Surgery Done On Arm To Replace A Steel Plate That Had Broken. Noticed Redness Around It. Allergic To Metal?

Posted on Wed, 17 Apr 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 Answered on

Wed, 8 May 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : my mom is 85 years old had surgery done on her upper left arm to replace a steel plate that had broken . the surgery was done six months ago but now her arm has a red spot about 4 inches around on it and her arm is swollen and hurts really bad could she be allergic to the metal in her arm

Answered by Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (49 minutes later)

Hi
As steel plate is a metal and foreign body ,it can get infected.If pus is collected at the site of the metal,it will track to the skin and come out through an opening.So,she has to be checked for any evidence of infection.
The red spot may not be due to allergy,but may be due to infection.
If the infection is superficial due to skin problem,it will get relieved with antibiotic and antiinflammatory drug.
If it is due to deep seated infection,it has to be treated by her orthopaedician.
First,you can try with good antibiotic like Cefuroxime with potassium clauvulanate and anti inflammatory drug.
If there is no response,consult your doctor and get an X XXXXXXX and ultrasound of the left upper arm.
If you come back with above reports,i will clarify further.
Nothing to worry
Wish her good health
Regards

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