The postoperative dressing is removed.
Desensitization is initiated as soon as possible and scar massage is initiated after suture removal.
A light dressing and/or edema control is applied as needed.
A long arm splint is fabricated holding the wrist in neutral flexion/extension and neutral pronation with the elbow in 60 to 90 degrees of flexion (depending on patient comfort) to be worn between exercises and at night.
Active Range of Motion exercises are initiated to the elbow six times daily for 15 minute sessions.
6 weeks:
Passive Range of Motion exercises are initiated to the elbow.
The Long Arm splint is discontinued. The patient may return to light activities and return to light work duties.
6 - 18 weeks:
Gentle strengthening may be initiated using putty and progressing to hand helper and theraband as needed.
8 - 12 weeks:
Patient may return to full work duties depending on job requirements.
Progressive strengthening on the BTE and a formal work hardening program may be indicated. It is important to stress to the patient that recovery may be gradual and that the patient may not have full recovery of grip strength for four to six weeks postoperatively.