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Can Infection In A Finger Lead To Infection Of The Bone Too?

Posted on Mon, 30 Nov 2015

Question: Hi, I had arthrodesis of three fingers on Oct 9th. However, one finger contracted an infection. The nail continued to drain and so the surgeon had to remove the nail completely and made an incision. I took Cindamycin for antibiotics. This procedure did not stop infection so I had another surgery last Friday to remove the screw. Surgeon also did irrigation and debridement in the operating room. I was prescribed Cipro and Keflex together. Since Saturday, the wet dry dressing change is being done. How would I know that the infection did not go to the bones. I just found out today that the screw was infected with pseudomonas aeruzinosa bacterium. Please help. I am very scared.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Bone can be infected.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
If you had an implant and the infection is present then there is every chance that the bone is also infected. Acute infection is difficult to detect radiologically. The changes in the bone are visible after 3-4 weeks. It is best to start with the broad spectrum antibiotics to control the infection.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (3 hours later)

Yes I am on Cephalexin 500mg 4x a day for 10 days and Cipro 500mg 2x a day for 10 days. Can bone infection be treated with these antibiotics?
I am afraid that the bone be amputated. The infection was detected early and aggressive debridement and irrigation done right away.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
These antibiotics should control the infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
Since the infection was detected early and extensive debridement and irrigation have been done, the infection should be controlled with these antibiotics. You can watch for symptomatic improvement and get a swab culture from the wound done to find the antibiotic best suitable for you.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (4 hours later)

Thank you. The incision has closed naturally. However, there's still a drainage coming from the side of the nail bed. This is where all the drainage started, that is why my nail had to be removed. Is a drainage 6 days after debridement normal?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It is normal.

Detailed Answer:
A drainage from the site of an infected wound after 6 days is a normal finding. It should be a clear reactionary discharge. The discharge will gradually reduce after a few more days. The wound will gradually close on its own once the infection is controlled. Please do not worry.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (13 hours later)

Thanks again. However, the drainage is coming from the nailbed. It is clear fluid and has no foul odor. The incision below my finger closed by itself, but the nailbed is still draining.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Reactionary fluid likely.

Detailed Answer:
The clear fluid drainage with no foul smell is a reactive fluid. It will also subside in next few days. Continue taking the antibiotic and please do not worry.
Regards.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar