What to Expect from Hand Surgery: A Beginner’s Guide

Hand surgeries are a common procedure for breaking or injuring a bone in the hand, such as the pinky. You might be feeling nervous about your upcoming minor surgery, but in this guide, we will break down what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. We'll also provide tips for a smooth recovery and what to do if you face any complications.

Understanding Hand Surgery

The procedure you're about to undergo, where a pin is inserted into the pinky bone to ensure it grows back correctly, is a common type of hand surgery. This surgery is typically performed on patients with broken pinky fingers to help the bone heal straight and properly positioned.

Why should you not be worried? While surgery can be intimidating, modern medical procedures have made it much safer than ever before. You will be under local anesthesia, which means you will feel no pain during the surgery. The area will be numbed, ensuring that you remain comfortable and safe throughout the procedure.

Preparing for Hand Surgery

Before your surgery, make sure to follow the instructions given by your healthcare provider. This might include avoiding certain foods and medications, especially ones that interact with blood thinning agents like aspirin, ibuprofen, or vitamin E.

What to expect immediately after surgery: After the surgery, you will likely be under local anesthesia until the effects wear off, which can vary from a few hours to several days. Upon waking, the first thing you should do is keep your hand elevated above your heart level. Elevating your hand helps reduce swelling and promotes faster healing. You will also start exercising the free joints in your fingers, wrist, elbow, and shoulder to prevent stiffness and maintain flexibility.

Another important tip is to keep your hand dry and protected from water. You can achieve this by placing a plastic bag around your hand and securing it with an elastic band at both the wrist and the base of the fingers. This prevents water from entering the dressing and causing any moisture that could lead to infections.

Recovering from Hand Surgery

Your recovery period will vary, but it typically takes about 3 to 4 weeks for the pin to be removed. During this time, it's essential to follow your healthcare provider's advice and monitor for any signs of complications. Keep an eye out for swelling, bruising, or fever. If you experience any of these symptoms or have concerns, don't hesitate to contact your doctor.

FAQs About Hand Surgery

Q: Should I be worried about the surgery?

A: While it's natural to experience some anxiety, you should not be too concerned. The procedure is relatively straightforward, and you will be under local or regional anesthesia. The doctor will make a small incision and insert the pin to ensure the bone heals correctly. You will also have pain medication available to help manage any discomfort you might experience post-surgery.

Q: What can I expect during the surgery?

A: The surgery itself should not cause any pain, as you will be under local anesthesia. The surgeon will carefully insert the pin into the bone, and once the procedure is complete, you can rest assured that you are in good hands. You will also have pain medication to help manage any discomfort after the surgery.

Q: Can I shower after the surgery?

A: While you should keep your hand dry, you can still take a shower. Place a plastic bag around your hand and secure it with an elastic band at both the wrist and the base of the fingers. This prevents water from entering the dressing and causing any moisture that could lead to infections. Make sure to pat your hand dry gently after showering.

Q: How long does it take to recover?

A: The recovery period typically takes about 3 to 4 weeks. During this time, you will need to follow a series of exercises to maintain the flexibility of your hand and fingers. It's also crucial to keep your hand elevated above your heart level to reduce swelling and promote faster healing.

What you can do to make the recovery process as smooth as possible is stay positive and follow your healthcare provider's advice. Remember, the first few days after surgery can be challenging, but with patience and dedication, you'll be back to your regular activities in no time!