A total of 188 patients who had metalwork removed were reviewed. There was an overall 20 per cent complication rate. The highest complication rate of 42 per cent was seen with forearm fractures. Infection was the most common complication, and was particularly high in those fractures which were originally open (43 per cent) and where infection developed after the initial internal fixation (32 per cent). We suggest using prophylactic antibiotics for these two groups. All nerve injuries were permanent and were produced by junior surgeons.