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

Swelling, Pain At Surgery Site, Have Screws And Plates. Diagnosed With Staph Infection. Are Screws Cause Of Repeated Infections?

My 15yr old son had surgery on august 12 2013 to repair a broken ankle, A plate and 4 screws were used to repair the break. Since the surgery he has and swelling, pain and seeping at the surgery site. The orthopedic doctor has diagnosed this as a staph infection, he has been taking clindamycin and washing the area with an antiseptic wash. However he has not gotten better the doctors in this practice seem puzzled. Could the screws and plate be the cause of the repeated infections?
Mon, 4 Nov 2013
Report Abuse
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement,  's  Response
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.

This is just to inform you that Orthopedic implant infections are very stubborn and difficult to treat. It is almost impossible to eradicate the infection completely with antibiotics and washes.

This is just because of the fact that the bacteria will develop "BIOFILMS" around them and sticks to the undersurfaces of the metal implants, rendering the antibiotics and washes ineffective.

So, the only way to get rid off the infection is by IMPLANT REMOVAL and administering appropriate antibiotic of choice for a determined period of time.

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


Loading Online Doctors....
Swelling, Pain At Surgery Site, Have Screws And Plates. Diagnosed With Staph Infection. Are Screws Cause Of Repeated Infections?

Hi, thanks for writing to HCM. This is just to inform you that Orthopedic implant infections are very stubborn and difficult to treat. It is almost impossible to eradicate the infection completely with antibiotics and washes. This is just because of the fact that the bacteria will develop BIOFILMS around them and sticks to the undersurfaces of the metal implants, rendering the antibiotics and washes ineffective. So, the only way to get rid off the infection is by IMPLANT REMOVAL and administering appropriate antibiotic of choice for a determined period of time. Hope this information is helpful. Good day