Orthopaedic Hand & Wrist Surgeon — Sydney NSW
Chatswood · Strathfield(02) 8112 8569admin@drdavidma.com
For Patients

Recovery Timelines

Typical recovery milestones for each procedure — light activities, desk work, driving, and full activity.

Understanding recovery

Recovery times vary between patients depending on the procedure, age, general health, and commitment to hand therapy. The figures below are typical ranges. Dr Ma will give you a personalised timeline at your post-operative appointments.

Hand therapyHand therapy is an essential part of recovery for many procedures — especially tendon repairs, TFCC surgery, fracture fixation, and Dupuytren's fasciectomy. Dr Ma arranges therapy referrals where appropriate. Following the therapy programme is one of the most important factors in achieving a good outcome.

Recovery timeline — all procedures

Procedure Anaesthetic Hospital Light activities Desk work Driving Full recovery
Endoscopic carpal tunnel releaseLocalDay2–3 days1–2 weeks1–2 weeks4–6 weeks
Open carpal tunnel releaseLocalDay3–5 days2–3 weeks2–3 weeks6–8 weeks
Trigger finger releaseLocalDay2–3 days1–2 weeks1 week3–4 weeks
De Quervain's releaseLocalDay3–5 days2–3 weeks2 weeks4–6 weeks
Dupuytren's fasciectomyRegional/generalDay1–2 weeks3–4 weeks3–4 weeks8–12 weeks
TFCC repair (arthroscopic)General/regionalDay4–6 weeks splinted6–8 weeks6–8 weeks4–6 months
Ganglion excision (arthroscopic)Local/regionalDay1–2 weeks2 weeks1–2 weeks4–6 weeks
Wrist fracture fixation (volar plate)Regional/generalOvernight2–3 weeks4–6 weeks4–6 weeks3–6 months
Scaphoid screw fixationRegional/generalDay4–6 weeks splinted6–8 weeks6–8 weeks3–6 months
Trapeziectomy (thumb arthritis)Regional/generalDay4–6 weeks splinted6–8 weeks6 weeks4–6 months
Cubital tunnel decompressionLocal/regionalDay1–2 weeks2–3 weeks2 weeksNerve: 3–12 months
Flexor tendon repairRegional/generalDayTherapy from day 38–12 weeks8 weeks3–4 months
K-wire fixation (hand fracture)Local/regionalDayWire removal 4–6 weeks4–6 weeks4–6 weeks8–12 weeks
Mallet finger splintingNoneClinicImmediate (splinted)ImmediateImmediate10–12 weeks splinting
Nerve repair / microsurgeryGeneral/regionalVariable2–3 weeks3–6 weeks3–4 weeks6–18 months

Timelines are approximate ranges only. Individual recovery depends on surgical findings, patient factors, and therapy adherence. Always follow Dr Ma's specific post-operative instructions.

General wound care reminders

  • Elevate your hand above heart level — especially in the first 48–72 hours
  • Keep the dressing clean and dry until your wound review
  • Gently move your fingers unless specifically told not to
  • Take pain relief as prescribed — most patients manage well with paracetamol and ibuprofen
  • Call our rooms if you notice increasing pain, redness, discharge, or fever: (02) 8112 8569