Question
Hello doctor,
I have recently had surgery on my right hand.My index finger has a plate in with four screws at the knuckle, and my pinky has the tip removed.....caused by a injury at work....I will not be at my doctor for a month now but he hasn't mentioned how to maintain my hand....I don't know if I can submerge my hand in water to clean or do I wait a month.......and will I start to make a fist or keep still....everything feels stiff on my pinky end where scar tissue is...thank you doctor
Michael macgregor

Answer
Dear Michael,

This Orthopedic Chicago Podiatrist located in West Loop 60661,Roscoe Village 60618, Ukranian Village 60622, Elmhurst 60126 & Bartlett 60103 says...
Usually you don't want to get a wound wet-however some doctors will allow bathing if the wound & stitches are intact. The same with motion- If the fix is not totally stable-then movement is discouraged. Immediate movement may be encouraged if stable. The point is post-op care varies & your best bet is to call the doctor's office & have them fax you post-op directions.

Hope this helps & Good Luck!

The Chicago Podiatrists of http://anklenfoot.com/ are specialists in orthopedics and sports medicine.
We are located in Chicago, Elmhurst & Bartlett

Dr George Tsatsos, Svetlana Zats, Dr Mariano Rivera, Dr Massard & Dr Kurtz
Chicago 60618 & 60622, Elmhurst 60126, Bartlett 60103 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661


DISCLAIMER:
This information is offered as free advice and as general information. It may not be applicable to the specific questioner and his/her problem.  It is not based on actual knowledge of the questioner or his/her medical history and it cannot and should not be relied upon as definitive medical opinion or advice.  Reliable medical opinion and advice can only be obtained through hands-on physical contact and exam of the patient to establish an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.  No doctor/patient relationship is created or established here and may not be inferred through answers on this site.  The questioner and other readers must consult his/her own doctor before proceeding or implementing any suggestions contained within this document and answers on this site.  The questioner is only to act upon his/her own doctor抯 orders and recommendations. By reading this posting which follows, the reader fully understands and confirms that he/she holds harmless this writer. If this is not fully agreeable to you, the reader, and/or you have not attained the age of 18 years, you hereby are advised to read no further