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Case Reports
. 2016 Jun;95(23):e3777.
doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000003777.

Diagnosis and rehabilitation of deep wound infection and internal fixation rejection in elbow: A case report

Huiping Lu  1 , Lin Song, Ying Lin
Affiliations
Case Reports

Diagnosis and rehabilitation of deep wound infection and internal fixation rejection in elbow: A case report

Huiping Lu et al. Medicine (Baltimore). 2016 Jun.

Erratum in

  • Erratum: Medicine, Volume 95, Issue 23: Erratum.
    [No authors listed] [No authors listed] Medicine (Baltimore). 2016 Jul 18;95(28):e0916. doi: 10.1097/01.md.0000489580.04709.16. eCollection 2016 Jul. Medicine (Baltimore). 2016. PMID: 31265603 Free PMC article.

Abstract

This study aims at diagnosis and rehabilitation of a rare case of deep wound infection and internal fixation rejection in elbow. The patient sustained a distal fracture in the humerus 1 year ago, which was internal fixed. The wound always effused and the elbow had pain and swelling; joint motion was limited. Blood sedimentation rate and C reactive protein level increased, bacterial culture suggested deep wound infection, and ultrasound indicated inflammation. The main diagnoses were deep wound infection and internal fixation rejection. Therapeutics interventions were antibiotic agents, physical therapy, operative debridement, incision, drainage, and exercise and physical therapy. One year later, the internal fixation was taken out. His elbow was fully mobilized and the fracture healed. He got back to his former job. When encountered deep wound infection again and again after internal fixation, rejection should be considered. Except for anti-infection treatment, rehabilitation cannot be neglected, or the healing process may be delayed.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no funding and conflicts of interest to disclose.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Comminuted fracture in the humerus.
Figure 2
Figure 2
After operation of olecroanon osteotomy, humerus open reduction and plate internal fixation.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Hydrops in elbow articular cavity with the low-echo area.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Granulation tissue hyperplasia, abundant blood supply.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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