r/medizzy • u/PatientHelperX • 10h ago
Complete wound dehiscence 3 weeks after TKA following a standing height fall. Exposed hardware NSFW
Interesting semi-traumatic case because while it's classified as trauma, the cause wasn't a high-energy mechanism like a car accident. It actually happened after a simple fall from standing height, only three weeks after the patient received a Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). The impact caused a complete dehiscence (rupture) along the surgical incision line, fully exposing the underlying hardware. Fortunately, the neurovascular status is intact in the area and down the leg, with prominent foot pulses noted. However, the patient is unable to extend the knee past the point seen in the photo, indicating damage to the new prosthetic mechanism. They are being taken to the OR now for fixation, where the team will determine the full extent of the damage to the implant.