Hand/Wrist Post-Op
Post-Operative Orders
Instructions for Carpal Tunnel Release, Ligament Reconstruction-Tendon Interposition and Hand Surgery.
- Depending on the type of hand surgery you have had, you can expect:
- A cast – plaster or fiberglass
- A splint (plaster underneath with ace wrap)
- A soft dressing
- Until your first post-op visit, you should leave the dressing/cast on. DO NOT REMOVE
- Keep dressing/cast clean and dry. DO NOT GET WET.
- You may, and should, elevate your hand on pillows above your heart.
- Exercise your hand while in the cast/dressing. (ex: making a fist or moving your fingers).
- You may use ice on your hand: 20 minutes on / 20 minutes off. NO NOT apply ice directly to your skin. If placing ice on the splint or cast itself, first cover with a dry cloth.
- Take pain medication as directed by your physician
- Call the office if you have a temperature above 101.0, drainage, unusual redness or if you experience persistent pain with numbness and/or skin color change unrelieved with ice and elevation.
- Call the office within 2 days after your surgery to schedule a post-op visit with your physician.