My dad had his knee replacement redone 21 days ago. After the first few days it started to weep ruby red blood at the bottom of the wound, this continued thru his week + stay in rehab. After 3 days at home ....the wound still leeking we returned to the dr. He decided to go back in and debreed/wash out the wound. After 3 days we are now told he has a e coli infection of the tissue! He hs been on antibiotics in the hospital for those 3 days. How did this happen...how serious is this...what kind of complications can result. Thank-you
He, Infection can spread through various routes, like through blood or contiguous sites and not necessarily through outside. Implications of an infected replacement are many and can range from initial trivial infections to implant loosening and failure. Initial line of treatment is based on iv antibiotics for 6 was along with wound debridement as and when necessary. In case infection wouldn't resolve in long term last option is to remove the implant and wait for infection to subside as it is seen that it is not easy to wipe out infection in presence of foreign material. Hope I have answered your queries. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care 