Post-operative instructions

Use the instructions on this page as a guide after your surgery. Please call my office if you have any questions or concerns.

Keep your dressing dry and in place for 8-10 days. The thumb will be in a splint but the other fingers will be available to use and move as much as possible. Stay ahead of the pain. Ibuprofen is fine to take to supplement with the narcotic prescribed. When the pain is minimal, Ibuprofen alone without the narcotic is best. Stitches will come out in 8-10 days, a splint will be worn for 3-4 weeks, and then physical therapy for another 3-4 weeks is optimal for recovery.

Keep your dressing dry and in place for 8-10 days. Move your fingers as much as possible. Your hand will let you know if you are overdoing it. Typically, narcotic pain pills may be helpful for the first day or two. Stitches will come out in 8-10 days. Some palm sensitivity can be present for weeks but will slowly go away completely. Physical therapy should not be needed.

Keep your dressing dry and in place for 8-10 days. Move your fingers as much as possible. Your hand will let you know if you are overdoing it. Typically, narcotic pain pills may be helpful for the first day or two. Stitches will come out in 8-10 days. Some palm sensitivity can be present for weeks but will slowly go away completely. Physical therapy should not be needed.

Keep your elbow dressing dry and in place for 8-10 days. Use an elbow sling just as needed for comfort. You can ice the elbow for 20 minutes at a time, then nothing for 2 hours, then ice again for 20 minutes, and so on. Stay ahead of the pain. Ibuprofen is fine to take to supplement with the narcotic prescribed. When the pain is minimal, Ibuprofen alone without the narcotic is best. Stitches will come out in 8-10 days. Sensitivity on the inside of your elbow can be present for weeks but will slowly go away. Physical therapy should not be needed.

Keep your dressing dry and in place for 8-10 days. There is no cast so movement will be unrestricted. Typically, narcotic pain pills may be helpful. Ibuprofen is fine to take to supplement with the narcotic prescribed. When the pain is minimal, Ibuprofen alone without the narcotic is best. Daily activities will be possible right away. Stitches come out in 8-10 days. Expect some surgical site swelling for a few weeks. Physical therapy should not be needed.

Keep your dressing dry and in place for 8-10 days. A splint will restrict wrist movement. Move your fingers as much as possible. Use an arm sling just as needed for comfort. Stay ahead of the pain. Typically, narcotic pain pills may be helpful for the first 3-7 days. Ibuprofen is fine to take to supplement with the narcotic prescribed. When the pain is minimal, Ibuprofen alone without the narcotic is best. Stitches are removed in 8-10 days, at which time a removable splint is worn. Physical therapy is typically recommended to optimize recovery, starting from 2-6 weeks after the surgery. This injury takes a while to recover from, with a minimum of 3 months until feeling ready for all activities and many will say it takes 6-12 months for the entire recovery process.

The band-aid or dressing can be removed the day after the procedure and nothing usually needs to be put back on. Avoid strenuous gripping for 1 week. Occasionally, a small tear in the skin is treated at home with soaking in an iodine solution provided for a few days.

Keep your dressing dry and in place for 8-10 days. A splint will restrict wrist movement. Move your fingers as much as possible. Use an arm sling just as needed for comfort. Stay ahead of the pain. Typically, narcotic pain pills may be helpful for the first few days. Ibuprofen is fine to take to supplement with the narcotic prescribed. When the pain is minimal, Ibuprofen alone without the narcotic is best. Stitches are removed in 8-10 days, at which time a removable splint is worn and unrestricted movement is encouraged. Occasionally, physical therapy is recommended.

Keep your dressing dry and in place for 8-10 days. Move your fingers as much as possible. Your hand will let you know if you are overdoing it. Pain is typically minimal. Stitches will come out in 8-10 days. Some sensitivity and swelling can be present at the scar for weeks but will slowly go away completely. Physical therapy should not be needed.

Keep your dressing dry and in place for 8-10 days. The thumb will be in a splint but the other fingers will be available to use and move as much as possible. Stay ahead of the pain. Ibuprofen is fine to take to supplement with the narcotic prescribed. When the pain is minimal, Ibuprofen alone without the narcotic is best. Stitches will come out in 8-10 days, a splint will be worn for 3-4 weeks, and then physical therapy for another 3-4 weeks is optimal for recovery.

Keep your elbow dressing dry and in place for 8-10 days. Use an elbow sling just as needed for comfort. You can ice the elbow for 20 minutes at a time, then nothing for 2 hours, then ice again for 20 minutes, and so on. Stay ahead of the pain. Ibuprofen is fine to take to supplement with the narcotic prescribed. When the pain is minimal, Ibuprofen alone without the narcotic is best. Stitches will come out in 8-10 days. Sensitivity and swelling on the outside of your elbow can be present for weeks but will slowly go away. Physical therapy is typically recommended to optimize recovery.