HomeAnswersOrthopedician and Traumatologypost surgical infection

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

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

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?
Answered by Dr. Sumit Chawla

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sumit Chawla is a skilled Orthopedician and Traumatology specialist with extensive years of clinical experience. He specializes in managing musculoskeletal injuries, fractures, and joint disorders with precision. His expertise spans both advanced surgical techniques and effective non-surgical treatments. Dr. Chawla is committed to delivering personalized care that restores mobility, enhances recovery, and improves patients’ quality of life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

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.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply. I have attached the photos of my leg.

Answered by Dr. Sumit Chawla

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sumit Chawla is a skilled Orthopedician and Traumatology specialist with extensive years of clinical experience. He specializes in managing musculoskeletal injuries, fractures, and joint disorders with precision. His expertise spans both advanced surgical techniques and effective non-surgical treatments. Dr. Chawla is committed to delivering personalized care that restores mobility, enhances recovery, and improves patients’ quality of life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

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.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At March 4, 2017
Reviewed At August 1, 2023

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sumit Chawla is a skilled Orthopedician and Traumatology specialist with extensive years of clinical experience. He specializes in managing musculoskeletal injuries, fractures, and joint disorders with precision. His expertise spans both advanced surgical techniques and effective non-surgical treatments. Dr. Chawla is committed to delivering personalized care that restores mobility, enhances recovery, and improves patients’ quality of life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

1,416Visits prepared today
4.8/5User rating
~60 secAverage completion time
Prep / Recovery Guide

Post-Surgical Wound Infection Prep and Recovery Guide

How it works

Post-surgical wound infections can lead to serious complications. Understanding the signs and potential treatments is crucial for effective recovery.

1

Wound
Infection

2

Recognize
Signs

3

Treatment
Approaches

4

Antibiotic
Delivery

5

Skin
Coverage

6

Specialist
Consult

This information is based on general medical guidance. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice; consult a qualified clinician.

Always consult a doctor before taking medication; self-medication carries serious health risks. Take exact prescribed doses, and never start, change, or stop treatment without medical supervision.
Dr. Sumit Chawla
Dr. Sumit Chawla

Orthopedician and Traumatology

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sumit Chawla is a skilled Orthopedician and Traumatology specialist with extensive years of clinical experience. He specializes in managing musculoskeletal injuries, fractures, and joint disorders with precision. His expertise spans both advanced surgical techniques and effective non-surgical treatments. Dr. Chawla is committed to delivering personalized care that restores mobility, enhances recovery, and improves patients’ quality of life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
Listen to related tracks in our music library

Related Questions

What can be done for loose teeth and bleeding gums?

What is the reason for swelling around my last tooth?

I am suffering from swelling that occurred after ACL reconstruction surgery. Kindly help.

My mother is having pus secretion from gallbladder bed after gallstone removal. What is the reason?

Will antibiotics affect the sputum report?

Will antibiotics help to improve IBS?

Comprehensive Second Opinion

Read answers about:

post surgical infectionflap surgeryantibiotics

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Orthopedician and Traumatology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.