| Days 0 – until first Post-Op Apt.: |
- Keep post-operative dressing clean, dry, and in place
- Keep hand elevated above the level of your heart
- May use hand for very light activities of daily living, such as eating, writing, typing, getting dressed, and brushing teeth
|
| Day 7-14: |
Post-Op Appointment
- Post-operative dressing removed
- Stitches are absorbable and steri-strips left in place
- Placed in custom, removable hand based splint (made by certified hand therapist) and begin range of motion (ROM) exercises under the guidance of a hand therapist
|
| Weeks 1-6 |
- Wear hand splint full time (including night time) to protect repair
- Splint may be removed for showering and gentle ROM exercises as directed
- May get steri-strips wet, but may not soak (bath tub, swimming, hot tub, etc.); pat area dry with clean towel
- Once steri-strips fall off and the incision site is fully closed and healed, water activity is unrestricted
- Continue with ROM (no pinch strengthening)
- Gripping, grasping, or pinching with the thumb are prohibited. Premature return to these activities may cause failure of the repair.
|
| Weeks 7-12 |
- Wear hand splint during sport related activity and moderate lifting
- Continue range of motion, but NO PINCHING UNTIL 3 MONTHS
|
| 3 Months: |
- Return to unrestricted activity without hand splint
|
