Back on 9.06.08 I was struck and had a displaced and commuted fracture that required a bone graft and the plate. I've had two brief conversations with two different surgeons who are not big fans of having it removed. The risk for infection is the most cogent reason i have been able to extract as a reason not to have it removed. I have an appt in Nov to engage the issue and schedule the surgery if that is the decision. I am rehabbing from knee surgery this week so my activity has been greatly restricted. I will be out of the pool for 3 weeks. So I'm thinking I might as well get this thing out if I'm going to do it.

Since the accident I have been able to swim up to 2 miles. The clavicle discomfort is like a low-grade toothache that never goes away completely. I've just learned to live with it. It's a daily annoyance. The reason I would get it removed is protection from a really ugly clavicle fx down the road. I'm thinking with the plate in there if it breaks it will likely break at the weakest point ~ the ends of the plate. I'm guessing that would not be such an easy repair. Without the plate and it breaks I have a better chance for a more manageable break. When I've presented that scenario to the surgeons there is a certain pause in the room and a consideration that this could be an outcome. I respect both these guys and their opinion will wiegh heavily in the decision. I'm looking for anecdotes and better questions to engage.