DUPUYTREN'S CONTRACTURE NEEDLE APONEUROTOMY (NA) POST-OP INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS
Printable Dupuytren's Contracture Needle Aponeurotomy Instructions HERE
WOUND CARE
COMFORT AND MOBILIZATION
You can do most activities that do not hurt with some exceptions. Avoid or limit repetitive activities like typing for about a week to keep from creating swelling that will prolong discomfort. Limit yourself to lifting with the operative hand for a few days or so until it becomes more comfortable. Everyone’s pain threshold is different, but a reasonable guideline is limit yourself to about 1-2 pounds (.50-1kg) with your operative hand.
PAIN MANAGEMENT
Contact my office, your GP, or go to the emergency room if:
Contact our office at (778) 547-6091 during business hours. After hours and weekends please go to the emergency department at SMH.
WOUND CARE
- Bandaids can be removed 48 hours after your surgery. If there is a bit of oozing you can replace them and take them off the next day.
- It is OK to wash your hands, shower and get wet the next day.
- The first 7 days avoid soaking your hand in the bath or hot tub and avoid activities that will make your hands dirty, sweaty or exposed to chemicals such as gardening or weightlifting.
COMFORT AND MOBILIZATION
- The day of surgery you will be able to use your hands for light activities such as eating and getting dressed.
- Keep your hand elevated and pointing up for the first 48 hours to reduce any swelling.
- Rest the extremity on pillows and while sleeping.
- Apply icepack to the palm side of your hand (10 minutes at a time) every 30-60 minutes for the first 48 hours for comfort and to reduce swelling.
- DO NOT use a splint unless specifically prescribed by Dr. Jackson.
You can do most activities that do not hurt with some exceptions. Avoid or limit repetitive activities like typing for about a week to keep from creating swelling that will prolong discomfort. Limit yourself to lifting with the operative hand for a few days or so until it becomes more comfortable. Everyone’s pain threshold is different, but a reasonable guideline is limit yourself to about 1-2 pounds (.50-1kg) with your operative hand.
PAIN MANAGEMENT
- Usually there isn’t a need for prescription pain medication after NA, however, if you have some discomfort taking Tylenol or Advil should be adequate.
Contact my office, your GP, or go to the emergency room if:
- You have unbearable pain, not controlled with the above methods.
- You have ongoing drainage after 48 hours.
- You have increased swelling and redness tracking up the extremity.
- You develop a fever over 38.3 C in the first few days after surgery.
- New numbness/tingling, worsening numbness/tingling, increasing pain, stiffness of fingers, progressive redness around the wound.
Contact our office at (778) 547-6091 during business hours. After hours and weekends please go to the emergency department at SMH.