Severe Redness and Inflammation After Spine Cement Surgery

Severe redness and inflammation of the bone cement wound?

My grandmother underwent vertebroplasty with balloon augmentation last week, but in the past few days, the wound has shown significant redness, swelling, and inflammation, and it feels warm to the touch.
What could be causing this? Is the frequent dressing change, which is almost daily, a contributing factor? What can be done to improve the situation?

Hani, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/07/05

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

It may be a wound infection that requires aggressive treatment with antibiotics and proper wound care.

Reply Date: 2017/07/05

More Info

After spinal cement surgery, it is not uncommon for patients to experience some degree of redness and inflammation at the surgical site. However, if the redness and swelling are severe and accompanied by warmth and pain, it may indicate an underlying issue that requires attention.

Possible Causes of Severe Redness and Inflammation
1. Infection: One of the most concerning possibilities is an infection at the surgical site. Post-surgical infections can occur due to bacteria entering the wound during or after the procedure. Symptoms of infection include increased redness, swelling, warmth, pain, and sometimes fever. If your grandmother is experiencing these symptoms, it is crucial to contact her healthcare provider immediately.

2. Inflammatory Response: The body naturally responds to surgery with inflammation as part of the healing process. This response can sometimes be exaggerated, leading to significant redness and swelling. However, this should gradually improve over time.

3. Allergic Reaction: If your grandmother is using any new medications, topical ointments, or dressings, she may be experiencing an allergic reaction. This can manifest as localized redness and swelling.

4. Seroma or Hematoma Formation: Accumulation of fluid (seroma) or blood (hematoma) under the skin can also cause swelling and redness. This may require drainage if it becomes significant.

5. Wound Care Practices: Frequent dressing changes can sometimes irritate the skin, especially if not done gently. If the dressing is too tight or if the materials used are irritating, it could contribute to inflammation.

Recommendations for Improvement
1. Contact Healthcare Provider: The first step should be to reach out to the surgeon or healthcare provider. They can assess the wound and determine if there is an infection or other complications that need to be addressed.

2. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any additional symptoms such as fever, increased pain, or discharge from the wound. This information will be helpful for the healthcare provider.

3. Wound Care: Ensure that the wound is kept clean and dry. If the dressing is causing irritation, discuss with the healthcare provider about using different materials or changing the frequency of dressing changes.

4. Pain Management: If your grandmother is experiencing significant pain, discuss appropriate pain management strategies with her healthcare provider. This may include medications or alternative therapies.

5. Rest and Recovery: Encourage your grandmother to rest and avoid strenuous activities that could exacerbate the inflammation. Proper rest is essential for healing.

6. Follow-Up Appointments: Ensure that she attends all scheduled follow-up appointments so that her recovery can be monitored closely.

Conclusion
Severe redness and inflammation after spinal cement surgery can be concerning and may indicate an infection or other complications. It is essential to communicate with healthcare providers to assess the situation accurately and determine the best course of action. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes and a smoother recovery process.

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