Rib graft extruded. Is this an infection?

Its unusual for a post operative infection to start a month after surgery. It is most common around 5 days to a week. The diagnosis needs to be confirmed, so your surgeon must examine the area. Small cartilage grafts (like spreader and tip grafts) can often be successfully treated with antibiotics and they don't need to be removed. Unfortunately rib grafts are usually larger and all too frequently 'melt away' from the infection. Both clindamycin and keflex are good choices.

This is one of those situations that is so hard for all of us to really advise you on. A physical exam is very important so please go back to your surgeon for an exam. If the cartilage is exposed it might be able to be trimmed and the wound closed. The longer you wait the worse off it can become. You might find if you have gross infection that the rib graft will dissolve away over time. It could also be nothing more than a undissolved suture from the incision or from surgery in general. This is why it is so important for you to see someone sooner than later. Skin bacteria are most common to cause infection so Keflex or Clindamycin should be adequate for soft tissue. There are some others with better cartilage penetration but really this sounds like it could be soft tissue

The graft may be infected. Unfortunately this can occur.  The graft may need to be removed, or trimmed.  The area must be examined carefully, if the graft can be salvaged and the infection controlled this is a good option.  The other grafts in the nose are most likely fine and can be spared. Removal of too many grafts will change the shape and support of your nose.

Hi,

Sounds like your rib spreader graft got infected and is extruding or vice versa. Either way the graft should be removed. Your surgeon will know the best choice of antibiotics for you, but the real treatment is removal of the implant.

Best,

Dr.S.