Here is What Dr. Sforzo and Dr. Dillingham Want You to Know to Maximize Your Recovery

Move your fingers and thumb into and out of a fist 5-10 times an hour. Try to get the fingers all the way straight and all the way into a fist.
Use your hand for light, everyday tasks such as feeding yourself, tying your shoes, and putting your clothes on.
You may take a shower and remove the dressing two days after your surgery. Apply new dry dressing after showering.
If you are in a splint leave your dressing and underlying splint on. We will remove this at your post-op appointment.
Use your hand to do some nominal writing and typing.
Elevate your arm as much as possible for 48 hours after surgery. This means pointing fingers toward the sky.

Get your dressing wet.
Do any heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling. Even a refrigerator door may be too much.
Play any sports.
Sweat under the dressing and make the wound moist.
Place any creams, ointments, or Neosporin/Polysporin in the incisions. Think Dry!!
Remove the sutures or the dressing.
Drive until you speak to the doctor at your post-op appointment.

If you do get the dressing or wounds wet, take off the dressing and pat the wounds dry, then call the office.
If you feel the dressing is too tight or you feel the need to change the dressing before your post-op appointment, please call the office.
It is normal to have some pain at the operative site.
It is normal to still have some stiffness in the fingers after surgery. The more you move the fingers the less stiff they will be.
It is normal to have some bruising begin to show in the forearm after a day or so.
If you are having any problems or concerns, please call the office.

Elbow Surgery Tips