Hi, my daughter had minor surgery on the underside of her foot 5 months ago that still has not healed. The cut is over 2 cms long, uninfected and the sides have remained apart for this time. She has been offered further surgery under a general anaesthetic but really does not want to go down this route after being told there is no guarentee that this will work either. She is fourteen, has been using crutches for this time and not been enjoying life. Her consultant just says come back in 6 weeks when we visit and suggested I take away a crutch, leaving her in agony when she puts weight on the wound. Please can I have any advice?
GreetingsWelcome to Chat Doctor. Wound remaining open for 5 months is a very long time indeed and I completely understand how much pain you daughter much be feeling. Well here it is important to know here what surgery was done initially so that the underlying problem can be identified which could be causing the wound to remain open. Secondly to really find out if the wound is uninfected you will have to visit you doctor because infected would doesn't necessarily mean lots of pus. As far as the advice of you doctor is concerned to undergo a surgery, I say it would be a wise decision because no matter what medication your daughter takes or how clean you keep the wound, the wound will not heal if the ends of the wound have not been approximated. This will quickly start the healing process with very good antibiotics with broad spectrum coverage. She might be reluctant, but if you counsel her that surgical intervention again has good chances of healing your wound, I am sure she will be ready. After all It's going to be under general anesthesia and she wouldn't feel a thing. I hope the answer was helpful. In case you have any further questions feel free to contact in writing. Regards.  Chat Doctor. 