Can I have a TKR with open wound on non-operative leg?

Posted by davi1 @davi1, Jun 15 4:55pm

I am scheduled for right knee replacement in 2.5 wks. I developed an ankle ulcer on the the non-operative leg on my inside ankle that is healing nicely but not closed completely yet. The wound was caused from a sclerotherapy treatment that never should've happened. The vascular surgeon injected the sclerosant (medication) outside the vein 🙁 The podiatrist that is doing the wound healing started me on Epifix graft treatments which help to heal the wound quicker cuz these type of wounds heal very slowly. The surgeon who will be doing the tkr looked at it the other day since we are so close to the surgery date and said since it's not on the operative leg, I should be fine to go into surgery because it looks healthy and no infection.

These are his words from clinical notes on file: "The patient has a very small wound that is healing nicely without any evidence of infection. Okay to proceed with right TKA. This wound will not affect TKA outcome or increase risks. She will need to continue wound care, however, during the recovery for her right knee."

I'm wondering if anyone out there knows anything about open wounds that are almost closed and not infected can share their knowledge or experiences.

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gravity3 | @gravity3 | Jun 16 3:35am

The only comment I can offer... because I am not a medical professional.....is that if you are in doubt you may want to reschedule. I say that only because for me
It was important to feel as confident as possible going into my tkr. Good luck with your decision making.

davi1 | @davi1 | Jun 16 8:38am

Thank you for your response. I don't think I'm ever going to feel confident going in. I wish I didn't feel this way but I do.

codynike | @codynike | Jun 16 8:56am

I would wait for the wound to heal. They recommend not to have dental work or other invasive surgeries since any infection will go right to the knee. Putting off colonoscopy and root canal.

joyanna | @joyanna | Jun 17 10:17am

If it were me I would wait on having the knee surgery. If you got an infection in the knee replacement from your other leg it could be a disaster. Better to be safe than sorry! I have to take antibiotics before I go for a dental cleaning. I have a wonderful surgeon and he is very careful if his patients have a cut anywhere he won’t do the knee surgery.