NOT listed as a red flag after knee surgery?

NOT listed as a red flag after knee surgery?

• A. Fever
• B. DVT
• C. Infection
• D. Arthrofibrosis

Answer: (A)

After knee surgery, red flags are signs that point to urgent problems such as infection or blood clots. A fever is a warning sign that infection may be present and needs prompt evaluation. Similarly, signs suggesting a deep venous thrombosis—new leg swelling, warmth, or calf tenderness—also count as red flags because they carry risk of serious complications. Direct signs of wound infection, like increasing redness, discharge, or fever, are red flags too. Arthrofibrosis, on the other hand, is a late-developing complication where scar tissue causes knee stiffness. It tends to appear weeks to months after surgery and is managed with rehabilitation and sometimes surgical release, rather than requiring immediate acute intervention. So, arthrofibrosis is not an immediate postoperative red flag.

After knee surgery, red flags are signs that point to urgent problems such as infection or blood clots. A fever is a warning sign that infection may be present and needs prompt evaluation. Similarly, signs suggesting a deep venous thrombosis—new leg swelling, warmth, or calf tenderness—also count as red flags because they carry risk of serious complications. Direct signs of wound infection, like increasing redness, discharge, or fever, are red flags too. Arthrofibrosis, on the other hand, is a late-developing complication where scar tissue causes knee stiffness. It tends to appear weeks to months after surgery and is managed with rehabilitation and sometimes surgical release, rather than requiring immediate acute intervention. So, arthrofibrosis is not an immediate postoperative red flag.