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Suggest Treatment For Distal Radius Repair Infection

Posted on Mon, 21 Apr 2014

Question: Im looking for a specialist in distal radius repair. Accident in 2012 Ive had 19 failed surgeries. Some from mistakes, infection and defective hardware.These are post-op surgies in the past. Both arms have nonunions and a subflexation on the rt. We are needing new eyes on the case. They are scheduling a new surgery to replace the broken hardware now. Lossing faith and the pain is unbarble. Im on multipke meds for pain and abx. Osteomyolitis set in a yr ago. I went though a round of hypobaric tx last summer.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (9 hours later)

Brief Answer: I think you should think in terms of external fixator Detailed Answer: Hello, I have studied your case and I have my full sympathy for you. I would suggest you that putting inside hardware can cause recurrence of infection. So my suggestion to you is that you should think of external fixator after consulting your doctor. In this system bone is fixed with pins and rod , which remain outside skin so infection can be treated much easily. After all these past surgeries your skin and soft tissue may not be in good condition; therefore I don't feel using hardware inside skin will be successful; chances of failed surgery can be higher. You can choose a good surgeon who is well versed with treating infection. I have a few friend of mine from US who are good hand surgeons. May I know your location accordingly I shall refer you to the one closest. In the interim it is also important to get your investigations like CRP, ESR, WBC and culture from wound. Without treating underlying infection fracture union is less likely. So you can discuss with doctor about fixing fracture with external fixator. Let me know if I can help you in any other questions. Thanks and take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (11 hours later)

Thank you for your response. The hardware has been removed and replaced (external and internal) many times. Last March the found a sponge had been left behind, which was the source of the infection. I do see an infection control Dr that runs all the labs you mentioned. The infection has been in control for some time now. I would like to see your recommendation on a different surgeon if possible. I live in Kansas and not opposed to travel. Thank you for your advise! It is greatly appreciated XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (3 days later)

Brief Answer: I do not find any one near to you. Detailed Answer: hello, I tried my best but could not found any one near to you. One of my friend is working in trauma field and doing very good. I am giving you his e mail id and you can discuss your case with him. He will offer you good advice. YYYY@YYYY Landge Advanced Orthopedic Trauma Fellow at Elmhurst Hospital Center Elmhurst NY Birmingham, Alabama thanks

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj