Differential Diagnosis for Incision Site Red and Hard
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Surgical site infection (SSI): This is the most common cause of an incision site becoming red and hard. The body's natural response to infection is inflammation, which can cause redness, swelling, and hardness around the incision site.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Hematoma: A collection of blood outside of blood vessels can cause the incision site to become red, swollen, and hard. This is a common complication of surgery, especially if the patient has been taking anticoagulant medications.
- Seroma: A collection of fluid that can accumulate at the surgical site, causing redness, swelling, and hardness. This is more common in surgeries that involve significant tissue disruption.
- Wound dehiscence: A partial or complete separation of the surgical wound, which can cause the incision site to become red and hard. This is more common in patients with poor wound healing, such as those with diabetes or malnutrition.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Necrotizing fasciitis: A rare but life-threatening infection that can cause the incision site to become red, swollen, and hard. This condition requires prompt surgical intervention to prevent significant morbidity and mortality.
- Compartment syndrome: A condition that occurs when pressure within a muscle compartment increases, causing damage to the muscles and nerves. This can cause the incision site to become red, swollen, and hard, and requires prompt medical attention to prevent long-term damage.
- Rare diagnoses
- Erythema migrans: A rash that can occur at the site of a surgical incision, caused by an allergic reaction to sutures or other materials. This is a rare condition, but can cause significant discomfort and anxiety for the patient.
- Foreign body reaction: A reaction to a foreign object, such as a suture or implant, that can cause the incision site to become red and hard. This is a rare condition, but can be significant if the foreign body is causing an infection or other complications.