Know what to expect.

A little preparation makes room for a better conversation.

Bring what you already have. The clinic can clarify which documents are needed for your appointment; you do not need to arrange new tests yourself.

Tick items as you prepare. These selections stay on this page only and are not sent to the clinic.

Your symptoms matter. So does the way they affect your life.

The consultation usually begins with your concerns, how symptoms started and the movements or activities that are difficult. Your medical history, previous injuries and treatment help put this into context.

Listen & examine

A clinical examination may assess movement, tenderness, strength and sensation, depending on your symptoms.

Review & explain

Available scans and reports are reviewed alongside the examination. Further imaging or tests may sometimes be required before a diagnosis is clear.

Discuss & decide

You can ask about the likely cause, the options, their benefits and limitations, and what the next step involves.

The right investigation answers a specific question.

Tests are selected according to your symptoms and examination. Not everyone needs imaging, and you will not necessarily need more than one type of test.

X-ray

Shows bones and joint alignment. It can help assess fractures and joint changes.

Ultrasound

Uses sound waves to examine structures such as tendons and some soft-tissue lumps; movement can sometimes be assessed during the scan.

MRI

Provides detailed images of soft tissues, joints and bone marrow using a magnetic field.

CT

Uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images, often useful for complex bone or joint assessment.

Nerve conduction studies

Measure how electrical signals travel along nerves. These may help investigate numbness or weakness; other nerve tests may also be considered.

A clear sequence, with care at each stage.

The details vary by procedure and hospital plan. Some operations are suitable for day surgery; others may require admission.

1. 01

   Arrival

   The team confirms your details and planned procedure.

2. 02

   Pre-operative preparation

   Checks and preparation are completed. Raise any changes in your health or medicines.

3. 03

   Anaesthetic discussion

   The appropriate anaesthetic and pain-relief plan are discussed with you.

4. 04

   Procedure

   Your treatment takes place according to the agreed plan.

5. 05

   Recovery area

   You are monitored while recovering, with support for comfort and any immediate concerns.

6. 06

   Going home or admission

   The team decides when it is appropriate to leave and explains protection, medicines, follow-up and who to contact.

Keep your recovery plan close at hand.

Your discharge instructions are the guide for your operation. If advice on this page differs from your own plan, follow the instructions from your treating team.

Comfort & swelling

Use prescribed pain relief as directed. Elevation may be advised to help manage swelling.

Dressings & wound care

Follow the guidance on keeping dressings clean and dry, and on when the wound or dressing should be reviewed.

Movement & protection

Follow your specific movement restrictions and splint or cast instructions. Some repairs need protection even when the hand feels comfortable.

Plan the next check

Keep follow-up details available and know whom to contact if you are worried.

Small, appropriate steps can support useful movement.

Hand therapy may be recommended depending on your condition or procedure. A therapist can guide movement, strength, swelling control, scar care and splinting as appropriate.

Exercises and loading are matched to healing and the structures involved. More exercise is not always better: follow the programme you are given, and ask before changing it.

Return to the things that matter, at the right pace for you.

Timing depends on the diagnosis or procedure, which hand is affected, your job, healing and rehabilitation. There is no single return date that is safe for everyone.

Work

Discuss your duties, hand dominance and opportunities for lighter work or practical adjustments.

Driving

Ask your team when it is appropriate to resume. You need to be able to control the vehicle safely, and should check applicable licensing and insurance requirements.

Exercise

Ask which activities are compatible with your protection and movement plan, including activities that do not load the affected hand.

Sport

Sport-specific demands, contact and the risk of falling or re-injury all affect the plan.

Lifting

Comfort alone does not confirm a repair or fracture is ready for heavier loads. Follow the limits set by your treating team.

A chance to check progress and adjust the plan.

Follow-up may include wound review, removal of sutures where needed, assessment of movement and function, repeat imaging or therapy planning. It also gives you a chance to discuss symptoms and return-to-activity advice.

Bring your questions and tell the team about any change in symptoms or difficulty following the plan. If you need to rearrange an appointment, contact the clinic.

Some changes should not wait for a routine appointment.

Seek prompt medical advice if you develop:

• Severe or worsening pain that is not controlled by prescribed medication.
• Significant swelling, or concern that a cast or splint is becoming too tight.
• Fever, increasing redness, discharge or other signs of infection.
• Uncontrolled bleeding.
• A change in finger colour or circulation, including fingers becoming cold, pale or blue.
• New severe numbness or weakness.