Swelling

Swelling is normal after surgery, but it is better for your recovery if the swelling is kept to a minimum. You can help to decrease swelling by elevating your hand above the level of your heart as much as possible, for 48 hours. You can sleep with your arm elevated on pillows. If you have ongoing swelling, then continue with elevation. 

If your cast/slab becomes tight and painful, then contact Mr MacLean’s Rooms.

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Dressings/Wound care

Leave your dressings and/or cast intact until your post operative follow up appointment, unless instructed otherwise. 

Some surgeries require the fitting of a splint by a hand therapist before you see your surgeon for your post operative visit. The hand therapist is trained to change your dressing so that the correct splint can be fitted.

Keep the dressing dry when washing (you could use a plastic bag taped in place or gladwrap).

Wound infections are uncommon, but you do need to be aware of the signs of infection. If you have an increase in swelling, pain or heat around the wound, pus or an unpleasant smell or a fever, then contact Mr MacLean’s Room or your GP.

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Pain

Your surgeon or anaesthetist will prescribe pain relief to help control post -operative pain. It is important that you are comfortable, but you should not exceed the prescribed dosage. 

Local anaesthetic is usually administered around the surgery site. This causes the area to be numb for up to 24 hours.

Elevation may help with pain, and make sure that you are not overdoing things.

Activity

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Driving

It is not recommended to drive with a cast, sling or backslab on. You may compromise and damage the limb which has been operated on. You may not have full control of the vehicle – particularly in the event in which you need to perform a sudden turn or emergency manouevre.

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Movement

You can move the joints that are not included in your cast/splint. This is vital to prevent stiffness to other joints and persistent swelling to the limb. If your surgery requires it, you may be referred to a hand therapist who will give you more specific instructions on exercises.

If you have been given a sling to help support your arm, make sure you remove it regularly to gently move your shoulder and elbow.

You should take it easy for the first couple of weeks after your surgery. Your surgeon will tell you if you are allowed to use your hand for light function.

 

Work

You may need time of work for your recovery. This will depend on your job.  Your surgeon or your GP can sign a work certificate if required.

Smoking reduces the blood flow to the part that is healing. It reduces the change for the bones and soft tissues to heal. It can also leads to a increased risk of wound problems and infection.