I shattered my left upper tibia and the knee. I hada ti rod bolted to the side of it to help it heal and hold all of the pieces together. That f'n rod drove me nuts for 2 years. Weather pressure changes and the cold really drove me nuts. I had it removed last year August 19/09 and after surgery I felt so much better. It just annoyed me most of the time and I could feel it there. Hard to explain, but it did its job and couldnt be more thankful! Any ?'s you got I try and answer! Heal up well!