Here are few common symptoms and complaints you may come across. I have listed them along with their related pathology. In presence of these events, report to your surgeon immediately to avoid complications.

1. Post surgery: 

  • Immense pain at the operated site. (Infection)
  • Redness or swelling at the operated site. (Infection, Compartment Syndrome)
  • Fever and Chills. (Infection)
  • Painful movements of Fingers, Toes. (Compartment Syndrome)
  • Pain in calf muscles while moving Ankle/ Toes. (Deep Vein Thrombosis).
  • Difficulty in Breathing, Chest Heaviness. (Pulmonary Embolism)
  • Decreased Urination –Oligouria. (Pulmonary Embolism)
  • Abnormal movement at the fracture site. (Faulty Fixation or Implant Failure)
  • The appearance of the sinus with Pus, Bony Spicules Discharge. (Late Infection- Osteomyelitis)
  • Bluish Discoloration of Toes. (Compromised Vascularity, Gangrene).                                          

2. Post Plaster:

  • Intense Itching. (Skin Maceration, Ulceration)
  • Immense Pain. (Tight Plaster, Compromised Vascularity).
  • Bluish Discoloration of Fingers, Toes. (Compartment Syndrome, Compromised Vascularity).
  • Painful movements of Fingers, Toes. (Compartment Syndrome, Compromised Vascularity).
  • Foul smell, Discharge. (Skin Maceration, Infection, Ulceration)

3. Post Injections:

  • Immense Pain. (Faulty Technique, Infection)
  • Redness and Swelling. (Infection, Compartment Syndrome)
  • Fever and Chills. (Infection)
  • Inability to move Fingers, Toes. (Neurological Damage, Faulty Technique)
  • Itching, Breathing difficulty, Anxiety or Collapse. (Vascular Infiltration, Hypersensitivity)

4. Post Injury: 

  • Immense Pain and Swelling. (Fracture, Sprain, Compartment Syndrome, Infection)
  • Deformity. (Fracture, Dislocation)
  • Limb Length Discrepancy. (Fracture, Dislocation)
  • Difficult to Bear weight or hold objects. (Fracture, Dislocation, Neurovascular Injury)
  • Difficulty in Breathing. (Pulmonary Embolism, Deep Vein Thrombosis)
  • Absent distal pulsations. (Compartment Syndrome, Vascular injury)
  • A Cold and Bluish colouration of Finger, Toes. (Gangrene, Vascular Injury)
  • Exposed Bones and Muscles. (Compound Injuries)

5. Post Medications: 

  • Itching, Rashes, Difficulty in Breathing. (Hypersensitivity, Allergy)

I hope this helps. Be aware and stay safe.