Hi

These are really questions for your hand surgeon, nurse and OT. Without seeing the results then 1 and 3 are possibly scar tissue, that should reduce in time if you manage(d) the wound with appropriate scar reduction techniques, as advised hopefully as part of your aftercare. If it's not scar tissue some swelling is normal and should go, or maybe some Dupuytren tissue has been left behind for various reasons (proximity to nerves, blood supply, etc)?

Straightening the pinkie is often a compromise with some degree of permanent change. Can you manually straighten it with the other hand or by pushing against an object. You should get some further improvement either with splinting or doing the exercises prescribed by your OT.

Surgery is often only the beginning and it can take several weeks or months to recover full function; and both scar management and OT prescribed exercises are an important part of the overall treatment. The OT helping you should also be monitoring for signs of keloids or relapse or recurrence, which are all post-surgery risks, and be ready with suggestions to help should there be signs of any of those occurring. I would ask if 1 and 3 are signs of recurrence? They may advise splinting as part of the recovery and although the usefulness may be debated it should be discussed and considered as an option. It may not seem like it to you but it sounds like it is still early days for you as part of your recovery. Some take a few weeks versus some taking several months.

Best wishes SB

Edited 12/28/2023 07:33