After a serious accident in late December 2010, I had my thumb and two fingers pinned (luckily no bone or tendon damage but fingers cut wide open).
I too had the pins out after 4 weeks and started OT one week later - it took me 2 weeks after pins to even see some movement and two weeks more I am still swollen but am finally starting small movements - I am advised that this is normal and I am doing well. I am expecting months of OT, so don't don't depair, be patient and REST, use ICE and exercise but don't do too much.
can anyone please advise regarding my index finger still being incredibly swollen and stiff 7 weeks after surgery?
i had 2 pins put into my index finger at the PIP joint. the pins were in for 4 weeks and taken out on 1/10//11 and i've been going to a hand therapist and trying to stretch the finger, but i've still been unable to fully extend the finger or make a fist.
please advise, thanks!
-larry
Thank you for the quick response Dr. Gross. By no means do I intend to give up, I actually find myself constantly trying to move and stretch out the tendons myself. I'm half worried that it maybe too early to do some of these stretches, but I'm eager and willing to try my best to get back to full ROM and hand strength.
Can you please advise what the normal duration is that the finger will remain swollen after such a surgery? (2 pins inserted for 4 weeks) and if it's okay for me to stretch the tendons and finger myself? I'm afraid of tendon adhesion, due to all that scar tissue that is on my finger.
Thanks again, looking forward to all your advice.
-Larry
You really had a horrible injury, with bone and softissue damge. After an injury like that, surgery, and 4 weeks of immobilzation, it is quite normal to be stiff and swollen. It is permature to give up after two sessions of OT. You may be in therapy for a year. At this point, stay the course!