Is it necessary to remove the stitches within 15 days after surgery for a fracture?

Generally speaking, "open surgery" refers to surgical procedures. The removal of stitches after a fracture surgery does not necessarily have to occur within 15 days. For fractures involving limbs, if the wound heals well, it is recommended that stitches be removed within 15 days. For surgeries on the head, face, or joints, the timing for stitch removal may vary, either being shorter or slightly longer, but should still occur within 15 days. Detailed explanations are as follows:

Generally, for most surgical incisions, especially those involving limb fractures, if the wound heals well postoperatively, there are no signs of infection, and the patient's overall health is stable, doctors may recommend removing stitches approximately 7 to 14 days after surgery. This timeframe ensures adequate healing while avoiding unnecessary skin reactions caused by prolonged retention of sutures.

However, for certain specific areas such as the head, face, or joints, the time for stitch removal may vary. For example, due to abundant blood circulation, wounds from surgeries on the head or face tend to heal faster, and stitches may be removed in 7 to 10 days. In contrast, surgeries involving joints may require a longer period—up to 2 to 3 weeks—to ensure joint stability and functional recovery before stitch removal.

Patients are advised to maintain good personal hygiene and avoid additional pressure or friction on the wound throughout the recovery process.