What long-term complication should be monitored for after orthopedic surgery?

Joint stiffness is a key long-term complication to monitor after orthopedic surgery because it can significantly affect a patient's mobility and overall function. Following surgery, especially on joints such as the knee, hip, or shoulder, the surrounding tissues can become stiff due to immobility, scar tissue formation, or inflammation. Patients may also experience changes in the joint's range of motion due to surgical intervention.

Monitoring for joint stiffness is essential because it can lead to functional limitations and may require physical therapy or interventions to improve mobility. Early identification of stiffness allows for appropriate rehabilitation strategies to be implemented, helping the patient regain optimal joint function and prevent long-term disability.

Other complications such as circular nerve pain, swelling and inflammation, and infection may also occur, but they are typically more immediate concerns or issues associated with the early postoperative period rather than long-term outcomes. While they are significant in their own right, joint stiffness remains a prevalent concern that can persist long after the initial healing phase.