Post-Surgery Wound Care: Managing Complications After Orthopedic Procedures

Wound condition after suture removal?

Hello,
Recently, I was involved in a car accident that resulted in intracranial hemorrhage, a skull base fracture, head trauma, an open fracture of the first metatarsal in my right foot, and lacerations on both sides of my right heel that required suturing.
I spent seven days in the intensive care unit and another seven days in a regular ward before being discharged.
It has been ten days since my discharge, and I had my first follow-up appointment the day before yesterday.
During that visit, the sutures from my head trauma, the site of the steel nail fixation for the first metatarsal fracture, and the sutures on both sides of my right heel were all removed.
The three sutured wounds on my foot were secured with cosmetic adhesive, which does not require daily dressing changes, but my right foot remains swollen and has not yet gone down.
After my follow-up appointment the day before yesterday, I started to have a fever in the afternoon.
I took pain relief medication including Lico Pain tablets, Ketorolac tablets, Acetaminophen capsules, and Aspirin-coated tablets before going to sleep, and my fever subsided by early morning.
Yesterday, I noticed yellow serous fluid oozing from the sutured areas on both sides of my heel, which made me a bit concerned about whether this is normal.
This morning, I woke up to find that my right foot feels numb, and elevating it or moving it around does not alleviate the numbness, which is quite worrying.
Feeling anxious, I called the hospital to inquire whether I need to return for an immediate follow-up with my attending physician, but unfortunately, the doctor is not available today, so I couldn't get an answer.
I would like to ask what I should do regarding the current condition of my right foot.

Cathy, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/07/13

Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics

Hello, if there are abnormalities in the wound accompanied by fever, it is advised to return for a follow-up appointment immediately.
If there are no outpatient services available, please go to the emergency department to confirm whether the issue is related to the wound or caused by other factors.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Sincerely, Wang Shou-ji.

Reply Date: 2022/07/13

More Info

Post-surgery wound care is crucial for ensuring proper healing and preventing complications, especially after significant orthopedic procedures like the one you described involving multiple injuries from a car accident. Given your situation, where you have experienced a range of symptoms including fever, swelling, and discharge from the surgical site, it is essential to address these concerns promptly.

Firstly, the presence of fever following surgery can indicate an infection. While some degree of inflammation and discomfort is expected post-surgery, a persistent fever is a red flag that should not be ignored. It is advisable to contact your healthcare provider immediately, even if your primary physician is unavailable. If necessary, seek care at an urgent care facility or emergency room to ensure that you receive timely evaluation and treatment.
The yellow discharge you mentioned from the surgical site can also be a sign of infection, particularly if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as increased redness, warmth, or worsening pain. In a typical healing process, some drainage may occur, but it should not be excessive or have an unpleasant odor. If the discharge continues or worsens, it may require further intervention, such as drainage or antibiotic therapy.

Regarding the swelling in your foot, it is common to experience some degree of swelling after orthopedic surgery, especially if the procedure involved the lower extremities. However, if the swelling is significant or persistent, it could indicate complications such as hematoma (a localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels) or venous insufficiency. Elevating your foot, applying ice, and avoiding prolonged periods of standing or sitting can help manage swelling. However, if the swelling does not improve or is associated with pain or changes in sensation (like the numbness you described), it is crucial to seek medical attention.

The numbness in your foot could be related to nerve irritation or compression, which can occur after surgery due to swelling or positioning during the procedure. While some degree of numbness can resolve on its own, persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. They may perform a physical examination and possibly imaging studies to assess for any underlying issues.

In summary, your current symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. Do not hesitate to seek care, as timely intervention can prevent complications and promote better healing outcomes. Keep monitoring your symptoms closely, and ensure that you communicate any changes to your healthcare provider. Proper wound care, including keeping the area clean and dry, is essential, but it is equally important to address any signs of infection or complications as they arise.

Similar Q&A

Post-Surgery Complications: Managing Infections After Tibia and Fibula Fractures

Hello Dr. Chen, three months ago I fell and fractured my tibia and fibula. I had surgery on both sides of my ankle, with two screws inserted on each side. One side is healing well, but the other side's wound has not yet healed and has developed two small holes that are now p...

Dr. Chen Bochen reply Orthopedics
Find a hospital for a blood test + consult with a surgeon (orthopedic specialist) to determine if there is an infection. If an infection is present, debridement treatment is necessary, as delaying treatment can lead to more severe complications. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Managing Osteomyelitis After Knee Replacement: Risks and Solutions

Hello Dr. Lin! I underwent a knee replacement surgery on April 3rd last year, which led to an infection and osteomyelitis: ESR 70; CRP 5.35. I was hospitalized for treatment for six weeks in November last year, and upon discharge, my ESR was 33; CRP 1.68. After discharge, I retur...

Dr. Lin Gengxiao reply Orthopedics
1. The condition referred to as periostitis in the letter is likely a miscommunication; it should refer to a wound with prolonged poor healing accompanied by inflammation. 2. Due to the lack of detailed clinical information, it is difficult to determine the condition; however, ba...

Post-Surgical Wound Care: Addressing Complications and Treatment Options

Hello Doctor, my left calf between the knee and ankle was injured on June 6, 2015. At that time, I received three stitches for a wound smaller than a coin. After removing the stitches and continuously changing the dressings, a year has passed, and the wound still hasn't heal...

Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! It is recommended to perform a contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan of the left lower limb to determine the extent of the purulent and chronic infection. Debridement will be necessary; otherwise, there will still be drainage. Keep your leg elevated during the da...

Managing Complications After Joint Replacement Surgery: What to Do Next

Hello Dr. Wang: My mother-in-law had a joint replacement surgery five years ago. The leg with the artificial joint has two wounds that have not healed and continue to bleed. We have been applying medication, but there has been no improvement. Should I consult the same doctor for ...

Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
Hello: If there is a suspicion of infection, you should consult an orthopedic specialist first, rather than a general surgeon, because there is an artificial joint involved. The orthopedic specialist will have a better understanding of how to treat this condition. Thank you!