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Hospital Information
SurgiCare of Manhattan
800 2nd Avenue (Corner of 42nd Steet)
New York, NY 10017
(212) 867-0609
Take elevators up to the 7th Floor, will be directed to waiting room for Check In
The Hospital for Joint Diseases
301 East 17th Street (Corner of 2nd Avenue)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 598-6123
Take elevators down to C1 Level, Room 135 (Admitting)
New York University Outpatient Surgery
333 East 38th Street (Corner of 1st Avenue)
New York, NY 10016
(212) 263-1515
Check in at the front desk immediately after entering
Pre-Operative Instructions
2 to 4 weeks before surgery: Schedule your visit with your physician for medical clearance and/or tests if you were informed by the office that this was required prior to surgery.
2 weeks before surgery: Do not undergo any dental work, including routine cleanings. The office will advise you when dental work can be resumed following surgery.
7 to 10 days before surgery: Discontinue Aspirin and Anti-Inflammatory medications (including Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Naproxen, etc.). Do not partake in any recreational drug use due to risk of surgery cancellation.
The day before surgery: The office will call you to provide you with the arrival time at the hospital and scheduled surgery time. If you do not receive a call by 4:00 pm, call 212-889-8600.
The night before surgery: No eating or drinking after midnight, this includes water, cough drops, candy, and gum. No smoking cigarettes after midnight.
The morning of surgery: Routine prescription medications normally taken in the morning may be taken with a sip of water unless otherwise instructed by your medical doctor or the office. Contact lens are not allowed to be worn during surgery, please wear glasses to the hospital. Wear loose, casual clothing to the hospital. Please do not bring any large amounts of money, jewelry, or other valuable to the hospital. Please ensure you have a post-operative escort arranged to leave the hospital.
Post-Operative Instructions
Keep your hand elevated at the level of your heart as much as possible for the first week after surgery, including at night. The Carter Block is used to aid in elevation, supply a soft surface for the elbow to rest on, and provide protection. Please only use the sling during times of mobilization out of the house, and position the sling so the hand is elevated near the opposite shoulder rather than lying at the level of the stomach. Elevation is vital to reducing post operative swelling
Begin finger range of motion exercises the day of surgery unless otherwise instructed. Any parts of your fingers that are contained within the bandage should not be exercised. All portions that are exposed should be worked on, including curling to make a fist and opening the fingers to straighten them up. Perform the exercises slowly in sets of ten approximately three times per hour. You may use the other hand to help the digits move if they are stiff or uncomfortable to actively move on their own.
Elevation and digit exercises are vital to reduce the swelling following surgery. It is normal to have mild to moderate swelling after surgery, however consistent elevation and regular performance of digit exercises will diminish the swelling. If the swelling is worsening rather than improving the first several days after surgery, contact the office.
The prescribed pain medication should be taken after arriving at home, or if you do not live within the city, before you leave the city. It may take several doses to notice improvement. Please take the medication only as directed. Take the medication with food to help prevent nausea. If nausea occurs, over the counter motion sickness medications, such as Dramamine, may be helpful.
Numbness and tingling of the fingers in the surgical hand is not uncommon. It is temporary and will resolve with time. Please limit your activity level to promote optimal healing. Keep the bandage clean and dry. Plastic bags may be used to cover the arm in the shower. Cast covers may be purchased at most medical supply stores as well as in our office.
One of the Physician Assistants will call you the day after surgery to discuss the post operative plan, answer any questions, and schedule your follow up appointment. In case of an emergency at any time, call our office at (212) 889-8600 to speak to one of the Physician Assistants or to page them after office hours.
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