Hand Surgery

Hand Surgery

What is a Hand Surgeon?

Hand surgeons are highly trained specialists with expertise in:

• Treating injuries and conditions affecting bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and nerves.
• Performing complex surgeries such as nerve grafting and joint replacement.
• Utilizing microsurgery to repair small nerves and blood vessels.

Training: Hand surgeons often complete plastic surgery or orthopedic residencies, followed by subspecialty training in hand surgery.

Conditions Treated by Hand Surgery

1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
   • Caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist.
   • Symptoms: Numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and arm.
2. Tennis Elbow
   • Damage to elbow tendons from repetitive movements.
   • Symptoms: Pain in the elbow, wrist, and forearm.
3. Trigger Finger
   • Finger locking or snapping due to tendon swelling or lump formation.
4. Wrist Pain
   • Results from sprains, fractures, or repetitive stress injuries.
5. Fractures of Hand, Wrist, and Forearm
   • Require reduction, fixation, or surgical intervention based on severity.
6. Sports Injuries
   • Conditions include tennis elbow, boxer’s fractures, and handlebar palsy.
7. Nerve Damage
   • Examples:
   • Peripheral nerve injuries: Due to trauma or compression.
   • Brachial plexus injuries: Affecting the shoulder and arm.
   • Median nerve injuries: Often caused by trauma or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Common Hand Surgeries

1. Wrist Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty)
   • Replaces damaged wrist joints to restore motion and reduce pain.
2. Skin Grafts
   • Transfers healthy skin to areas with severe damage or deficiency.
3. Reduction and Fixation
   • Aligns and immobilizes fractured bones using plaster, rods, or wires.
4. Tendon Repair
   • Restores damaged tendons through acute or delayed repair.
5. Nerve Repairs
   • Treats severed or damaged nerves using techniques like nerve grafting.
6. Replantation
   • Reattaches severed limbs or digits using advanced microsurgical techniques.
7. Arthritis Treatments
   • Arthroplasty: Replaces eroded joints.
   • Arthroscopy: Uses a camera for minimally invasive joint repairs.

Risks of Hand Surgery

Hand surgery, while generally safe, carries potential risks, including:

• Infection: May require antibiotics, debridement, or advanced wound care.
• Incomplete Healing: Leading to stiffness or reduced mobility.
• Loss of Sensation: Due to nerve damage.

When to Consult a Hand Surgeon

Seek a consultation if you experience:

• Persistent pain, swelling, or stiffness in the hand, wrist, or forearm.
• Tingling or numbness in the fingers.
• Loss of grip or mobility.
• Abnormalities or deformities in hand shape.
• Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, or arthritis.

What to Expect in a Consultation

1. Medical History: Evaluation of past injuries and health conditions.
2. Physical Examination: Assessing strength, range of motion, and sensation.
3. Diagnostics: Recommending X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans.
4. Treatment Plan:
   • Non-surgical: Physical therapy or medications.
   • Surgical: Based on severity and goals for recovery.

Hand surgery restores function, alleviates pain, and improves quality of life for individuals with hand-related conditions.