Do you need a cast for a torn thumb ligament?
A tear to this ligament can be painful and may make your thumb feel unstable. It may also weaken your ability to grasp objects between your thumb and index finger. Treatment for a sprained thumb usually involves wearing a splint or cast to keep the thumb from moving while the ligament heals.
Do they put you to sleep for thumb ligament surgery?
After the block is placed, you will be given more medication in the operating room by the anesthesia team to make you sleepy. Generally they do not put you completely asleep, but rather you will drift off to sleep and can be completely unaware of the surgery, if you want.
What happens after thumb ligament surgery?
You will be limited for the first 6 weeks with pain, weakness, and stiffness in the hand and thumb. Most patients have minimal pain by 6 weeks after surgery, with nearly full thumb and hand motion by 3 months. Your symptoms will continue to improve by working in therapy.
How is a torn thumb ligament repaired?
The surgeon makes a cut (incision) at the base of your thumb. The surgeon reattaches the ligament to the bone using stitches (sutures) and small anchors. He or she will also repair any injury to the tissues around it. If a bone fracture is present, the surgeon may repair it with non-removable wires.
How long does it take to recover from a thumb ligament surgery?
With traditional surgery, the ligament is sutured, and the thumb is immobilized in a cast for four to six weeks. “Athletes particularly dislike being in casts, and on top of that they can’t return to play for sometimes up to 10-12 weeks,” Shin notes.
How long does UCL surgery take?
Tommy John Surgery is typically an outpatient procedure. This means you can usually return home the same day. It is performed under general anesthesia and may last anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes.
Can you drive after thumb surgery?
Once you are no longer taking the medicine, you may drive as soon as you can comfortably grip the steering wheel with both hands. It is generally best to avoid long drives until the initial dressing and plaster splint is removed. Right after surgery, you may begin gentle finger exercises.
How should you sleep after thumb surgery?
Your surgeon might teach you the “hand above elbow, elbow above heart” rule. When sleeping, it may help to use a large mound of pillows, either beside you or on your chest, to keep your hand and wrist in this elevated position.
How long is UCL thumb surgery recovery?
Grip and hand strength may come back as early as 3 – 4 months after surgery, but it can take up to 6 – 12 months to fully recover and obtain maximum improvement. In most cases, you will be transitioned to a cast at your follow up appointment and then a removable brace at approximately 6 weeks post-surgery.
Is a UCL tear painful?
Pain on the inner side of the elbow is the most common symptom of a UCL injury. A UCL tear may sometimes feel like a “pop” after throwing followed by intense pain. UCL injuries are diagnosed by physical examination and a valgus stress test to assess instability of the elbow.
What is the recovery time for thumb surgery?
– Your hand may be immobilized in a bandage or splint after surgery. Your physician will decide the length of time of the immobilization. – There may be some restrictions placed on activities and work after the surgery. – Rehabilitation may be recommended to increase the strength and function of the hand.
What’s the best surgery for thumb arthritis?
In use for more than 40 years, LRTI is the most commonly performed surgery for thumb arthritis. The damaged joint surfaces are removed and replaced with a cushion of tissue that keeps the bones separated. To accomplish this, surgeons remove all or part of the trapezium bone in the wrist at the base of the thumb.
How long is recovery from thumb arthritis surgery?
The surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis, and you will go home the same day. After surgery, your thumb will be placed in a cast for three to four weeks, followed by a plastic splint for four to six weeks. Typically, it takes between six and eight weeks to regain full movement in your thumb.
What is the recovery time for a thumb joint replacement?
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