Answers to Leg cast has maggots inside and very bad smell - what's happening?

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Leg cast has maggots inside and very bad smell - what's happening?

Hello,

I am very concerned about this. I have a friend from school that is wearing a leg cast for around three months now. He wears a black garbage bag over it.

However, I saw him take his bag off and I noticed that his cast was very dirty. The smell was horrible. I also saw maggots inside the bag and on his toes, apparently they come from inside the cast. The smell was really bad and the cast looks very worn.

He says it's all normal, but could it really be and what's wrong? What can I do?

Male | 19 years old

October 23, 08:07 PM

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2 UpVoted this answer

Sreeram Gonnalagadda, MD Family Medicine, Plano

Today Clinic - OKC West Family Medicine, Oklahoma City

That does not sound normal to me. He needs to see his doctor today. As a friend, you could help him get there.

Best of luck!

Today Clinic

Family Medicine in Oklahoma City, OK

Level: Master Contributor (89)

November 05, 05:38 PM

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1 UpVoted this answer

This is definitely not normal. He needs to follow up with his provider.

Buffalo Lake Medical

Primary Care Practice in Sanford, NC

Level: Top Contributor (43)

Website: https://www.buffalolakemedical.com

November 05, 07:58 PM

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1 UpVoted this answer

Today Clinic - Lawton Family Medicine, Lawton

Leg casts usually stay on anywhere from 3-4 months. occasionally some being longer.

If the cast gets damp/ dirty/ especially if there are maggots observed - it needs to be replaced.

Only place maggots have in current day medicine - is for wound care, that too only when used by a licensed professional.

I agree with your concern. Maggots are not a good sign.

He needs to be seen by his doc ASAP.

Sreeram Gonnalagadda, MD

Family Medicine in Plano, TX

Level: Contributor (15)

November 05, 07:55 PM

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I am certain this is very distressing to you. The odor is not that usual when a cast has been placed for a prolonged period, and I agree with all the other consultants that this cast needs to be replaced. The maggots imply there is dead tissue of some kind present--maggots do not consume healthy or viable tissue. Most likely they are taking advantage of layers of cast off skin cells which are accumulating because the cast creates a trap for the cast off cells. But it is very important that this cast be removed and the leg examined for possible tissue breakdown, or an open wound. While the cast is off, the leg should be carefully cleaned as well. Tell your friend to see his orthopedist pronto! And good luck to him!

John G. Van Derwood, MD

Family Medicine in Daphne, AL

Level: Master Contributor (89)

Website: Rockwell Family Medical

November 06, 03:26 AM

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Perhaps it is just me, but I think a cast that fits this description should be taken off and re-placed--with checking the tissue underneath during the process. Your friend should be able to see the orthopedic office and they should do this.

Hal Blatman, MD

Primary Care Physician in Cincinnati, OH

Level: Contributor (24)

November 06, 02:48 AM

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Maggots can be artificially made by tatoo artist to scare people, so make sure what see is real, if that is the case, and the bad smell should warrant replacement of the cast by a professional