Suggest Remedies For An Wound On The Shin Bone Post An Injury

Posted on Sat, 27 Aug 2016

Question: I am 82 y/o and hit the corner of my bedstead with the side of my shin bone. The leg was not bare, but the skin popped apart and the flap that remained did not cover the subcutaneous flesh. I covered it with an antibiotic ointment and then a non stick waterproof bandage. It has been 5 days, and I've changed the bandage 2 times. It has not healed much. There is no sign of infection or any pain. Still some minor bleeding. How shall I continue? Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr.Arnab (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Need some further details regarding..

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX, Welcome to HCM,

I've gone through your query and understand your concern..

Yes it does appear to be a deeper injury, otherwise, by now it should've been healed to the maximum..

There are certain types of wounds which actually need to be left open as tight covering delays wound healing as well as further scab formation..

Can you please upload some images of the area under a bright light exposure so that I can take a closer look at it to determine the type of wound and extent of injury.. you can simply upload them at the reports section or you can even e-mail them to YYYY@YYYY and keep the subject as ATTN:Dr Arnab , and I'll get them..

Also when your saying minor bleeding, can you please describe the color- is it light red/dark red/yellowish/watery discharge ?

Please let me know if your on any other medications for any other complaints (i.e. diabetes, blood thinners etc.) as they prolong the healing process too..

Can you please specify the name of the antibiotic ointment ?

All these details are important as they'll help me to guide you in a more specific way towards the healing process..

Awaiting for your response..

Take Care
Kind Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Arnab (2 hours later)

Hello Dr. XXXXXXX The antibiotic ointment is Neosporin plus. The thread like bleeding after removing the bandage was a thin streak of bright red. The top of the about 6 in long tear, has a curved flap that does not cover the wound. I have a product called Medihoney to use when I re-bandage . I am wearing a light compression bandage from ankle to just below the knee. Hoping that it will help with keeping things in place. I am taking 25MC of Liothyronine for hypo thyroidism daily. That's all.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Arnab (45 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
a photo/snap shot of the area could've helped a lot to assess it properly..

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX, Welcome back,

Thanks for following up with these details..

The thin streak of bright red blood can be there due to dislodgement of the semi-formed scab/granulation tissue over the wound after removal of the bandage..

I'd suggest you not to use Medihoney during bandaging.. It's better to try Neosporin powder instead of ointment as it has the drying property which actually fastens the healing process..

Please try to avoid bandaging as it'll delay the further healing process, however since you've mentioned that the flap doesn't cover the wound, I'd suggest to please get it checked by a medical personnel (whoever is easily accessible for you) as there seems to be a need for antiseptic dressing over it (after a thorough cleaning of the area with Betadine/povidone Iodine solution)..

Good to know there's no diabetes or any history of blood thinners..no, hypothyroidism won't affect it..

Let me know how you stay..any further queries are most welcome..

Take Care
Kind Regards

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee