Surgical Procedure
- After the procedure, your finger(s) will be numb for a few hours. You will have a bulky soft gauze dressing applied to protect your hand and wound.
- You may have swelling and bruising in the treated hand. To help minimize these symptoms, limit movement of the treated hand and keep it elevated.
- You may use ice as needed to reduce swelling.
- You will be able to drive yourself home following your appointment.
- You will be given a prescription for pain medication. Most patients do not require pain medications after the procedure other than Tylenol, Ibuprofen, or Aleve.
- You will be given a prescription for oral antibiotics to be taken for 48 hours.
Therapy Follow-Up
- You will need to meet with a Certified Hand Therapist 2 days after the procedure who will make a static extension splint for you to wear at night for the next 4 months. You will also need to do finger exercises several times a day for several months to help regain mobility.
- You usually do not need additional therapy visits unless you have splint adjustments.
- The therapist may make additional finger splints at the appointment as well.
- You will be able to drive yourself home following your appointment.
Follow up appointments
- Please make an appointment to return to clinic for evaluation 2-3 weeks following your procedure.
- If you have any questions or concerns please call the clinic at 206-598-4263 and ask to speak to the Nurse.
- If you need to speak to someone immediately and the clinic is closed please call the hospital paging operator at 206-598-6190 and ask to have the Hand Fellow or Resident return your call.