In the operative radial tunnel syndrome protocol, which action occurs last?

Study for the NBCOT Hand Injuries and Intervention Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Get ready for success!

Postoperative rehabilitation after radial tunnel release progresses from protection of the healing tissues to gradual restoration of motion and then strength. The first goal is to keep the surgical area safe, minimize tension on the repair, and manage edema. A long arm splint for about two weeks accomplishes this by immobilizing the elbow and forearm to protect the incision and nerve decompression.

After about two weeks, the plan shifts to allowing motion while still protecting the area, so a wrist cock-up splint is used. This supports the wrist and helps position the hand in a way that reduces stress on the healing nerve, enabling safe forearm movement to begin without overloading the repair.

With the tissues gradually stabilizing, passive and active pronation and supination are introduced to restore forearm rotation without stressing the repair. This step builds flexibility and tendon glide while keeping resistance low, which supports proper healing.

Resistive exercises are then introduced around six weeks, once tissue healing is more established and scar tissue has matured sufficiently. Adding strengthening at this stage provides functional gains while minimizing the risk of irritation or re-injury to the nerve or surgical site.