Question
Dear Dr,

My dad has 2 non obstructive renal calculi, is post op TURP with cystolithotrypsyand is a non-diabetic. My dad aged 80 had an ORIF last Aug as a result of an accidental fall for his subtrochanteric fracture of the rgt femur. He underwent a regular physiotherapy schedule and had started walking in 8 months. But after that he developed an abscess near his knee thrice, 2 screws were  removed when he had his first abcess ard the knee, for the remaining two abcesses which recurred within 1 and a half to two months, cleaning of the site was done, for the abscess he was prescribed antibiotics.Last few days he has developed a bulge in the hip region and his ortho surgeon is planning for the removal of the implant within 2 days.Recently he has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma which is of the smouldering kind.The abscess fluid is AFB negative and once his culture report turned out to b negative.The 3rd abscess culture report is due tom.Right now he is able to walk but there has been a slight shortening of the limb.
I want to know what are the risks and complications of the surgery as his femur is infected. What are antibiotic beads and how many types are there and what is the success rate? His surgeon says he is having recurrent abscess becoz of immunosuppression ( low immunity due to his age.) I belong to India and am very tense. Thanks.

Answer
Dear Nida,

This Orthopedic Chicago Podiatrist located in West Loop 60661,Roscoe Village 60618, Elmhurst 60126 & Bartlett 60103 says...
For the bone infection of the leg-antibiotic beads have a high success rate in treating bone infections. The beads are picked according to the organism producing the infection. The risks are moderate as with any bone surgery on someone at 80 years old-however, you need to treat the bone infection. As far as the limb being shortened-he can be fitted a shoe with an orthotic with a lift.

Hope this Helps & Good Luck!
The Chicago Podiatrists of AnkleNFootCenters.com are specialists in orthopedics and sports medicine.
We are located in Chicago & Elmhurst

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661


DISCLAIMER:
This information is offered as free advice and as general information. It may not be applicable to the specific questioner and his/her problem.  It is not based on actual knowledge of the podquestioner or his/her medical history and it cannot and should not be relied upon as definitive medical opinion or advice.  Reliable medical opinion and advice can only be obtained through hands-on physical contact and exam of the patient to establish an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.  No doctor/patient relationship is created or established here and may not be inferred through answers on this site.  The questioner and other readers must consult his/her own doctor before proceeding or implementing any suggestions contained within this document and answers on this site.  The questioner is only to act upon his/her own doctor抯 orders and recommendations. By reading this posting which follows, the reader fully understands and confirms that he/she holds harmless this writer. If this is not fully agreeable to you, the reader, and/or you have not attained the age of 18 years, you hereby are advised to read no further.