Infected surgical incision?!
Question: My daughter (11 yrs old) had knee surgery 2 1/2 weeks ago. She got a small infection 3 days ago and was put on antibiotics. Her incision still looks terrible though. It is dark purple/blue for about 1 cm on either side of the cut, and it is still not sealing up. It still needs steristrips on it. Is this normal??? I would appreciate any input from health proffesionals. I have had alot of knee surgeries as well and never had it look like this.
Answers: My daughter (11 yrs old) had knee surgery 2 1/2 weeks ago. She got a small infection 3 days ago and was put on antibiotics. Her incision still looks terrible though. It is dark purple/blue for about 1 cm on either side of the cut, and it is still not sealing up. It still needs steristrips on it. Is this normal??? I would appreciate any input from health proffesionals. I have had alot of knee surgeries as well and never had it look like this.
The incision, particularly on a joint, tends to heal from inside out. The scar tissue will build toward the surface, so using steristrips or staples for a while longer is not unusual.
The term 'small infection' is worrisome. I'm hoping that you are making sure she takes her antibiotics as prescribed (usually several doses a day for a couple of weeks), since the drug needs to build up in her system.
The incision site sounds normal, but of course, have your doctor take a look if you're concerned.
- Stuart
i would go back to your doctor and make sure it isnt a antibiotic resistant infection.
You are right! I think you should consult a health professional. Take her to the Emergency Room, particularly if she is running a temperature. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Doctor. Now.
You dont really want to risk a full blown infection, trust me...
You are describing exactly how a surgical wound looks for about 6 to 8 months. Nothing in your description is abnormal.
If you are concerned further with your daughter take her to a "wound center" in your local hospital. Make an appointment first. This is not an emergency room. The Wound Center treats wounds from accident cuts, diabetic wounds, infected wounds, and wounds in general. These people are specialists.
I would call the DR. office tomorrow and let them know that it still doesn't look any better. Ask them if they will take a look at it and see if maybe she needs a different antibiotic. Nowadays with all this Staph that is going around I would get it checked out immediately.