surgeon's recommendation.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive pre-operative consultation with the pediatric orthopedic surgeon.
- Recent X-rays to confirm complete bone union and plan the surgical approach.
- Review of the child's full medical history and any allergies.
- Pre-operative blood tests as required by the hospital or surgeon.
- Fasting for 6-8 hours before the scheduled surgery time.
- Discussion of anesthesia (typically general) with the anesthesiologist.
Risks & possible complications
- Standard surgical risks: infection, bleeding, or adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Nerve or blood vessel damage near the surgical site.
- Fracture at a screw hole (stress riser) shortly after plate removal.
- Incomplete removal of hardware or broken screw.
- Scarring or keloid formation at the incision site.
- Recurrence of pain or stiffness, though often temporary.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay is usually short, often same-day discharge or one overnight.
- The limb may be placed in a soft bandage or splint for initial comfort.
- Pain is managed with prescribed medications.
- Stitches or staples are removed 10-14 days post-surgery.
- Light activities can be resumed quickly, but contact sports or heavy lifting are restricted for 4-6 weeks.
- Follow-up X-rays may be taken to ensure bone integrity.
- Full recovery and return to all normal activities typically occurs within a few weeks.
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Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days
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Expected recovery time: 2-4 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering plate removal surgery in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with pediatric orthopedics departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform plate removal surgery. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric orthopedics and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for plate removal surgery compare across other countries where we have data.
Sarah Miller is a bright and...
Sarah Miller is a bright and active 14-year-old who loves competitive gymnastics. At age 10, she suffered a complex fracture of her right forearm during a fall from the uneven bars, requiring surgery to insert a titanium plate and screws to stabilize the bones. For four years, the plate did its job perfectly, allowing her bones to heal strong. However, as Sarah went through a growth spurt, she began experiencing a persistent, dull ache at the surgical site, especially during intense training. Her pediatric orthopedist, Dr. Chen, explained that the plate, now fixed in a bone that had grown longer, was causing soft tissue irritation. He recommended elective plate removal to relieve her discomfort and prevent potential future issues, allowing her to train pain-free. The surgery was straightforward and outpatient. Sarah was anxious beforehand, worried about more scars and downtime, but the surgical team was reassuring. Recovery involved two weeks in a soft bandage, followed by gradual return to activity. Within six weeks, she was back in the gym, pain-free and with renewed confidence. Emotionally, she moved from apprehension about 'more surgery' to relief and gratitude. Removing the hardware felt like closing the final chapter on her old injury, symbolizing her full recovery and allowing her to focus on her sport without a physical reminder of the past accident.
Pediatric Orthopedics for Plate Removal Surgery
Explore experienced pediatric orthopedics who regularly perform plate removal surgery and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 14 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 23 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata