How can the implant be managed?
Patient: I have an implant in my great toe which was done in 2009. 3 weeks ago I developed an infection in the toe with purulent matter being emitted from the base of the nail bed. I went to my primary care physician who took me down the hall to a podiatrist. He treated it with antibiotics for 3 days and then removed the lateral section of the nail bed for an ingrown toenail. I was treated with a 10 day treatment of antibiotics and have been going back weekly. The nail and tissue around the nail is better but still red and tender. I am on a 2nd round of antiobiotics and the physician wants a 2nd opinion and has sent me to an infectious control physician who I will see next Wed. Any thoughts, suggestions. He did not feel it was involving the implant which is in the proximal phalanx. Doctor: Answer: Hello,I have studied your case.I will advise x ray to see union status of your boneMedication like antibiotics and analgesic will reduce pain; you can take them consulting your treating doctor.if union has been achieved implant can be removed at a later stage because any new damage at implant site may decrease blood supply to nail bed damaging further so plan implant removal once your current problem subsidesHope 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.Take care.