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.