Pain and Healing After Open Fracture Surgery

Q: Pain and Healing After Open Fracture Surgery

Hello： Tenderness at the fracture site may persist for several months. <br>After the removal of the metal pins, you can gradually practice using crutches for ambulation. <br>The tenderness from the fracture will gradually improve over time, but it is essential to return to the ou

The injured area experiences a tingling sensation upon palpation?

Hello, Doctor.
My situation is as follows: I have an open fracture in the sole of my right foot, resulting in three broken bones.
It has been two months since the injury, and I had external fixation with steel pins, which were removed half a month ago.
Recently, after an X-ray, the surgeon who performed the operation said that my recovery is going well and that I can try walking on my heel.
However, today when I gently pressed on the injured area of my foot, I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my toes.
The area I pressed is about two to three centimeters below where the steel pins were fixed.
Could it be that I pressed on a bone that has not yet healed? Should I return to the hospital for another X-ray, or is this sharp pain normal?

Xiao Hua, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/07/24

Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics

Hello: Tenderness at the fracture site may persist for several months.
After the removal of the metal pins, you can gradually practice using crutches for ambulation.
The tenderness from the fracture will gradually improve over time, but it is essential to return to the outpatient clinic for continued follow-up treatment.
If you have any questions, please consult the surgeon who performed your operation at the outpatient clinic.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2006/07/24

More Info

After experiencing an open fracture, especially one involving multiple bones in the foot, it is common to have concerns about pain, healing, and the overall recovery process. Your situation, where you have undergone surgery and are now in the recovery phase, is not uncommon. Let’s break down your concerns regarding pain and healing after open fracture surgery.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that pain is a natural part of the healing process. After an open fracture, the body goes through several stages of healing, which can take weeks to months, depending on the severity of the injury and the individual’s overall health. The pain you are experiencing, especially when pressing on the area near where the external fixator was placed, could be attributed to several factors:
1. Healing Process: The bones and surrounding tissues are still in the process of healing. Even after the external fixator has been removed, the bones may not be fully healed, and the surrounding soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, and tendons) may still be inflamed or sensitive. This can lead to localized pain when pressure is applied.

2. Nerve Sensitivity: After an injury, nerves in the area can become hypersensitive. This means that even light pressure can cause significant pain or a sharp sensation, which is often described as "nerve pain." This can be a normal part of recovery, but it should gradually improve as healing progresses.

3. Scar Tissue Formation: Following surgery, scar tissue can form around the surgical site. This tissue can sometimes cause discomfort or pain when pressure is applied. As the scar tissue matures, the pain should decrease.

4. Potential Complications: While it is common to experience pain during recovery, it is also essential to monitor for any signs of complications, such as infection or improper healing. If the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms (like swelling, redness, or discharge), it would be prudent to consult your physician.

Given that you are experiencing sharp pain upon pressing the area, it is advisable to err on the side of caution. Returning to your doctor for a follow-up examination and possibly another X-ray can help ensure that the bones are healing correctly and that there are no complications. Your doctor may also assess the alignment of the bones and the integrity of the surrounding soft tissues.

In terms of managing pain and promoting healing, here are some recommendations:
- Rest and Elevation: Ensure that you are resting your foot and elevating it when possible to reduce swelling and promote circulation.

- Physical Therapy: If you haven’t already, consider starting physical therapy. A physical therapist can guide you through exercises that promote healing, improve range of motion, and strengthen the muscles around the injury.

- Pain Management: Discuss pain management options with your doctor. Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications can help manage discomfort.

- Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly calcium and vitamin D, can support bone healing. Foods such as dairy products, leafy greens, and fish can be beneficial.

- Follow-Up Appointments: Keep all scheduled follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your recovery progress.

In conclusion, while some pain is expected during the healing process after an open fracture, any sudden or severe pain should be evaluated by a medical professional. It’s crucial to communicate openly with your healthcare team about your symptoms and concerns to ensure a smooth recovery.

Similar Q&A

Post-Surgery Care for Open Fractures in Elderly Patients

Yesterday afternoon, my grandfather was busy with religious rituals and tripped over the threshold, falling hard and injuring himself. He was taken to the hospital with bruises and swelling. The doctor diagnosed him with an open fracture of the right hand, and he underwent surger...

Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your questions and provide the following suggestions: 1. Three days after surgery, you can request the orthopedic surgeon to refer you to the rehabilitation department for initial treatments such as laser therap...

Understanding Sensations After Forearm Surgery with Metal Plates

I would like to ask the doctor, I have an open fracture in my right forearm and had two plates inserted. It has been over two weeks since the surgery, and I am no longer taking pain medication or antibiotics. Sometimes, I feel muscle twitching in the injured area, and when I perf...

Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
Hello: After a fracture surgery, the main focus is on the stability of the fracture reduction and fixation. There may be some aching pain and swelling, but there are no specific abnormalities. If there is severe pain, further X-ray examination is necessary.

Managing Post-Surgery Discomfort After Tibial Plateau Fracture Repair

Hello, doctor. I apologize for the interruption. I suffered a comminuted fracture of the left tibial plateau in a car accident on July 10 and underwent emergency surgery. Six weeks post-surgery, my cast was removed, and I have been undergoing rehabilitation. However, starting fro...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
Pain typically does not persist permanently; it usually diminishes gradually after the healing of wounds or fractures. Currently, you can apply heat or take some pain relievers to alleviate the discomfort. Additionally, undergoing rehabilitation therapy may provide some benefit.

Post-Surgery Wrist Pain: Is It Normal After Plate Removal?

Hello Doctor, I had an open wrist fracture and had a titanium plate inserted. After 2 years and 2 months, I started experiencing sharp pain when lifting objects, particularly in my thumb and index finger, making it difficult to carry heavy items. I underwent surgery to remove the...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
Pain is a normal response, and small bone fractures typically take about three months to heal. During this period, it is important to avoid any collisions or falls to prevent re-fracturing the bone.