PLEASE NOTE: The text on this page contains extracts from the information handout for patients with a BPI who have had surgery at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital Stanmore U.K. Other institutions, particularly those outside the U.K. may have different procedures and protocols according to the type of surgery and their own general preferences. Please refer to the hospital and the surgeon who performed your surgery for advice and information about procedures for taking care of the surgical wound, sling and/or splint. The information on this page is meant as a guide only, and is not to be used in place of any information provided by your own surgeon, hospital and support team.
THE SLING
You may have had nerve grafts or other nerve surgery that requires the arm to be immobilised for a period of time, usually a few weeks. To allow the nerve repair to occur, the arm will be held tightly to your side in a “Hunter Sling.” The arm must NOT BE REMOVED FROM THE SLING for ANY reason. If the sling should become loose or break, allowing your arm to move, then replace and secure the sling for the full 6 weeks or for however long your doctor tells you.
PERSONAL HYGIENE
During this time, bathing and showering will be difficult. You MUST NOT REMOVE THE SLING, therefore, avoid getting it wet. It will be difficult to wash the affected arm, but if you wish, you can wash the armpit by carefully sliding a face cloth through.
DO NOT TAKE THE ARM AWAY FROM THE BODY.
WOUND CARE
You will have clips in place which will be removed after 2 weeks. If you are local to the hospital where your surgery was performed, you will return there., otherwise your local practice nurse or GP will be able to remove them.
It is important to keep the wound clean and dry. Should you become worried about it, contact your GP surgery for a check up.
THE EXERCISES
MOVEMENT OF HAND AND WRIST
The following hand and finger exercises are safe to do while the affected arm is in a sling following exploratory (primary) surgery, provided you don’t have any other injuries in these areas. Please refer to your physician if in doubt.
While your arm is immobilised in the sling, You must not move the shoulder or elbow but it is important to keep the wrist and hand moving to stop them stiffening up. Use your other hand to assist the movements. As with all exercise, take care not to over do it. All these movements should be repeated a number of times. Check with your physiotherapist for the number of repeats suitable for you.
