Need answer from Orthopedist about arthroscopy post op?

Question

On July 23 I had a wrist arthroscopy done to repair a TFCC. My ortho said my cartilliage has good blood flow and should heal well. I had some popping post operatively, doc put me in a long arm cast for 6 weeks (due to come off September 9th.

Problem is that I had a water line break tonight and had to fix it. My cast is more than moist to about mid forearm. My sutures (four incisions) have not disolved yet. I have a lot of dead skin and a fair amount of baby powder in there. I am concerned about fungal growth and moisture seeping along my sutures.

My local ER will NOT recast. They are willing only to remove the cast and put me in a splint. There are NO doctor's offices open until Monday morning.

How concerned should I be about infection or detriment to healing due to the wetness? Should I be more concerned about that or about the possibility of hurting my wrist in my sleep having only a CHEAP brace on it?

I need to know if I should be heading to the ER or waiting it out and trying to get a local Ortho to fix me up even though I'm not their patient (My treating Physician is 6 hours away)

Answer 1

I would use a blow dryer on low setting (cool) to try to dry the cast, it will take some time, like an hour or so.  Then, Monday you need to have the cast changed.  Not only for infection, which the risk is low anyways, but the skin will stay damp, and could cause the skin to rub off causing a sore.  Plus the smell, it sure doesn't take long for the stench to take over.  A splint is not a bad option.  If you were to get a splint, I would also ask them to wrap it snuggly in Coban, that will help you feel more protected, until you can get into your surgeons office for a new cast.  Hope this helps. Good luck