Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] Hello Doctor, I had my surgery two weeks ago for removal of 2 plates, 11 screws and 2 wires, from my tibia, which were put in when I suffered a bi-condular tibial plateau fracture graded as Schatzker VI. Want to know how long would I need to use a walker / stick. When can I start full weight bearing?
[|AI|]  Hello, Since your doctor removed these plates and screws I presume that the fracture was completely healed. Usually, I remove the metal implants when the fracture is healed, and I tell the patient to start weight-bearing after 2 weeks when you remove the skin stitches. There are other cases that we may remove the implants before the fracture is healed such as infection or allergic reactions from the metal. If that is the case I tell the patient not to weight bear after 2 weeks as usual but when the radiograph will show the healing of the fracture. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.