Patient question
What are the warning signs of infection or a blood clot after ACL surgery?
Dr. Pablo GelberOrthopaedic Knee Surgeon
Quick answer
After ACL surgery, fever, increasing redness or discharge from a wound, or a hot, increasingly painful knee can mean infection, while a painful, swollen calf may be a blood clot. Both are uncommon but need prompt assessment, and chest pain or breathlessness needs emergency care, advises Dr. Pablo Gelber at Aman Hospital, Doha.
What is normal in the first weeks
- Swelling around the knee and down to the ankle, often worse in the evening
- Bruising on the shin or thigh, which may spread downwards
- Warmth around the knee that slowly settles
- A patch of numb skin beside the incision, common after hamstring harvest
- Discomfort that improves a little each week
These usually ease steadily with rest, elevation, ice and exercises.
Signs that may mean infection
Infection after ACL reconstruction is uncommon, but it needs early treatment to protect the graft. Watch for:
- Fever, chills or feeling generally unwell
- Redness spreading from a wound
- Pus, cloudy fluid or a bad smell from a wound
- Pain that is getting worse after the first few days rather than better
- A knee that becomes more swollen, hot and stiff
Call Aman Hospital the same day if you notice these. Do not start leftover antibiotics yourself.
Signs that may mean a blood clot
- Pain or tenderness in the calf, especially when walking or flexing the foot
- Swelling of the calf or the whole lower leg that does not improve with elevation
- Warmth or redness of the calf
Go to an emergency department immediately for chest pain, sudden breathlessness or coughing blood, as a clot may have travelled to the lungs.
Other problems to report
Report a wound that opens, a sudden pop with swelling, the knee giving way, numbness or weakness of the foot, or pain that tablets do not control. Dr. Gelber and the team at Aman Hospital would much rather see you early than late.
Frequently asked questions
How long am I at risk of a blood clot?
The risk is highest in the first few weeks, while you move less. Walking, ankle exercises and any prescribed medication help lower it.
Is it normal for fluid to come from the wound in the first days?
A little blood-stained fluid on the dressing in the first day or two can be normal. Ongoing discharge, cloudy fluid or redness should be checked.
Related