CMC Arthroplasty — APL Suspension

Orthopaedic Associates of Maine

Weight-Bearing

FWB; short arm thumb spica splint from 2 wks

Key Restrictions

Post-op dressing 0-2 wks; thumb spica splint from 2 wks (except showering); no lifting until 6 wks; therapy starts at 6 wks; avoid strengthening thumb adductor; light strengthening at 8-10 wks; unrestricted use at 12 wks

Timeline & Phases

0-2 wks (post-op dressing), 2 wks (thumb spica splint), 6 wks (wean splint, therapy, A/PROM, scar massage), 8-10 wks (light strengthening), 12 wks (unrestricted use)

Notes

FCR stays intact; strengthening focus: 1st dorsal interossei, APB and APL (avoid thumb adductor; avoid MP hyperextension); Revised 6/2020