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.
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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