After surgery problems

Six days ago my son had a broken arm surgery. A stainless still plate was attached to the bone.
!. Is it normal to have still so severe pain, which is not relieved by medicines like Oxycodone?
2. The hand started to swell slightly and became at some places blueish.What could be the reason? Is this an emergency or he could wait until Monday to see a doctor?

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well yes, it may continue to pain for a few days after the surgery, however this is likely to atleast partially respond to pain killers. The swelling of the hand could or could not be a reason for increased pain; however with a post surgical swelling with a bluish tinge there are three important emergent situations that may need to be ruled out 1. Sympathetic dystrophy, 2. DVT and 3. Vascular obstruction/ insufficiency. Hence it is advised to visit the ER, as opposed to waiting for an office appointment.
Hope this helps.

Take care!