Wrist arthroscopy: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services for severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, collapse, or signs of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or throat.

   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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Contact your surgical team promptly for a routine but timely review if you have increasing redness, drainage, fever, worsening swelling, persistent numbness after the nerve block should have worn off, or pain that is not controlled as expected.

   Seek urgent medical help if your dressing or splint feels dangerously tight, your fingers become pale, blue or cold, or you develop rapidly increasing pain and swelling.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Mild bruising, swelling and soreness are usually handled at routine follow-up if they are steadily improving.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Wrist arthroscopy. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.