There are many surgical procedures, including orthopedic interventions, that require the use of prosthetic hardware. This hardware can help you regain full mobility and functionality of your body, and in some cases, may even save your life. However, there are also potential risks that accompany the use of prosthetic hardware, and these risks could lead to significant complications. Thrive Reconstructive Surgery is a reconstructive surgery practice with ample experience providing patients with hardware infection treatment.
How Does Hardware Exposure Occur?
There are a number of notable examples of prosthetic hardware, including replacement hips, knees, and other joints. Additionally, surgeons may sometimes use screws or plates to bring stability to broken bones.
Although this hardware provides an excellent option in the treatment of various conditions, it has the potential to cause significant damage to the surrounding tissues if an infection develops.
What are the Symptoms of a Hardware Infection?
Patients who have received treatment with prosthetic hardware should be vigilant to the signs of potential infection. One of the effective ways to ensure full, expedient treatment is by catching the problem as early as possible.
Some of the warning signs of hardware infection include warmth, redness, and swelling over the area of infection. Hardware infection may also present with a fever and with lasting pain.
Treating a Hardware Infection
The specific steps in hardware infection treatment can vary, based on both the location and the severity of the infection.
With that said, the wound will always be opened and washed out. Your plastic surgeon will carefully remove all dead tissue to help ensure that the tissue with the healthiest blood supply lies closest to the wound’s surface. In some cases, a skin graft or a muscle flap may be needed to cover the wound or any exposed hardware.
At Thrive Reconstructive Surgery, our surgeons have unique training in these kinds of reconstructions. We are glad to answer any specific questions you have about hardware infection treatment.
Meet Your Doctors
At Thrive Reconstructive Surgery, we are proud of our reputation as problem solvers. We tackle challenging or complex cases so that our patients experience a return to full mobility, functionality, and health. And, we provide aesthetic improvements, striving for our patients to look and feel their very best.
Post-Procedure and Recovery
Following hardware infection treatment, you will be advised to spend a few days resting and recovering. Some pain, swelling, and redness are all to be expected, but these symptoms can be managed in a safe and healthy way. Your plastic surgeon will tell you more about using pain medications, ice packs, compression, or simply staying off your feet for a while to allow the discomfort to subside.
Keeping your wounds clean will also be important to lower the risk of further infection. This may involve one or more follow-up appointments to ensure the treatment site is healing as expected.
Learn More About Hardware Infection Treatment
Orthopedic hardware is meant to improve your life and help your body regain full functionality. In some cases, however, hardware may result in unintended side effects. Our surgeons treat hardware infection cases.
For hardware infection treatment, trust the experienced team at Thrive Reconstructive Surgery. Contact us to schedule an appointment or ask about hardware infection treatment options.