Immediately following surgery, your hand will be wrapped in a supportive dressing and will remain wrapped until you 3-5 day follow up with Hand Therapy
3-5 day follow up visit with hand therapy
Incision check
Wrist splint fabrication to be worn full time
Post-op incision care instructions (okay to wash incision with warm water and antibacterial soap)
2 week follow up visit with physician assistant
X-ray
Continue hand therapy - range of motion exercises
Home exercise program
Continue wearing fabricated splint full time - may remove only for bathing/shower
6 week follow up visit with physician assistant
X-ray
Discontinue fabricated splint based on progress (typically you can stop wearing the splint at 6-8 weeks after surgery, please defer to your provider’s instructions)
Continue hand therapy - range of motion exercises and home exercise program
3 month follow up visit with physician
X-ray
Range of motion check
What to expect after Distal Radius Fracture ORIF Surgery
Increased difficulty doing basic tasks (especially during the first 2 weeks post op) Pain, soreness, sensitivity, and discomfort around incision site
Residual sensitivity around incision site
Gradual resolution of residual stiffness, soreness over the following 6-9 months
