HAND SURGERY

From dressing, eating and driving, to creating art, playing sports and earning a living, your hands perform countless tasks throughout the day. Any impairment to this delicate area of the body can be devastating, psychologically as well as physically, and leave you unable to perform activities you once took for granted. Hand surgery addresses problems related to the fingers, hands, wrists and forearms to restore strength, flexibility and mobility to these vital structures.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM HAND SURGERY?

If you are experiencing pain or restricted range of motion in your fingers, hand, wrist or arm, you may want to consult a surgeon about your treatment options. Conditions commonly treated by hand surgery include:

  • Trauma from MVA, work related incidents and more.

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

  • Trigger finger

  • Nerve, tendon, blood vessel and joint injuries

  • Fractures and dislocations

  • Ganglion cysts

  • Infections

  • Degenerative disease

  • Cuts, burns and other skin injuries

  • Missing or amputated digits

  • Congenital disorders

WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF HAND SURGERY?

Carpal Tunnel Surgery: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by pressure to the median nerve that runs through the wrist. During carpal tunnel release surgery, a precise cut is made in the ligament that makes up the carpal tunnel to release the pressure, reduce swelling and allow nerve transmissions to flow unimpeded to the hands and fingers.

Trigger Finger Surgery: Trigger finger is a tendon condition that prevents the affected finger from bending and straightening freely, often locking it in a curled position. Surgery for trigger finger widens the tunnel surrounding the tendon so the tendon can slide smoothly.

Tendon Repair Surgery: Tendons are the connective fibers that attach muscle to bone. They can sometimes bend or snap, necessitating primary (within 24 hours of the injury), delayed primary (a few days after the injury) or secondary surgical repair (two weeks or longer after the injury). Primary repairs typically involve direct surgical correction of the damage, while secondary repairs may require more complex procedures such as tendon grafts.

Dupuytren’s Contracture Surgery: Dupuytren’s contracture is a disorder that causes thick, scar-like tissue to form under the skin of the palm. It may extend into the fingers, curling them toward the palm and inhibiting motion. Surgery to separate the bands of thickened tissue is the only treatment for Dupuytren’s contracture. A skin graft may also be necessary if a large amount of tissue is removed.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Recovery depends on the condition being treated and the type of hand surgery performed. The hand and wrist are complex structures that can be very sensitive. Pain is to be expected after many types of hand surgery, and the hand and wrist are often immobilized during the earlier stages of the healing process. Rehabilitation via occupational therapy may be recommended to restore the fullest possible use of your hand. It’s critical to follow the instructions of both your plastic surgeon and your therapist to optimize your recovery.

Occupational Therapy follow up for all hand consults and surgeries performed by Dr. Mohamad H. Bazzi, MD FACS is provided at this location by Certified Hand Therapist Komal Gulati, MHS OTR CHT.