Post-Operative Instructions s1

Post-Operative Instructions CMC Arthroplasty

Expectations:  You will leave the hospital with a big bulky dressing and a fiberglass cast/splint applied to your hand/wrist  Your hand/wrist will feel quite comfortable for a few hours. This is due to the local anesthesia and/or nerve block used during surgery. When this anesthesia wears off, you may develop pain. Use your pain medication as directed.  You will be seen by Dr. Wong 10-14 days post-operatively for clinical evaluation, cast/splint removal, suture removal, and x-rays  You will be immobilized in a cast or splint for a total of six weeks from surgery  Therapy is dependent on your progress; not all patients will need therapy

When you get home:  It will take a variable amount of time for the anesthetic medications to wear off, so rest when you go home and increase your activity as tolerated  If possible, do not stay home alone – a responsible adult should stay with you  Because of medications used during surgery, do not drink alcohol, drive a car, or operate machinery for 24 hours  Your appetite will take awhile to return. Start with liquids and progress to your regular diet if you are free of nausea. If you can, drink plenty of water when you arrive home after surgery.

Appointments The PRHC Cast Clinic will call you within one week from your surgery to book your follow-up appointment. If you have not heard from them, please call the office telephone number below.

[t] 705-745-5464 [f] 1-888-974-5872 301 – 270 charlotte st, peterborough, on k9j 2v4 Pain Medication The goal of pain medication is to reduce your pain and make you more comfortable. Pain medication may not completely relieve all discomfort. Excessive pain that is not adequately controlled with the prescribed medication, as well as significant swelling, may indicate a problem. Please call our office or seek medical attention. Take your pain medication regularly for the first few days. Aim to wean off of them as soon as possible. You can take over-the-counter anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen, etc) if you do not have any contraindications. Should you experience any stomach side effects, you should discontinue them immediately. Never exceed the recommended doses of any medications. You should not exceed 4 grams of Tylenol per day from all sources.

Wound Care:

 You may not get the dressing/cast wet! You must cover with a plastic bag when showering.  If your cast/splint is too tight, try pointing your fingers toward the ceiling and move your fingers to make a fist – this will also aid in decreasing the swelling  If your fingers become pale, cold, or have severe pain/numbness, call the office

Call the office as soon as possible if you develop any of the following:  increased pain or redness

 drainage

 a fever greater than 100.5 degrees

 a very bad smell coming from the cast or dressing

[t] 705-745-5464 [f] 1-888-974-5872 301 – 270 charlotte st, peterborough, on k9j 2v4