OpenHealth Q&A

Potential Necrosis Following Foot Injury from Fridge Accident

On July 5th, my husband, aged 46, sustained an injury to his foot when a refrigerator toppled over, trapping his foot between the dolly and the ground. Almost immediately, a hematoma formed, but there was no visible break in the skin at that time. We promptly sought emergency care where X-rays and a CT scan revealed no fractures. By July 8th, he was referred to an orthopedic specialist to investigate a possible Lisfranc injury; fortunately, this was later excluded. During the assessment, the physician noted significant swelling, making it difficult to evaluate any potential tissue damage accurately. She applied an Unna boot and scheduled follow-up for the following week. At his next appointment on July 15th, the doctor observed signs of infection in his foot and prescribed antibiotics, advising him to return later in the week to reapply the Unna boot. On July 18th, despite the infection showing signs of improvement, concerns arose regarding persistent swelling. Consequently, an MRI was ordered. The imaging, conducted on July 22nd, revealed a large fluid accumulation on his foot, but no structural injuries. During a follow-up consultation on July 31st, he had lost the large blood blister that had formed shortly after the injury. This development allowed for a clearer view of the wound, revealing a darkened area roughly 1 by 2 inches in size beneath the former blister. The physician now expressed worry about the appearance of the wound and scheduled another visit for August 7th, suggesting a referral to a wound care specialist may be necessary if healing does not occur by then. When I changed his dressings this evening, a foul odor became apparent after I unwrapped the bandage, prompting me to conduct some quick online research that suggests this could signify a serious issue. Is it advisable for him to wait until the scheduled appointment for further evaluation? I believe we should visit a walk-in clinic tomorrow, but he feels he can hold off until the follow-up. 46 years old, male, 5'10, weighing 200 lbs.

Answers (1)

8/2/2025, 2:50:45 AM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to be concerned about your husband's foot injury, especially given the signs of infection and the current changes to the wound's appearance. Persistent swelling, a foul odor, and darkened skin can indicate a serious issue, such as necrosis or deeper infection, which may require prompt attention.

Explanation

1. Injury Timeline: It appears your husband suffered a significant injury, leading to ongoing swelling, infection, and now changes in the wound beneath a previously formed blood blister.
2. Current Symptoms: The foul odor is particularly concerning as it can indicate bacterial infection or necrosis, which requires immediate medical intervention.
3. Monitoring Signs: While some swelling is expected, the presence of a foul smell and darkened tissue suggests potential complications that shouldn't be ignored.

Next Steps

1. Immediate Evaluation: It would be wise to visit a walk-in clinic or emergency room as soon as possible. This will allow the healthcare team to assess the wound in person, possibly initiate further treatment (e.g., debridement), and adjust antibiotic therapy if necessary.
2. Dressings and Care: Until you can get to a clinic, keep the area clean and dry. Continue changing the dressing regularly, and observe for any worsening symptoms such as increased redness, warmth, or swelling.
3. Monitor Systemic Symptoms: Keep an eye on any signs of systemic infection, such as fever, chills, or increased pain, and seek immediate care if these occur.

Your concerns are valid, and timely evaluation is crucial to preventing more severe complications. It's best not to wait until the planned appointment if there are new or worsening symptoms. Please ensure he receives medical attention as soon as possible.