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 |