How long after the second surgery to remove the steel plate can a patient return to work?

May 03, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
The time when a patient can return to work after a second surgery to remove a steel plate depends on whether there are accompanying symptoms. If no symptoms such as fever, severe local pain, persistent wound discharge, redness, or swelling occur after the plate removal, the patient can usually return to work in about one week. However, if symptoms such as fever, severe local pain, or wound discharge are present after the second surgery, it generally takes about two weeks before returning to work.

How soon a patient can return to work after a second surgery to remove a metal plate typically depends on whether there are accompanying symptoms. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. No accompanying symptoms

The second surgery to remove the plate may cause varying degrees of physical trauma. If no symptoms such as fever, severe local pain, persistent wound discharge, redness, or swelling occur after plate removal, the patient can usually return to work within about one week. However, excessive weight-bearing activities should be avoided to prevent interference with recovery.

2. With accompanying symptoms

If symptoms such as body fever, severe localized pain, or wound discharge occur after the second surgery to remove the plate, hospitalization for observation is usually required. Anti-infective treatment should be administered according to the doctor's recommendations. Patients can generally return to work about two weeks after treatment, once symptoms have resolved.

It is recommended that the plate be removed by a professional orthopedic surgeon at a qualified medical institution. Additionally, proper daily care should be taken to promote recovery.