Got a Rod in My Leg; What Happens if I Break it Again?

[vash]

I had mine removed. I didn't think out would suck as bad. But it did. I was still riding a motorcycle so the doc suggested we take it out. My knee was never the same. Doc said it is bad if you hit a rodded leg. Good luck.

Doc taped the rod to my chest. First thing I touched when I woke ip. He was a jokester.

[nynor]

Originally Posted by Zeke

I didn't think they were supposed to leave rods in arms and legs.

Originally Posted by vash

I had mine removed. I didn't think out would suck as bad. But it did. I was still riding a motorcycle so the doc suggested we take it out. My knee was never the same. Doc said it is bad if you hit a rodded leg. Good luck.

Doc taped the rod to my chest. First thing I touched when I woke ip. He was a jokester.

i went to the orthopedist because i still ride motorcycles and snowboard, etc. my wife got to thinking about the ramifications and made the appointment. it was kinda funny watching her grill the dr. with questions. i just sat back and listened. he did a good job and my wife was happy.

[tevake]

They do use some good metals in those installs, so at least rust won't be an issue if damaged.

[rwest]

Just the thought of the rod getting pulled out gives me the heeby geebies. They told that unless there is a need, they will leave the rod in.

Taking a flight next month, so will get to chat with TSA; being summertime I'll have shorts on to make it simple, although I bet they are trained to identify implants on their scanner, heck they might not even ask.

-Rutager

[Flieger]

Certain kinds of stainless steels are only very weakly magnetic- basically nonmagnetic. I think Titanium is also weakly magnetic like Aluminum. So they might be able to tell the difference and not ask.

[GeorgeK]

If you re-break around a rod, your fixation is already there, so to speak. If you bend the rod while re-breaking, the trouble begins.
Then there's the issue of infection if you have an open fracture around a rod (called medullary nail btw).

[nynor]

Originally Posted by rwest

Just the thought of the rod getting pulled out gives me the heeby geebies. They told that unless there is a need, they will leave the rod in.

Taking a flight next month, so will get to chat with TSA; being summertime I'll have shorts on to make it simple, although I bet they are trained to identify implants on their scanner, heck they might not even ask.

-Rutager

i sincerely doubt they will pick up the rod. before 9/11, when things were more relaxed at airports, my friend and i started joking around with one of the airport security guys (it was late and there were almost no people in the terminal). my friend told him i had a rod in my leg and he wanded it and got nothing.

since the TSA was introduced, i have flown a few times and never had a problem.

d.

[rwest]

So if I read correctly, it sounds like maybe the bone would break again, but stay in place because of the rod?

Lot's of interesting information here; I don't typically take much risk and I don't think riding the bike is all that risky I had thought about forgoing the cleat for the first few rides, but was too lazy to change out the pedals- 5 minute job, yup, I'm that lazy! I did put the pedal release at the lowest tension though. Getting out of the pedal is still a bit difficult because my side foot strength is minimal.

-Rutager