HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Broke Femur. Was On Bactrim And Doxycyline. Have Tingling And Numbness In Feet. Recommendations?

I have been on Augmentin since April 2010. I broke my femur and have bacteria attacking my hardware. I was also on Bactrim and then doxycyline but deveoped servere side effects, I am now having tingling and numbness in my feet, I have to take it for life but the tingling and numbness is getting worse, Phyllis a Wheeler

Thank you but I will see my Infectious Disease Dr and try again to see if I can take an alternative drug. I am sorry I bothered you, I didn't know I had to pay.

Thank you again
Sat, 13 Jul 2013
Report Abuse
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement,  's  Response
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.
This is just to inform you that whenever an infection sets in after an orthopedic implant surgery (like in your case), it will never be eradicated with any antibiotic irrespective of the time period used. So the infection will be there as long as the impant is retained in the bone.

This is because the bacteria gets adherent to the metal implant and form "biofilms" around them into which no antibiotic penetrates. Antibiotics only reach to the site where blood supply is present so they cant reach onto the metal surface of the implant. So there is no rationale in simply using antibiotics for extended periods of time only to suffer their side effects.

The only way of getting rid of the infection is by REMOVING THE IMPLANT.

Hope this information is helpful. Good day
I find this answer helpful

 1 user finds this helpful
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Paresthesia


Loading Online Doctors....
Broke Femur. Was On Bactrim And Doxycyline. Have Tingling And Numbness In Feet. Recommendations?

Hi, thanks for writing to HCM. This is just to inform you that whenever an infection sets in after an orthopedic implant surgery (like in your case), it will never be eradicated with any antibiotic irrespective of the time period used. So the infection will be there as long as the impant is retained in the bone. This is because the bacteria gets adherent to the metal implant and form biofilms around them into which no antibiotic penetrates. Antibiotics only reach to the site where blood supply is present so they cant reach onto the metal surface of the implant. So there is no rationale in simply using antibiotics for extended periods of time only to suffer their side effects. The only way of getting rid of the infection is by REMOVING THE IMPLANT. Hope this information is helpful. Good day