Question
On 2/23/07, I had open fixation & internal reduction surgery to repair a fractured tibia & fibula of my left ankle. The ortho surgeon inserted 6 screws & plate. No cast, but in a walking ortho boot until 5/15/07. Have been taking physical therapy & getting my flexibility back, and follow-up x-rays have looked good. Thought I was doing well until a couple of days ago (6/16/07 or so), when the the upper part of my scar, where the top of the plate is located, started to ache more than normal. Also swelling, red, and tender. Is it possibly infected, risks of such, etc? I have a dr's appt scheduled for 6/29/07, but wonder if I should try to see him sooner.

Thanks, Kristi

Answer
Hi Kristi,

I would see your Dr. sooner.  There is a chance that you could have infection or the fixation may have moved.  Infections can be pretty nasty because the bones of the ankle may become infected which is serious.  This can start superficially and go deeper.

It may be more likely that there is irritation from the fixation device against the skin.  However, better safe than sorry.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com
www.fix-my-foot.com

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 questioner 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.