Patient Education
- Patient Instructions
- Patient Education
- Post-Op Instructions
- Post-Op Exercises for At-Home Use
- Useful Links
- FAQ's
Patient Instructions
Instructions for Use of Oral Steroids for Swelling
Review instructions for the use of oral steroids to control swelling, including a schedule for taking the medication and what to do if you have questions or concerns.
Soaking Instructions
Review instructions for soaking your hands to prevent infection of an open wound.
Surgery Scheduling Information
Review Dr. McCarthy’s surgery schedule, including where she performs surgery and general information regarding surgery.
Patient Education
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Releases
Review patient education for carpal tunnel syndrome and endoscopic carpal tunnel releases. Learn more about carpal tunnel syndrome, including the causes, symptoms and treatment options.
Dupuytren’s Contractures and Xiaflex® Injections
Review patient education for Dupuytren’s contractures and XIAFLEX injections. Learn more about Dupuytren’s contractures, including the causes, symptoms, treatment options and how to schedule an injection.
Extensor Tendonitis Protocol
Review patient education for extensor tendonitis. Learn more about the elbow’s anatomy and how to care for the injury.
Questions and Answers About Cortisone Injections
Review frequently asked questions (FAQs) about cortisone injections.
Questions and Answers About Mucous Cysts
Review frequently asked questions (FAQs) about mucous cysts.
Thumb CMC (carpal-metacarpal) Joint Osteoarthritis and CMC Excisional Arthroplasty with Fascia Lata Graft
Review patient education about thumb CMC joint osteoarthritis and CMC excisional arthroplasty with fascia lata graft. Learn more about the surgical procedure and the recovery process.
Image Showing CMC Osteoarthritis
Review an illustration of CMC osteoarthritis prior to surgery.
Image Showing CMC Surgery
Review an illustration of the CMC joint after surgery for CMC osteoarthritis.
Post-Op Instructions
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release
Review proper post-op instructions following endoscopic carpal tunnel release. Learn more about the use of a splint, when to resume normal activities and recommended follow-up appointments.
CMC Excisional Arthroplasty
Review proper post-op instructions following CMC excisional arthroplasty. Learn more about the use of a splint, activity restrictions and recommended follow-up appointments.
ORIF Distal Radius Fixation
Review proper post-op instructions following ORIF distal radius fixation. Learn more about the use of a splint, activity restrictions and recommended follow-up appointments.
Home Modalities
Review a detailed guide on proper hot and cold therapy techniques.
Post-Op Exercises for At-Home Use
After CMC Surgery – Thumb Active Range of Motion
Review a detailed home therapy program for active range of motion of the thumb following CMC surgery.
After CMC Surgery – Thumb Intrinsic Strengthening
Review a detailed home therapy program for intrinsic strengthening of the thumb following CMC surgery.
After Wrist Fracture Surgery – Active Range of Motion – Wrist
Review a detailed home therapy program for active range of motion of the wrist following wrist fracture surgery.
Useful Links
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
The latest source for Legislation, educational, health care policy and research information. The site includes the bylaws and position papers of the AAOS, and the latest federal and state laws enacted that pertain to the practice of orthopedics and medicine.
American Society for Surgery of the Hand
The oldest and most prestigious medical society dedicated to the hand and upper extremity.
XIAFLEX® Injections
XIAFLEX® is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with Dupuytren’s contracture when a “cord” can be felt. It is not known if XIAFLEX® is safe and effective in children under the age of 18.
FAQ's
What are Dupuytren’s contractures?
Dupuytren’s contractures can be a disabling problem. The fascia in the palm of your hand contracts your finger or fingers into a fixed flexion deformity. An enzyme has been developed that can dissolve the deforming tissue and help you regain your finger extension without a surgical procedure. I have injected more than 100 patients with Xiaflex® and encourage you to come in to see if it is the right treatment choice for you.
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What is an Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release?
An endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) is a 20-minute procedure that involves 2 incisions–one for the skin and one for the ligament, which is cut through a scope. I have been performing the ECTR since its inception in the early 1990’s and have also been a surgeon educator of the technique. I have performed more than 3,000 ECTRs.
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What is CMC arthritis?
Arthritis at the base of the thumb (also called basal joint or CMC arthritis) is very common in women who are in their 50’s and older. The pain can interfere with the simplest pinching activities, such as turning your key in a lock or opening your water bottle. There are many treatment options, including strengthening exercises, braces, steroid injections and even joint replacement. The surgical procedure for a joint replacement involves removing the trapezium, the small bone at the base of the thumb, and replacing it with a soft tissue graft. The result is a pain-free, functional pinch.
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