Postoperative Advice
- Keep your dressing (and splint/cast, if applicable) clean and dry at all times. Cover dressing with two plastic bags when washing or showering
- Do not remove or change your dressing, unless instructed to do so by the nurse or surgeon
- Elevate your hand above heart level for the first 48 hours and as much as possible for the next week. This reduces swelling and discomfort. Use pillows, blankets or a sling to elevate your hand
- Check your fingertips regularly during first 24 hours for normal pink colour, warmth and sensation
- Do not drive or operate machinery or tools until splint or have been removed (some insurance policies will not cover accidents when splints or casts are in place. Always check with your insurance company)
- Smoking affects circulation to the hand and fingers and may result in complications. It is therefore advisable to avoid smoking or smoky atmospheres
If you have any worries or concerns, or develop any of the following, please call for advice.
- Swelling/tight dressing
- Active/excessive bleeding
- Pain not relieved by medication
- Numbness, tingling, cold, white or blue fingers
Hand Surgery Unit
Outside these hours (Ward L22)
Mobilising your hand
Your dressing will be in place for up to two weeks. During this time it is important that you keep your fingers moving. Once the dressing has been removed, mobilise your hand by making a full fist 10 times every hour.
No heavy lifting for six weeks.
Skin care advice
Following surgery, care needs to be taken to protect the healed, sensitive areas of skin from damage. You may find the following skin care advice useful:
- Wash the area gently in warm water using a mild soap. Take care to ensure that the water is not too hot
- Rinse the area well
- Gently pat the area dry with a clean, soft towel
- Apply an un-perfumed moisturising cream (such as E45 or Nivea) and gently massage into the area using a circular movement, 2-3 times a day
- Protect the area from direct sunlight by keeping it covered or by applying a total sun block cream. This protects the newly healed skin from burning and should be continued for around 18 months after healing
- Care should be taken to avoid knocking and grazing the area