Patient Information on Hand Surgery complications

Please make sure you read and understand the following problems which may arise in
connection with hand and upper limb surgery. This table of complications and possible
treatment is not exhaustive. There can be other complications, which can occur on rare
occasions.

COMPLICATION

Infection




Prolonged swelling – stiffness




Nerve damage




Vessel damage




Numbness and tenderness around surgical wound




Persistence or even deterioration of symptoms despite surgery



Tendon adhesions – limited movement



Deformity may recur



Bones may not heal (nonunion) or may heal in non-ideal position (malunion). 



 Over reaction of soft tissue (Reflex sympathetic dystrophy –very rare)




Tendon rupture



Nail deformities (operations near the base of the nail)



Unsightly scar (Keloid) - rare




Delayed healing - Wound breakdown



Metalwork might break and might have to be left in the bones


Tourniquet complications: skin damage, blisters etc

POSSIBLE TREATMENT

Antibiotics – readmission for wash out of wound in theatre – redo operation later



Admission for elevation – physiotherapy. May take months to settle and may lead to extensive scarring and permanent stiffness



Nerve repair is usually possible. Risk of permanent altered sensation in the hand.



Very rare. May lead to gangrene and eventual amputation. A vascular repair is usually possible.




Hand therapy. Usually improves but on occasions it may be permanent




Very rare. Physiotherapy / hand therapy. Referral to Pain specialist.




Hand therapy. May have to free the tendons. May be permanent.




Might have to redo operation



May have to redo operation and use bone graft.






Swelling, stiffness and pain.
Extensive physiotherapy, special medication, referral to pain clinic.
Usually improves but some symptoms may persist



May require direct repair or reconstruction




Most improve, some may be permanent



Excessive scar formation. May need hand therapy, injection or even surgery



Change of dressing for prolonged period. Readmission for wound washout




Very rare. May require skin grafting




Will settle with non-surgical treatment