Infection in joint reconstructive surgery
You may now hear your doctor or nurses talking about avoiding infection when talking about joint surgery. This is because infection is one of the most difficult problems a patient can face. While low incidence of infection occurs, all surgeries have certain risk factors. It is still very important to take practical steps to avoid infection and to listen carefully, Knee Clinic Cape Town and to follow the advice and instructions of your medical team at all times. They really have a good interest in your heart!
Why does the infection occur?
When it comes to completely integrated, simply, a patient will have a (artificial) external implant permanently attached to his or her body. Instead of being made from human tissue, which can fight and remove distant infections, the prosthetic organ is made of metal or plastic. In the event that tissues around the prosthetic organ become infected, the body will strive to eradicate the virus as quickly as possible, and the infection will likely last longer and worsen, eventually becoming stronger. Once established, it is important that you be treated immediately. It is best to try to prevent this from happening early or to catch you too soon and start treatment before infection.
When does the infection occur?
Infection can occur in the hospital, when you return home, even months or years later. It is important to remember that any infection in the body can lead to infection in the area of your new joint. In the case of holistic surgery, the old saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure.”
How can you prepare for surgery with a view to preventing disease?
Make sure you do not have open wounds before surgery. If anything happens before surgery, be sure to inform this immediately to your medical team.
Take any medication (perhaps antibiotics) as prescribed, in the lead up to your surgery.
You will be given a body wash with antiseptic baths / baths daily, which leads to your surgery. Follow the instructions of your medical team.
Do not shave the workplace at home. For women, do not shave your legs for at least three days before your surgery, to prevent small cuts that could open up the risk of infection.
Maintain a healthy weight.
If you smoke, if possible, stop smoking.
Make sure your blood sugar is under control, especially, if you have diabetes.
Strategy: Prior to your joint surgery, look for solutions to any skin-related conditions that may pose a risk of infection. This includes arranging for a visit to the dentist before your surgery to check that your mouth is clean and free of infection.
What are the symptoms of an infection after hip or knee surgery?
There are a few ‘warning signs’ you should be aware of when it comes to identifying infections in your new joint. (Something you would like to get very soon, so that you can treat the infection while it is still young.) Report any unusual symptoms immediately to your medical team.
This may include the following symptoms:
Wound: You can expect injuries and swelling around the wound area. However redness, tenderness, heat or increased swelling in the skin area should be identified and reported immediately. Also, monitor the cut of the wound - report any bleeding and / or wet clothing.
Pain: While some discomfort can be expected after surgery if you experience increasing or severe pain, during rest and during work, please ignore it.
Fever: Fever (above 37.8 degrees) should be reported, as well as chills and night sweats.
How are diseases treated?
The type of joint treatment can vary depending on the severity of the disease. Minor infections are treated with a course of antibiotics. Severe and deep tissue infections can lead to further surgery or even the need to remove an implant. Any course of treatment will be decided next to your medical team and discussed in depth with you.
Contact Us
Cape Hip & Knee Practice
3rd Floor Life Orthopaedic Hospital
Vincent Pallotti Hospital, Alexandra Rd
Pinelands, Cape Town, 7405, South Africa
Phone: +27 21 506 5610
Email: admin@capehipandknee.co.za
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cape-Hip-and-Knee-Practice-104909107860110/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cape-hip-and-knee-practice/about/
Official Site: https://capehipandknee.co.za/
No comments:
Post a Comment