Thumb CMC Joint Surgery

Postoperative Instructions

General Timeline 
 
Surgery

• Immediately following surgery, your hand will be wrapped in a supportive dressing and will remain wrapped until you 2 week follow up with the provider

2 week follow up visit with physician assistant

• Suture removal & X-ray
• Incision check
• Hard cast applied 

5 week follow up visit with physician assistant

• X-ray
• Referral to therapy
• Thumb splint 

3 month follow up visit with physician

• X-ray
• Range of motion check 

What to expect after surgery

• Discomfort lasting up to 6-9 months
• Use of a splint to protect the joint
• Referral to therapy 

What to expect with therapy

• Attendance 1-2 times per week for 46 weeks
• You may use your hand for light activities as tolerated 

What to expect after the cast is removed

• Stiffness and/or swelling in the thumb and wrist for several weeks
• Limited motion and weakness
• Sensitivity, numbness, burning, and general discomfort around thumb and wrist

What will I do in therapy?

• Restore range of motion
• Decrease pain and/or sensitivity
• Gradual progression to gentle strengthening 
   

Call our office for any concern at (757) 827-2480. If you feel it is a medical emergency, call 911 or go to an emergency room.