Infected metalwork in ankle triple fusion
Posted , 5 users are following.
I am just sending out a warning that applies to anyone who has had metal inserted to their bones.
Last summer, 2018, almost exactly a year ago, I had the triple fusion operation on my left foot. I had had the right one done the year before and it had been a complete success, no more osteoarthritis pain and perfect mobility.However the left foot was never as good. For a start, in the hot summer of 2018 while still in a walking plaster, it was attacked by Athletes foot - a fungal infection that caused the skin to crack and blister and itch. It was very hard to eliminate but my surgeon wasn't much help. Ever since the foot felt odd, slightly numb and tingly and swollen and bumpy looking. I complained to my surgeon constantly and he agreed that the metal work should perhaps be removed (the bones had fused perfectly well) but seemed reluctant to go ahead ( various excuses)...
Anyway, two weeks ago, things came to a head in that I was rushed to A&E with a high fever and the left leg and foot swelling up, purple and red and hideous pain (9.5). Long and short, it seems that streptococcus dysgallicatiae had entered through cracks in the skin , buried themselves in the screw and staple holes.... and multiplied, having taken the cunning plan of covering themselves up with biogfilm to prevent the immune system from dealing with them,. Two weeks and two operations , a lot of iv amoxycillin later.......
I am still at a loss as to why the darling consultant hadn't considered the possibility...
Penny
1 like, 7 replies
Kaymac68 penny04107
Posted
That sounds awful, are they going to be able to treat the infection and fix the problem? I had surgery March 27 for a bad ankle break, complex fracture in 3 places. I had an infection about a month ago, they said it was from the internal stitches coming up through the incision instead of dissolving. Just this past week I found out that the fracture at the back of the ankle is not healing, meanwhile I was told over a month ago that the bones had healed, so was walking on it. Anyhow my foot is constantly turning purple, so your message really concerns me, no fever though.
penny04107 Kaymac68
Posted
Dear Kaymac68,
If I were you I would ask for a blood test to see what is going on. There are various markers that will show if your inflamation is high , the same for your white cell count.Sometimes orthopaedic surgeons are just a bit thick - you maybe need a good physician.
I will be on antibiotics (amoxycillin) for six weeks. It's awful, wine and food and even tea taste pretty odd -I can't drink wine!! Should lose weight!
Kaymac68 penny04107
Posted
Thank you for the advice! Glad to hear they can treat your infection, and you seem to have a positive attitude looking for the benefits...no wine, lol. Did they suggest probiotics since you will be on antibiotics for such a lengthy period?
penny04107 Kaymac68
Posted
No , of course they didn't - most run of the mill physicians haven't a clue about nutrition! I have got Organic full fat yoghurt and will probably get some of the other products but I also have a stomach guard drug because I am steroids for polymyalgia as well...... But even tea and coffee taste fairly dire so am on a proper detox if you like.
But if only the surgeon had had a bit more imagination, a bit of lateral thinking, it all could have been avoided by investigating the metal work which I instinctively felt was going wrong. He said in a letter dated May l0th that he was 'struggling' to understand my symptoms......
Kaymac68 penny04107
Posted
It is scary to realize how many issues people have with surgeries, I thought Dr's were a lot more on the ball than seems to be. Not a great feeling when your entire life is affected by an injury and they can't get it right or seem to care about it. S o frustrating
mary102362 penny04107
Posted
Wow, scary stuff! How are you doing now? Were they able to remove the hardware and kill the bug? I had ORIF surgery for a broken ankle 7 weeks ago and my surgical wound is not healing. It started as an infection, which was treated, but now it just won't heal. The screw is visible through the open surgical wound. I am very worried about something similar to what happened to you, happening to me. I have a doctors appointment on July 1. I am going to request a referral to a wound care specialist.
penny04107 mary102362
Posted
Indeed, streptococcus can be dealt with in a sore throat but in the bloodstream (especially for the 'elderly' - I am 79) it is a right old beast.
Anyway things are going the right way at the moment, my white cell count and inflammation markers are correct and the wounds seem to be healing and pain a mere ache from time to time.
Your situation sounds fairly serious - are you given blood tests? The infection needs to have a culture done so that they can see exactly what the bug is - no good throwing the wrong antibiotics at it....I am a farmer and a horse owner - for sixty years - so have been used to dealing with wounds and infections and vets and animals - gives me a bit of a lead when dealing with human medics!