After hand or wrist surgery or fracture, moderate pain, swelling, bruising and temporary stiffness may be part of the expected recovery. However, certain symptoms should be reported promptly for evaluation.

This page helps you distinguish what is normal from what requires medical attention, and provides information about two complications to be aware of: complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and bone healing problems.

What May Be Normal Initially

Controllable Postoperative Pain

Moderate pain is expected and should gradually decrease with prescribed pain medication.

Swelling

Moderate edema is common during the first weeks. Elevating the hand helps reduce it.

Bruising

Bruises may appear and migrate toward the fingers or wrist. They resolve naturally.

Temporary Stiffness

Temporary limitation of mobility is normal. Progressive rehabilitation helps restore it.

When to Contact the Care Team Promptly?

The following symptoms warrant prompt contact with your surgeon or the IEM secretariat:

Pain that significantly increases or remains inadequately controlled despite prescribed pain medication
Increasing redness, warmth or discharge from the wound
Fever or chills
Very tight dressing or significant swelling with excessive tension
Pale, blue or cold fingers
New loss of sensation or mobility
Broken, displaced or very painful immobilization

Immediate Emergency

In case of life-threatening emergency:

Uncontrollable bleeding, respiratory distress, loss of consciousness

Call 112

For a specialized hand emergency:

Severe pain, postoperative complication, problem with immobilization

Contact IEM: +352 2865 41 42

Two Complications to Be Aware Of

While most postoperative recoveries progress favorably, two situations deserve special attention and warrant specialized evaluation if they occur.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

CRPS can occur after trauma, fracture or surgery. It manifests as unusual pain, persistent swelling, stiffness and skin changes.

Disproportionate pain or hypersensitivity

Persistent swelling and stiffness

Temperature or color changes

Learn more about CRPS

Delayed Union and Non-Union

After a fracture, bone follows a natural healing process. Sometimes this healing may be slower than expected (delayed union) or insufficient (non-union), requiring specialized evaluation.

Persistent pain at fracture site

Unusual difficulty resuming use

Loss of stability or deformity

Learn more about bone healing

Favorable Outcome in Most Cases

Most postoperative recoveries and fractures progress favorably with adherence to postoperative instructions and appropriate rehabilitation. Early evaluation in case of doubt allows treatment and rehabilitation to be adapted to optimize your recovery.

If you have questions or concerns about your recovery:

Contact the Secretariat Book Online

Complications After Hand or Wrist Surgery or Fracture