Why does my skin surrounding the surgery area look black and dead?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 57-year-old female. I am 4 feet and 3 inches tall. I underwent leg surgery 11 months back. The surgical wound has been infected three times already with pus discharge. After cleaning the discharge, a small area remains unhealed, and the implants fixed during surgery can be still seen through this area. The skin in this area has become black and looks dead. I already have thyroid and arthritis. Is there any way to treat the infection without removing the implants?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Kindly post the images of the affected leg and the infected wound after the surgery. I will be able to comment only after seeing the photos.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thank you for attaching the clinical pictures (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Implant prominence co-existing with infection, so any means of providing a cover over the implant will not prevent infection. If there has been any consolidation of the fragments, then it is best to remove the implant and the necrosed bone followed by external fixator application. A local antibiotic delivery system such as antibiotic-impregnated beads or cement may also be required. For skin coverage, a flap cover by a plastic surgeon has to be done. No medication will make the skin grow over the implant.

Thank you.