Sudden swelling around surgical site - possible plate rejection?!


Question: Sudden swelling around surgical site - possible plate rejection?
Hi,
I broke my hand almost a year ago and had a plate surgically put in to fix the break. Everything healed well, I regained full movement and function of my hand in physical therapy.

Everything has been fine with it. Aside from occasional stiffness in the morning, and some odd aching with weather change, it was like normal.

Yesterday in the afternoon, it became very stiff, and very tender to touch and move. Yesterday evening it swelled up to almost the size it was when I first broke it. I have no recollection of hitting my hand on anything, or moving it in any uncomfortable way - it's all very odd!

It has remained swollen all day today.

I am planning to see my surgeon as soon as possible if the swelling doesn't go away - but what I am wondering is if this is just some irritation from something I unknowingly did, or if this is possibly the beginnings of rejection of my surgical plate?

Any insights would be very helpful!!

Answers:

I am glad you are going to see your surgeon. It sounds as if the plate may be causing some type of infection. When you sleep in bed, put a pillow by your side and put the hand on top of the pillow to elevate it. When you sit in a chair, it would be best to have a high table next to the chair so you can put your hand on the table to elevate it. Elevating it will keep the blood from rushing to the site, which causes pain. You may want to try using ice to keep the swelling down; 15 to 20 minutes, three times a day.




The consumer health information on answer-health.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.
The answer content post by the user, if contains the copyright content please contact us, we will immediately remove it.
Copyright © 2007-2011 answer-health.com -   Terms of Use -   Contact us

Health Categories