What Causes Hip Infection After Hip Surgery?

Posted on Sun, 6 Jul 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 6 Jul 2014 Answered on

Wed, 23 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I had blood work done on my infection it was 7.5 dr said almost normal but when it is that 8.5 close and that is high and it seems it is climbing does that mean it is coming back this infection is from a hip plus I have bladder infection my dr on leave for few weeks so how long do I have before it turns in to kidney and cause trouble for my replacement hip

Answered by Dr. Praveen (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Could you share the history in a sequence

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for giving me an opportunity to answer your query.

Could you please upload the reports so that I shall help you better.
I would like to know what your ailments are?
Do you have a hip infection? Urinary tract infection or any other infection?
When did you get the high replacement done?
Please give me a brief on your medical as well as surgical history in a sequence.

Awaiting your reply.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Praveen (2 hours later)

had hip surgery 3 mos ago and hip revision 10 weeks ago I am on antibiotics now oral was on iv was so infected they had to replace part of hard but my infection dr seem concern cause he did not replace rod I am having bad burning pain and stabbib seem to get worst not better dr said he is concern about pain getting worst not better my incision looks good but worry something wrong in side would there always be drainage in my hip if I have infection or sometimes stay in side cause my infection dr said only way to be sure to reopen but my surgean dr says he need more prove that I have no paper work my blood work is 7.5 he said that is not to bad
and if I do still have my hip infection will my incision have fluid build up or could the fluid be down deep cause my incision looks good it is just this pain that I have not had for a while and getting worst but it comes and goes thankyou tell me to refeiw you

Answered by Dr. Praveen (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Would do CT and decide the plan of management

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for writing me back.

Since the incision is on skin(superficial) I would not rely only on the health of the incision.Deep infection or collection goes unnoticed without further investigations.I were to do a CT to find out if the implant has displaced from its original site, identify fluid collection and status of the adjacent tissues and decide whether to do a revision surgery.

I regret that I donot have any clue of the blood work(specific test) which was done.
What was 7.5?Was it your hemoglobin?

Hope this answers your query.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Praveen (4 hours later)

no 7.5 is wbc

and how would I now if I have deep infection thanks

Answered by Dr. Praveen (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Do CT and evaluate.

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for writing me back.

7.5 of WBC is pretty okay(low normal) and does not pose any risk.
As discussed I were to assess the mobility of the joint and do a CT scan to understand if there is any deep seated collection of fluid and plan further management.

Hope this answers your query.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj