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.