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Journal of Hand Surgery (British and European Volume)
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Articles

A Controlled Clinical Trial of Postoperative Hand Elevation at Home Following Day-Case Surgery

D. J. FAGAN
A. EVANS
A. GHANDOUR
P. PRABHKARAN
N. R. C. CLAY

From the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital of Wales Cardiff, and Glan Clwyd Hospital, Rhyl, Denbighshire, North Wales, UK

Correspondence: Dr D.J. Fagan, University Hospital of Wales Cardiff, Primrose Hill, Talbot Road, Llantrisant, Mid Glamorgan, Wales CF72 8AW, UK; E-mail: dan{at}fagankav.freeserve.co.uk

Although elevation of the upper limb is considered valuable for the prevention and of the reduction of swelling following major surgery or severe injuries to the hand, it is not clear how much elevation, if any, is required following minor surgery such as carpal tunnel decompression. We investigated this by randomizing patients undergoing carpal tunnel decompression into two groups – one having high elevation at home and one being treated with a simple sling. Volumetric analysis of the swelling of the hand 5 days postoperatively showed no significant difference between the two groups. In the trial group, the mean increase in volume of the operated hand was 11 ml (95% CI +4 to +17) or 2.7%. In the control group, the mean swelling was 13 ml (95% CI +4 to +21) or 3.6%. The findings of this study do not support the use of routine high arm elevation following day-case surgery of the hand.

Key Words: ambulatory care • postoperative elevation • carpal tunnel decompression

Journal of Hand Surgery (British and European Volume), Vol. 29, No. 5, 458-460 (2004)
DOI: 10.1016/J.JHSB.2004.04.008
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