Jersey Finger / FDP Repair
Download this rehabilitation protocol (PDF)
For patients and physiotherapists.
Week 0-3
Suggested treatment:
- Remove post op dressings within day 1-3 post op
- Wound care/oedema reduction
- Thermoplastic dorsal blocking splint
- Wrist 30° flexion
- MPJ 30° flexion
- IPJ extended
- Passive flexion to each digit joint
- Active extension within limits of splint
- HT supervised wrist extension only with digits in full passive flexion
- Scar massage when sutures removed day 10
Restrictions:
- No active DIP flexion of operated on digit
- No active wrist flexion
- No passive finger extension beyond splint
Week 3
Suggested treatment:
- Begin “place and hold” exercises for digit flexion with wrist in 30° extension
- Use 50% power only
- Adjust TPS to wrist in a neutral position but with dorsal blocking component retained
Restrictions:
- No functional use of hand
- No resistive exercises
Week 4
Suggested treatment:
- Continue place and hold exercises including hook fist position (to encourage FDP tendon gliding)
- Advance to active digit flexion if evidence of early scar adhesion formation
- Convert TPS to hand based dorsal blocking splint
Restrictions:
- No heavy lifting or resistance
Week 6
Suggested treatment:
- Discontinue use of dorsal blocking splint
- Advance exercise program to include full active digit flexion
- Begin blocking exercises
- Continue hook fist exercises to increase FDP glide
- Consider PIP joint blocking splint or cast to improve DIPJ flexion if FDP glide is poor
Restrictions:
- No heavy lifting or return to sports
Week 8
Suggested treatment:
- Begin resistive and strengthening exercises
- Progress gradually
Restrictions:
- No heavy lifting or return to sports
Month 3-4
Suggested treatment:
- Consider return to sport
Some General Questions
What to expect after surgery:
- Most patients will have day surgery only
- After your operation, you might notice some numbness to fingers of the operated hand. This may be secondary to local anaesthetic and will wear off over 48-72 hours.
- You will have arrangements made for hand therapy prior to discharge. It is important to be seen within 3-4 days of surgery as early hand therapy is vital to your rehabilitation
- You will be sent home with medications or a script to help with pain relief
Time in Sling:
- Generally your sling is for comfort only
- You will have a plaster splint on discharge but this will be converted to a thermoplastic splint within the first few days by your hand therapist.
- From 6 weeks, you should not need to use your splint at all
Return to Activity
- Work: Depends what you do. Desk based work can be done from 1-2 weeks post operatively, if you can do these tasks single handedly. Otherwise generally 6 weeks before you can use both hands freely whilst seated.
For manual work, it depends on what kind of lifting/pushing you do, but generally not before 3 months - Drive: In Australia, you can’t drive unless you are in full control of both your arms. Therefore, whilst you’re in a sling or have a splint on, you cannot drive. Generally 6 weeks post operatively.
- Sports/Hobbies:
- Gentle swimming: after 6 weeks
- Gardening (light tasks only): 8-12 weeks
- Bowls: after 3 months
- Golf, tennis, badminton, squash: after 4-6 months
- Weights: commence after 3 months
Concerns or questions?
If you have any concerns post operatively, or you would like further information, please contact Mr Lau through the VBJS on 03 5752 5020 or via email at admin@vbjs.com.au
If you need urgent medical help, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department.
These notes have been prepared by Mr Simon Lau. They are general overviews and information aimed for use by his patients. They reflect Mr Lau’s views, opinions and recommendations. They do not constitute medical advice. The contents are provided for information and education purposes only. Please seek Mr Lau’s specific advice with any questions regarding medical conditions and treatment.