Peri-Operative Care & Orthopaedic Complications
Integrate safe preparation, postoperative surveillance and prevention of avoidable harm.
Quick revision ↓ Medical Dictionary
01Prepare the patient
Confirm the procedure, site, consent and relevant imaging through the surgical safety process. Review allergies, medicines, anticoagulants and comorbidity, and communicate baseline nerve findings. Preparation includes realistic expectations and discharge planning, not only completion of a theatre checklist.
02Thrombosis and bleeding
Assess venous thromboembolism and bleeding risks after injury, surgery and lower-limb immobilisation. Prophylaxis is individual and follows the current pathway; it is not identical for every patient. Explain its purpose, administration and warning symptoms, and reassess when mobility or health changes.
03Early postoperative review
Assess pain, wound, circulation, neurological function and physiological observations. Increasing pain or new weakness should not be dismissed as normal recovery. Consider bleeding, compartment syndrome, nerve injury and infection according to timing and findings, and escalate deterioration promptly.
04Systemic complications
New breathlessness, chest pain, hypoxia or confusion after major injury requires urgent assessment. Pulmonary embolism, fat embolism syndrome and other cardiopulmonary or medical causes may be relevant. Avoid assigning the cause from one symptom; stabilise and investigate through the appropriate emergency pathway.
05Discharge safety
Document weight-bearing status, wound care, medicines, rehabilitation and follow-up. Give clear instructions for worsening pain, fever, drainage, calf symptoms or breathlessness. Check practical mobility and home support; a patient’s ability to manage safely matters as much as a satisfactory postoperative image.
High-Yield Revision
- Record baseline nerve function before surgery.
- Balance thrombosis prevention against bleeding risk.
- Worsening postoperative symptoms need reassessment.
Common Pitfalls
- Assuming all postoperative pain is expected.
- Discharging without clear weight-bearing instructions.
References & Further Reading
Read the relevant guideline sections alongside these original clinical teaching cases. Local pathways, available services and individual patient factors determine care.
Reference review: 28 September 2026. Consult current local protocols for prescribing, procedures and escalation.