Dr. Sforzo’s Post-Operative Instructions for Thumb Arthritis Surgery:

Important things you should do:

• Move your fingers in and out of a full fist when you are awake several times a day.
• Cover your entire dressing – the entire hand and wrist – in the shower. Do not get wet.
• Try to elevate the hand towards the sky or ceiling when you can.
• Leave your dressing on and do not remove it until your postoperative appointment.

Important things you should avoid:

• Do not get your incision or dressing wet.
• Do not perform any lifting, pushing, or pulling. Avoid refrigerator doors.
• Do not play tennis, golf, or any sports.
• Do not perform activities that will cause you to sweat around the incisions.
• Do not pull on or remove any stitches or sutures, even if they are sticking out and are clear.

Troubleshooting Problems that may arise:

• If you get the incision wet, or the dressing from the surgery becomes dirty or wet, please immediately pat the incisions dry and call the office to speak to a nurse.
• If you notice the incisions looking red, swollen, or infected please call the office immediately.
• Stiffness, tingling, and swelling all may occur in varying amounts after surgery. Call the office if you have questions or any concerns.