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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Intramedullary Rod Leg Swelling And Pain?

hi my boyfriend has a rod in his leg. he broke his leg when he was 14 and now he is 23. his leg where the rod is, is like puffy and nasty to look at and for the past year he has complained that it hurts so much and he cant stand very long and trouble getting up and sitting. he cant sleep and i dont know what to do.
Mon, 18 Aug 2014
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement,  's  Response
It can be due to loosening of road or infection. I would suggest you to get a repeat x ray of the leg to confirm the cause of the swelling and pain. If there is any loosening or bone damage then I would suggest you to get this rod removed. I would also suggest you to get ESR, CRP to confirm if there is any infection. Then also he will need antibiotics and implant removal. You have to do it early as this rod can cause deep infection in bone called as osteomyellitis and then there can be multiple complications. So do not delay this treatment.
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What Causes Intramedullary Rod Leg Swelling And Pain?

It can be due to loosening of road or infection. I would suggest you to get a repeat x ray of the leg to confirm the cause of the swelling and pain. If there is any loosening or bone damage then I would suggest you to get this rod removed. I would also suggest you to get ESR, CRP to confirm if there is any infection. Then also he will need antibiotics and implant removal. You have to do it early as this rod can cause deep infection in bone called as osteomyellitis and then there can be multiple complications. So do not delay this treatment.