Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency care for trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, uncontrolled bleeding, or a limb that suddenly becomes cold, pale, blue, severely painful, or difficult to move.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact the surgical team promptly for:
Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage around the incision
Fever or chills, especially with wound changes
Pain that is worsening or not controlled as instructed
New numbness, weakness, or difficulty moving fingers or toes
A dressing soaked with blood
A wound that opens
Calf pain or one-sided leg swelling
A fall or new injury involving the operated limb
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Questions about dressings, stitches, activity limits, test results, or return-to-work paperwork can usually wait for routine office hours unless accompanied by urgent symptoms.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hardware removal - extremity. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.