Surgical screw has completely backed out of my foot - #10186
Hi around 8 years ago I was in a car accident and had a metal plate and screws placed in my foot. Well two days ago the screw completely came out off my foot at home. Im concerned because clear yellow fluid keeps squinting out and running down my foot. I have a appointment Monday but if it's a really bad infection I don't want to wait and loose my foot. What should I do go to ER or wait til appointment
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Doctors’ responses
If a screw has fully backed out from the surgical site in your foot, and you’re seeing clear yellow fluid coming out, it’s definitely something that needs prompt attention. The fluid could indicate a potential infection, particularly if it’s accompanied by other symptoms such as redness, warmth, swelling, or pain in the area around where the screw was. Given that infections can progress quickly and complications from surgical hardware can be serious, it would be wise not to wait too long. The key urgency here is the infection risk; untreated infections in the bone or surrounding tissue can have significant consequences, including posing a risk to your foot health. Heading to the emergency room would be advisable here. In the ER, they can assess whether there’s an active infection and provide necessary interventions like antibiotics or potential wound care. They might also conduct imaging to check the bone and hardware status. It’s crucial to tackle infections early to prevent them from spreading. Meanwhile, try to keep the area as clean and dry as possible before getting medical attention. Avoid putting weight on that foot as much as you can and elevate it when seated to reduce swelling. If you’re experiencing fever, increased pain, or any systemic symptoms, that further confirms the need for urgent evaluation. Waiting til your appointment on Monday might not be prudent given the potential for rapid deterioration i such situations.
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