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My neighbor broke his leg a few years ago and after his surgery, he went home. In a few days, he was back in the hospital in intensive care. When do we know if something is wrong while a broken leg is healing?

Broken bones are such a common part of life that often people don't take them as seriously as they should. There are some complications that can occur after a fracture and some of these can be life threatening. If you have broken a bone and, especially if you have had surgery, here are some guidelines for when you should call your doctor:

- If you have a fever of over 101 degrees Fahrenheit
- The pain in your broken limb increases rather than decreases
- If you have a cast, the cast seems too tight and pressing on your limb
- If your fingers (broken arm) or toes (broken leg) start to look bluish in color, are cool to touch, and/or feel like they're losing feeling
- If you have had surgery and can see the incision - if it is red, swollen, bleeding, or is oozing
- If you have any questions or concerns that you feel are important.

Reference: 

Lisa K. Cannada, MD, et al. Avoiding Complications in the Care of Fractures of the Tibia. In Journal of Bone Surgery. August 2008. Vol. 90-A. No. 8. Pp. 1758 - 1767.

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