Orthopaedic Surgery - Discharge advice following Vola Plate injury

We are sorry to hear you had an injury. This advice is designed to help you get better as quickly as possible. During your recovery we may contact you to improve the service for future patients.

Please contact us if:

• You are worried about anything in this plan or have any questions
• You do NOT wish to be contacted about your injury
• If you are having pain or swelling in a different part of your body
• If you still have significant pain and/or swelling 6 weeks after your injury
• You notice that your finger is curling under or over the one next to it

Helpline – 0161 206 4892. You can leave a message anytime. We will aim to return your call within 24 hours (except weekends).

Volar plate injury

The volar plate is a thick ligament which joins two bones in the finger. A volar plate injury occurs when the finger is bent too far the wrong way, spraining or tearing the ligament. Symptoms occur immediately and include pain, bruising and swelling. The most common cause of this injury is ball sports where the ball forces the fingers backward.

Important information about smoking

FACT - Broken bones take longer to heal in people who smoke. In extreme cases, it can stop healing altogether.

GOOD NEWS - Stopping now will make the difference and give you the best results.

HELP - Go to: www.smokefree.nhs.uk or https:// www.salford.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/health-services/quit- smoking/ or have a chat with your GP.

Physiotherapy

If you live in Salford, you can refer yourself online to our physiotherapy department using this website www.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk/go2physio

If you do not live in Salford or have no internet access, then ask your GP to refer you.

Injury recovery

• It takes up to 6-12 weeks to recover from this injury. It will often be quicker in children
• Pain and swelling are normal. Take simple painkillers e.g. paracetamol for as long as you need to, do not exceed the recommended dose. Pharmacies can further advise
• A splint can be worn for up to 2 weeks if provided. Not everyone needs one
• It is very important to start your exercises as soon as possible
• Attempt to make a full fist and straighten your fingers as early on as possible
• If you need more advice on exercise or your recovery please refer yourself to physiotherapy

What to do in the first 24-72 hours to reduce pain and swelling

• Ice is very good at reducing swelling and pain. Wrap an icepack (or bag of frozen peas) in a tea towel and put it on your hand. Leave for 5-10 minutes and repeat every 2-3 hours
• Gentle movement of the elbow, wrist and hand creates blood flow to the injury. This helps it to heal and also reduces swelling. Start your exercises as soon as possible. Doing them after ice often feels better
• You should keep your hand elevated (higher than your heart) as much as possible to reduce swelling

Injury warning!

• If you start to develop a bend or real stiffness in the joint or if you have NOT got full range of motion in your finger by 2 weeks you should call us, and we will arrange an appointment
• It is quite normal for some swelling to persist for many months and occasionally it can remain forever. This should not affect your function or movement after 6 weeks

Driving

It is important that you contact your insurance company to tell them about your injury. You may be able to drive when you feel safe to perform an emergency stop and fully operate your vehicle.

Sports

You should not play any sport until pain-free and have full movement.

Nutrition tips

• You can help your body to recover by eating the right food
• Drink lots of water
• Protein, calcium and vitamin D work together to help your body to repair
• Foods high in protein: Seafood, meat, dairy, eggs, beans and soya
• Foods high in calcium: Dairy, almonds, seeds, oily fish, beans and lentils
• Dark leafy greens like kale, broccoli and cabbage also help calcium absorption
• Foods high in vitamin D: Oily fish, milk, cheese and eggs
• Eat less sugar and alcohol, as sugar reduces calcium absorption