What Do Bumps Near Incision Site After Knee Replacement Indicate?

Posted on Thu, 27 Aug 2015

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

Thu, 27 Aug 2015 Answered on

Wed, 16 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a knee repl on August 12. Now there are a few bumps next to my incision. I think it is infection. The nurses all say this is normal, and they don't mention infection. I had a little bit of yellow on my bandage wen I took it off, nurse said to do this cause bandage was coming off. They said to leave it uncovered, another one said get a bandage from the store. They never looked at it. What do you think of this. Thank you. Denny

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Leave it open

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome.
2 weeks after surgery, the wound should be covered with compresses anymore unless there is suppurative infection(it means there is redness,pus discharge). Signs that you describe may indicate slight wound infection but I dont think this is something worrying. If fever,new pain or pus discharge occur then you should have swab of this wound and antibiotic treatment. But bit of yellow on bandages isnt concerning sign, it can be treated with showering, brufen and cold compersses. Wish you good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj