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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Leg Redness And Swelling After A Total Knee Replacement Surgery?

I had total knee replacement surgery five weeks ago. My incision was healing nicely and I went to a lymphedema clinic for the leg swelling. The leg swelling was resolved, but now the left leg (the operated leg) has gotten red and has swollen to twice its size. Have I got an infection or am I just retaining fluds? Should I use a compression garment? My infectious disease physician has me on prophylactic antibiotics that I take at night. Need I worry about this swelling? The incision is turning red also along with the leg
Mon, 13 Oct 2014
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Orthopaedic Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello,

I have studied your case.

As per your history infection is likely diagnosis
DO NOT IGNORE INFECTION IN POST TKR .
You may need to investigate like CRP ,CBC,ESR
PCR culture is very useful to find culprit organism.

If infection is confirmed then debridement is required .Persistent infection revision operation is required.

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.

Wishing you good health.

Take care.
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Orthopaedic Surgeon,  Dr. Dr. Sudhir Kumar 's  Response
Hi,Thanks for your query. After going through your query I came to know that you should be get investigated for possible infection .Your doctor is correct while starting prophylactic antibiotics. Whether you have fever? You should got ESR and C Reactive Protein to get information about infection. You can discuss with your treating Doctor about it. I do hope that you have found something helpful. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries. Wishing you good health. Take care.
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What Causes Leg Redness And Swelling After A Total Knee Replacement Surgery?

Hello, I have studied your case. As per your history infection is likely diagnosis DO NOT IGNORE INFECTION IN POST TKR . You may need to investigate like CRP ,CBC,ESR PCR culture is very useful to find culprit organism. If infection is confirmed then debridement is required .Persistent infection revision operation is required. Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries. Wishing you good health. Take care.