Which statement best describes progression after operative median nerve injury?

• A. Discontinue splint at 6 weeks and begin strengthening exercises
• B. Begin strengthening while wearing splint
• C. Continue splint for 12 weeks
• D. No strengthening ever

Answer: (A)

After repairing a median nerve injury, the initial goal is protection of the repair while tissues heal, followed by gradual restoration of motion and then strengthening as healing progresses. Splinting is used to protect the operative site and prevent injury during the early weeks. By about six weeks, the repair is sufficiently guarded and scar tissue has formed enough to allow a shift toward active use. At that point, discontinuing the splint and starting strengthening helps rebuild motor function in the median-innervated muscles, supports functional recovery, and avoids the stiffness that can come with prolonged immobilization.

Continuing the splint longer would delay strengthening and functional gains, and beginning strengthening while still wearing the splint can place stress on the repair. Waiting many more weeks before strengthening can also slow recovery, and strengthening is not avoided indefinitely after a nerve repair. As with all post-op orders, the exact timing should align with surgeon protocol and the patient’s healing indicators, but the six-week transition to strengthening is a common, appropriate plan.