My left tib/fib fracture was 18 months ago. I recently moved, & this week I met with a new ortho doc who is highly recommending that I have the rod, plate, & screws removed. He claims that he always recommends this in younger patients (I'm 36) who lead an active lifestyle. I'm more than a little bit squeamish about another surgery, as I was laid-up for almost 8 weeks originally. The hardware doesn't bother me, but my doc fears that should I suffer another injury with the metalwork still in place, my bone(s) could shatter. He says the only risk in taking the items out, aside from the surgery itself, is the fact that my bones will somewhat resemble swiss cheese with all the screw-holes, & will be more susceptible to fracture for a period of up to one-year. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.