Hand Surgery
What is Hand Surgery?
Hand surgery can involve a variety of procedures, including minimally invasive techniques or more complex surgeries, depending on the nature of the problem. Common treatments in hand surgery may include repairing tendons, ligaments, nerves, bones, or addressing conditions like arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and fractures.
Causes
- Traumatic Injuries: Injuries such as fractures, dislocations, burns, or lacerations to the hand or wrist can damage bones, tendons, and nerves, requiring surgical repair.
- Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the joints in the hand, causing pain, stiffness, and deformity.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A condition where pressure on the median nerve in the wrist causes numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand.
- Tendon Injuries: Damage to tendons in the hand, such as a torn tendon, can impair the hand’s ability to move and grip objects.
- Nerve Injuries: Damage to the nerves that control hand movement can result in weakness, numbness, and loss of function.
- Congenital Deformities: Some individuals are born with hand abnormalities that may require surgery to improve function and appearance.
- Dupuytren’s Contracture: A condition in which the fingers become permanently bent due to the thickening of tissue under the skin, making it difficult to fully extend the fingers.
- Trigger Finger: A condition in which a finger becomes locked in a bent position due to inflammation of the tendons in the finger.
Symptoms
- Persistent Pain: Chronic pain in the hand, wrist, or fingers that doesn’t improve with medication or physical therapy.
- Numbness or Tingling: A sensation of numbness or tingling, especially in the fingers, may indicate nerve compression or injury, such as in carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Limited Mobility: Difficulty moving your fingers or wrist, or an inability to fully open or close your hand, which could be a sign of tendon damage or arthritis.
- Weakness: A significant decrease in grip strength, making it difficult to hold or manipulate objects.
- Deformities or Swelling: Visible changes in the shape of the hand, such as finger deformities or swelling that doesn’t subside.
- Inability to Perform Daily Tasks: If pain or limited movement is preventing you from performing activities such as writing, typing, cooking, or even shaking hands, surgery may be necessary to restore function.
The Approach to Hand Surgery
- Diagnosis and Planning: The first step involves a comprehensive evaluation by an orthopedic or hand surgeon. This may include physical exams, X-rays, MRI scans, and nerve conduction studies to determine the exact cause of the problem and develop a customized treatment plan.
- Minimally Invasive Techniques: Whenever possible, hand surgery may be performed using minimally invasive methods. This includes small incisions and the use of specialized instruments, which help minimize tissue damage, reduce scarring, and lead to faster recovery times. For example, arthroscopic surgery may be used to treat joint problems in the hand with minimal disruption.
- Traditional Open Surgery: In more complex cases, open surgery may be necessary. This involves a larger incision to provide the surgeon with better access to the affected area, especially if there is significant damage to bones, nerves, or tendons.
- Reconstructive Procedures: In cases of severe injury or congenital deformities, reconstructive surgery may be necessary to restore hand function and appearance. This may include grafts, joint replacements, or tendon and ligament repairs.
- Post-Operative Care: After surgery, hand surgery patients often undergo rehabilitation to regain strength, flexibility, and mobility. Physical therapy may include exercises, splinting, and other treatments to help the hand heal and return to full function.
Our Process for Hand Surgery Treatment
At our hospital, we take a patient-centered approach to hand surgery, ensuring that each patient receives a personalized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. Our process is designed to provide the highest quality care while focusing on recovery and long-term results.
Comprehensive Consultation: Your treatment begins with a thorough consultation, during which our experienced hand surgeons will review your symptoms, medical history, and conduct any necessary tests to understand the underlying issue.
Customized Treatment Plan: Once a diagnosis is made, we will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that outlines the most appropriate surgical options. Our team will also discuss non-surgical options that may be considered prior to recommending surgery.
Pre-Surgery Preparation: If surgery is the best option, our team will guide you through the pre-surgical process. This may include instructions on fasting, stopping certain medications, and other necessary steps to ensure a smooth procedure.
Surgical Procedure: On the day of surgery, our highly skilled surgeons will perform the procedure using advanced techniques. Whether minimally invasive or traditional surgery, we prioritize precision and patient comfort throughout the process.
Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: After surgery, we will monitor your recovery and provide a tailored rehabilitation program to restore full functionality. This may include physical therapy, splinting, and exercises to enhance healing and mobility.
Follow-Up Care: We will schedule regular follow-up appointments to track your recovery progress, ensure optimal healing, and address any concerns or questions you may have.