Post-Surgery Swelling and Discharge After Wrist Fracture: What to Expect

Wrist fracture, swelling after surgery?

My mother has a wrist fracture and had a bone screw inserted three weeks ago.
She has been recovering normally after the surgery, and I help her clean the wound every day.
However, recently the area has become increasingly swollen and red, and there is some discharge from the wound.
Is this normal?

Zhou Zhi Hua, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/10

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

It is advisable to return for a follow-up appointment to allow the physician to examine for any signs of wound infection.

Reply Date: 2016/04/10

More Info

After a wrist fracture surgery, it is common to have some swelling and discomfort as part of the healing process. However, the symptoms you are describing—specifically the increasing swelling, redness, and discharge from the wound—are concerning and may indicate a potential complication.

Firstly, it is important to understand that after surgery, the body goes through a natural healing process. Swelling can occur due to inflammation, which is a normal response to injury and surgery. However, if the swelling is progressively worsening, it could be a sign of an infection or other complications. The presence of redness and discharge from the wound is particularly alarming, as these symptoms can indicate an infection. Infections can occur post-surgery due to bacteria entering the wound site, which can lead to more serious issues if not addressed promptly.

In a typical recovery scenario, you would expect some degree of swelling and discomfort, but it should gradually improve over time. If the swelling continues to increase, or if the redness spreads, it is crucial to seek medical attention. The healthcare provider may need to evaluate the wound, possibly perform a culture to check for infection, and determine if any additional treatment is necessary.

In terms of wound care, it is good that you are helping your mother clean the wound daily. However, ensure that you are following proper hygiene practices to avoid introducing bacteria into the wound. This includes washing your hands thoroughly before touching the wound and using sterile materials for cleaning. If there are any signs of pus, increased warmth around the area, or if your mother develops a fever, these are additional signs that she should see her doctor immediately.

Regarding the timeline for recovery, after wrist fracture surgery, most patients can expect to see significant improvement within a few weeks, but full recovery can take several months. The presence of complications such as infection can prolong this timeline, so it is essential to address any concerning symptoms as soon as they arise.

In conclusion, while some swelling and discomfort are expected after wrist surgery, the symptoms you describe—especially the increasing swelling, redness, and discharge—are not typical and warrant immediate medical evaluation. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to post-surgical complications. Prompt attention can help prevent further issues and ensure a smoother recovery for your mother.

Similar Q&A

Post-Fracture Surgery: Is Swelling and Discomfort Normal?

Hello Dr. Shi: I would like to ask you a question. I fell and fractured my left wrist on November 18, underwent surgery to have a metal plate inserted, and had my cast removed on December 18. Since the cast was removed, my entire left hand, including all five fingers, has been re...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
You may have a fracture near the wrist, which typically heals in about six to eight weeks after surgery. It is common to experience swelling after the cast is removed, but this will improve with rehabilitation. It is important to intentionally move the joints near the fracture ev...

Is Swelling and Pain Normal After a Wrist Fracture Recovery?

Four months after a wrist fracture, the fractured area is still swollen, and there is occasional pain, especially in cold weather or at night. Sometimes the pain radiates from the wrist to the fingers. Is this normal? Should I return for a follow-up appointment?

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
Once a fracture has healed, it typically should not cause any pain. If there is still swelling and pain, it may be necessary to get an X-ray to check if the fracture has completely healed. Generally, a distal radius fracture takes about three to six months to heal.

Understanding Open Fractures: Complications and Recovery After Surgery

I suffered a comminuted fracture in my hand due to a car accident, and after surgery on July 13, the doctor used steel pins and plates, as well as an external pin (inserted through the skin). About a week after the surgery, I noticed some discharge that resembled pus and returned...

Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics
Hello: Based on your description, the so-called "external fixation pins (that are placed on the skin)" refer to percutaneous pins that are partially exposed through the skin. Due to friction between the pins and the skin, there may often be serous fluid leakage, which c...

Post-Surgery Concerns for Wrist Fracture Recovery: What to Expect

Dear Dr. Shi, My mother fell at home in mid-February, resulting in a fracture and displacement of her left wrist joint. Due to various reasons, her surgery was delayed until mid-May. Because of the prolonged time since the injury, the bones in her wrist and hand have become misa...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
1. It is inevitable for joints to become stiff after a fracture, and continuous rehabilitation is necessary for improvement. 2. For a fracture to heal, a callus will form at the site, and with the presence of a plate, it may appear slightly thicker. 3. If the surgical incisio...