Finger Pinning: Your Journey from Preparation to Full Recovery
Stop NSAIDs, aspirin, herbal and vitamin supplements seven days before surgery and discuss any blood thinners with your surgeon; stop smoking and avoid alcohol in the days leading up to surgery.
Do not eat or drink after midnight; remove nail polish and jewelry; shower and clean the operative hand but avoid shaving or depilating the skin.
Shower and wash the hand with regular soap, wear loose clothing, and take only surgeon ‑approved medications with a sip of water; bring ID and arrive early.
After pinning, a plaster splint or cast keeps the finger immobilized; maintain the dressing clean and dry to prevent infection because pins enter through the skin; keep the hand elevated and apply ice to reduce swelling; you are non‑weight bearing in the splint and should avoid lifting with the hand; begin gentle shoulder pendulums and elbow and wrist motion within 24 hours while keeping the splint on.
Do not bear weight or lift with the injured hand; avoid lifting anything heavier than 2 pounds until cleared by your surgeon; pins are removed several weeks after surgery and the splint must continue to be worn for several more weeks except for bathing and exercises; full gripping or heavy lifting should be avoided until healing and therapy restore strength.
Keep the splint clean, dry and intact; keep hand elevated above heart and perform frequent finger motion in the uninvolved digits; for children, parents should check circulation and nail color and continue icing 20 minutes 1–2 times per day; a sling may be used to keep the limb elevated.
First post‑operative appointment occurs about 1 week (8–10 days) after surgery for x‑rays and dressing change and to schedule hand therapy; a second visit at 2–4 weeks for repeat x‑rays and pin removal; additional visits may occur to monitor motion and healing.
Hand therapy for range of motion usually starts the day the pins are removed; gentle finger exercises are performed several times daily while still wearing a splint between sessions; avoid lifting heavier than 2 pounds; sedentary work or school may resume within a few days if pain is tolerable.
Range of motion improves gradually over several months; maximal improvement of finger motion often takes about 6 months and grip strength can take up to a year; return to sports or strenuous activities should be delayed until the surgeon and therapist confirm that motion and strength have recovered.