To Prevent Infection:

• You will have a dressing on your hand after surgery
• The Surgical Center or Hospital will call you the day before surgery to let you know what time to arrive
• Dr. Traverso may have to postpone your surgery if you have any of the following: Sore Throat, Runny Nose, Cuts, Scratches or open Bug Bites on your operative hand or arm. This can increase your chances of infection.
• If, after surgery, you have pain not managed by pain medication or any other questions or concerns, please call our office at 954-575-8056

Post-Surgery Instructions:

• Dressings are to be kept clean and dry. A small amount of clear drainage or bleeding is normal. If the ace wrap feels too tight, you may loosen it and re-wrap it.
• The dressing should remain on until you follow-up in the clinic with your surgeon about one week after surgery. Certain procedures require you to remove the dressing three days after surgery. Dr. Traverso will clarify in the office and the day of surgery.
• When showering, please place a plastic bag (or umbrella bag) over the arm above the level of the dressing and secure it with tape. To keep the dressing dry, you may wrap a small towel around the dressing prior to applying the plastic bag or wrap. Pat the dressing dry immediately with a clean towel if it does get slightly wet.
• If purulent drainage (thick white or greenish in color) is coming from the wound, or the wound has increasing redness, or if you are having a temperature of 101 or higher, please report these symptoms to your surgeon or the doctor on call.
• Please call our office if you have any questions regarding your restrictions. (954-575- 8056)

Pain & Swelling:

• Unless you have a contraindication/allergic reaction to NSAIDs, (Including ANY stomach problems, burning in your stomach after taking NSAIDs, history of ulcers, history of bariatric surgery), you may take anti-inflammatory medications such as Motrin, Aleve, or Ibuprofen. You can take as prescribed. However, taking at least 600mg twice a day (after meals) for a week after surgery is advised as first line pain management (along with plain Tylenol). This decreases both pain and swelling and reduces the amount of narcotic medication you will need during the first week after surgery. Tylenol can safely be taken together with NSAIDs in a single dose if needed.
• Plain Tylenol may be used instead of the prescribed narcotic pain medication, (they can be used interchangeably), but prescribed narcotic medications should not be taken at the same time as the plain Tylenol. This is because the narcotic medications already contain Tylenol.
• Narcotic pain medication may be prescribed for use upon discharge. Try to wean down as tolerated. These medications can cause constipation and you may want to use an over the counter stool softener.
• If a refill of medication is needed, please call the office during regular business hours, Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. NOTE: Narcotics cannot be called into the pharmacy and you may need to pick up a script from the office.

Other:

• Please expect a call from the office the day after surgery, (or the following Monday if you have surgery on a Friday). We always find out how you are doing after surgery, how your experience has been, remind you of your follow-up appointment, and answer any questions you may have.
• Taking vitamin C tablets, 500mg by mouth daily for the next two months, may help with bony healing (if applicable). If you have a Distal Radius Fracture, it is highly recommended that you take vitamin C.
• Swelling to some degree is common after surgery. To reduce swelling, elevation is very helpful. Elevate the elbow above the heart level, and the hand above the elbow for best results.
• Elevation for 30 minutes every 2 hours is a good initial recommendation. Excessive pain and swelling should be reported to your surgeon.

Driving:

• To drive you must no longer be taking narcotic pain pills (plain Tylenol or ibuprofen is allowed). Also, you must feel strong and alert.

Follow Up:

• An appointment should have been already scheduled for you at the Broward Hand Center for approximately 5-10 days after surgery. If this is not clear, please call the office to make sure your appointment is made. (954-575- 8056)