Pain control
Give medications as required for pain (paracetamol and ibuprofen
are available from pharmacies without prescription). Local
anaesthetic is often injected during surgery; this will wear off
over 24 hours and pain may increase at this time. Any areas that
are made numb by the local anaesthetic should regain sensation at
this time.
Dressings
Keep the plaster clean, dry and intact. Keep the arm elevated in
a sling to reduce pain and swelling and encourage faster healing.
The sling can be taken off at night and the hand elevated on
pillows.
Activities
Restrict your child to gentle activities to prevent damage to
the healing areas. Unless specifically advised otherwise it is
important to keep the hand and wrist still as the repaired area of
tendon is at risk of snapping if movements are started too early.
When the plaster is removed an occupational therapist will be
involved in teaching specific exercises and your child may have a
splint to wear. It is important that these exercises are carried
out as directed.
What to expect
Your surgeon will be able to tell you whether full function will
be regained after the injury; this depends on the type of injury.
Some stiffness will be likely when the plaster is removed but
should resolve in days to weeks. The wound will have a scar. Every
effort is made to minimise scarring and achieve the best cosmetic
result. You will be given instructions at your review appointment
on what to do to prevent poor healing and bad scarring. This may
include the use of tapes or massage with sorbolene cream or aloe
vera. Avoid exposure to sun for at least 12 months and always use a
strong sunscreen if sun exposure is unavoidable.
Medical attention
Seek medical attention if your child has:
- Increasing pain or pain that is not relieved by medication
- Persistent fever
- General unwellness
- Colour changes (white, blue, purple) or swelling to the fingers
or toes
- Persistent pins and needles or numbness
- Wound discharge or increasing redness
- Cracking or loosening of the plaster cast
Follow-up
Your follow-up appointment will be at one of the following:
- Plastic Surgery Outpatients (Registrar Clinic), Blue Desk,
Ground Floor, The Royal Children's Hospital (am appointment)
- Consultant Clinic
- Consultant Private Rooms
- Local doctor
If you are unable to keep your appointment please call to
reschedule.
Contact
Plastic & Maxillofacial Surgery Office - 9345 5391
Outpatient appointments - 9345 6180
Plastic Surgery Resident or Registrar - via switchboard on 9345
5522
Developed by The Royal Children's Hospital Speech Pathology and Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery departments. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.
Reviewed November 2015.
Kids Health Info is supported by The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation. To donate, visit www.rchfoundation.org.au.