Abstract
The problem of retained drain fragments is a well known but under reported complication in the literature.
The authors present the case of a 66 years old male, who suffered a right distal humerus fracture luxation six years ago that was treated conservatively. He went to the emergency service with fever and right elbow purulent drainage.
Physical examination showed deformity, swelling and fluctuation of the right elbow with purulent drainage through cutaneous fistula. The x-ray showed instable inveterate pseudarthrosis of the distal humerus. Leucocytosis and neutrophylia with increased CRP were presente in the blood tests and the patient started empiric treatment with Ceftiaxone IV. A MRSA was isolated in cultural exam of the exsudate, and a six weeks treatment with Vancomycin IV was iniciated.
Exhaustive surgical cleaning was performed and two plastic foreing bodies (fragmented drains) were removed.
At the time of discharge the patient was afebrile, with normal analytical parameters and negative culture tests.
The orthopaedic surgeon should considerate the presence of a foreign body in patients with infected abcess and traumatic or surgery previous history.
