Despite metal’s resilience, the fact is that metal can break, and something may need to be done about it.
This article explains why metal implants break and whether surgery is required to fix them.
Why Does Metal Break?
The strength of a metal implant depends on a number of factors, including the type of metal, how the metal was fabricated, and the size of the implant. Common metal types used in surgical procedures include stainless steel and titanium.
By way of comparison, consider a paper clip. It can often sustain a strong force. It may bend, but it usually won’t break. However, if the paper clip is bent back and forth several times, it might snap in two. Metal implants can respond in a similar way to repeated cycles of stress.
Causes of Broken Hardware
Metal implants are typically made to support the skeletal system until the body can support normal stress without the aid of the implant. So if a bone is broken, a metal implant may be used to support the healing skeleton until the bone has healed. Several factors could interfere with this process:
Unhealed fractures (nonunions): There are many reasons why a broken bone may not heal or heal slowly. If a broken bone supported by metal does not heal, the support provided by the metal may eventually be insufficient. Loose implants: Implants that are loose are subjected to greater stress than solidly fixed implants. This can occur with loose hardware from a fracture repair or a loose joint replacement implant. Insufficient strength of repair: The stress of a broken bone requires a minimum amount of support when repaired. A “loose” repair may lead the metal supporting the bone to fail. Expected broken hardware: There are a few scenarios in which broken metal may be expected. For example, sometimes ligament injuries are repaired with metal. Because normal ligaments move, even very subtly, the metal used to hold the ligament in position may eventually break.
Trouble Signs
Hip and knee surgeries often involve the use of metal. Five common post-surgery problems tend to trigger certain symptoms:
Fracture, which usually occurs after a fall or other traumaFrequent or recurring dislocations, which can cause pain and make movement difficultInfection, which can incite pain, redness, and swelling; a serious infection might set off diarrhea, fatigue, fever, muscle aches, or nausea or vomitingLoosening or instability, which can instigate pain and swelling, a popping or clicking sound, or the feeling that the body part is “giving out” when you place weight on itMetal allergy, which can spark common allergy symptoms like itching, pain, rash, skin discoloration, stiffness, and swelling
Is Surgery Required?
Often, broken metal implants require additional surgery, but not always. If the problem is still not addressed, such as a broken bone that has not healed, then the metal may need to be removed and a new repair performed. However, if the broken metal is not causing a problem, then it can often stay in the body.
There are some rare circumstances in which loose or broken metal moves within the body. This can be concerning when the metal is located around the chest or abdomen and usually less worrisome when the metal is located in the extremities. Keep your healthcare provider up-to-date so they can monitor the situation and respond appropriately.
Summary
Orthopedic surgeons implant metal to fix broken bones, replace worn-out joints, or correct deformities in the skeletal system. Although metal implants are designed to last a long time—sometimes several decades—they often don’t last forever. In fact, there are several reasons why the implants fail, such as if the repair was problematic to begin with or if the patient places too much stress on the area while it’s still healing.
A Word From Verywell
Broken implant hardware almost always is a sign of a problem—either with the hardware or the bone supporting it. If you suspect something is wrong, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider for an evaluation.
