Hi I Had Ankle Surgery About 3 Years Ago And

Posted on Sat, 26 Oct 2019

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Sat, 26 Oct 2019 Answered on

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Question : Hi i had ankle surgery about 3 years ago and i noticed recently that not all of the stitches were removed. the skin around it seems fine at the moment. is there anything i should do?

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I don't think you may get concerned about those stitches.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor service.
I read your query and here is my advice.

I don't think you should do anything about the stitches you found out recently that were inside. I want to know some more details about how you discovered that they were there.
Do you have any symptoms or complains about them.
I believe that stitches inside were biodegradable and they are desolve and don't exist now because you don't refer symptoms like swelling, inflammation etc.

Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (3 hours later)

They do hurt once in a while but i first found out that they were stitches when i felt the area that i had the surgery on and felt something sharp that didnt feel like was skin or a scar. since the surgery is on the outside part of my right ankle i do not have a good view of it and had to take a pictures with my phone to confirm that they were stitches. they are sticking out of the skin so im assuming it has healed with the skin

There may have been some puss around it a few months back when i didnt know about the stitches other than that i didnt noticed it till now

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
If it is a stitch it should be removed.

Detailed Answer:
I am not sure if it can be stitches or just a scar at the place where stitches were placed.
If it is a stitch you can go to the doctor to examine it, determine if it is a stitch or not and possibly remove it.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You can send a photo.

Detailed Answer:
Of course you can attach a photo in reports or send it to YYYY@YYYY and address it to my name Dr Olgeta Xhufka.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj