title: Negative-pressure wound therapy and external fixation for infection and hematoma after hallux abducto valgus surgery.
abstract: Hematoma refers to the collection or extravasation of blood, usually clotted, in a closed tissue space. It is caused by leakage from local vessels damaged by blunt trauma, local injury, or surgical dissection. In the postoperative phase, a hematoma often results in edema, pain, wound dehiscence, infection, and scarring of the surgical wound. We describe a 44-year-old woman who developed severe complications, including hematoma, abscess, failure of internal fixation, and loss of soft-tissue structures, after hallux abducto valgus surgery. Hospitalization was required for infection control, soft-tissue coverage through negative-pressure wound therapy, and first metatarsophalangeal joint stabilization through external fixation. Early recognition of the signs of infection and hematoma can help decrease the incidence of postoperative complications.
authors: Podiatric Residency Program, Department of Surgery, Staten Island University Hospital, Staten Island, NY 10305, USA.
authors: Edward
authors: E
authors: Ferdinando
authors: Laura
authors: L
authors: Guerin
authors: Aluko O
authors: AO
authors: Jervis
authors: Henrietta
authors: H
authors: Obidigbo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D006215:Hallux Valgus / Q000601:surgery*; D006406:Hematoma / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008683:Metatarsophalangeal Joint / Q000601:surgery; D054843:Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000628:therapy*; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000628:therapy*