Dupuytren’s Fasciectomy Protcol

Post-operative Patient Care

  • Your finger and hand have been placed in a splint to keep the finger straight
  • If you would like to shower or bath, keep your operative hand/wrist out of the water or cover it with a waterproof bag
  • If the splint or dressings become wet, contact Dr. Cinats’ office immediately (604-545-1405)
  • ELEVATE the operated limb and ice as much as possible for the first 48-72 hours after surgery

Post-operative Hand Therapy

  • You need to see a hand therapist approximately 5 days after surgery
  • The hand therapy appointment is important to:
    • Remove the surgical dressings and splint and check the surgical incision
    • Provide incision care if necessary
    • Start hand exercises to prevent the finger from curling
    • Fabrication of a custom splint to keep the finger straight
  • Please contact Dr. Cinats’ office if you are unable to attend a hand therapy appointment
  • You will be seen by Dr. Cinats in the clinic approximately 14 days after your surgery to check your incision and have your sutures removed

Post-operative Activity Guide

  • Begin moving and wiggling the fingers which are not included in the splint IMMEDIATELY after surgery. This helps with swelling and pain control
  • Progress to making a full fist by 24-48 hours after surgery
  • AVOID lifting, pushing, or pulling more than 5lbs with the operated limb for 2 weeks after surgery

Pain Control after Dupuytren’s fasciectomy

  • Your hand or finger has been injected with a local freezing which lasts 12-18 hours
  • You should start taking pain medication before the freezing wears off to ensure you stay on top of pain
  • The below medications are usually safe for most patients, but certain medical conditions may limit your ability to take these medications
  • PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE TAKING ANY MEDICATION
  • The first medications you should take are Tylenol and Advil
    • Tylenol 1000mg every 6 hours
    • Advil 400mg every 6 hours
  • If you pain is not controlled by alternating Tyenol and Advil, you can take the prescription medication that has been provided