Hand Surgery

Who Should Consider Hand Surgery?

Hand surgery may be suitable for men, women and children who have congenital deformities (birth defects) affecting their hands, as well as hand injuries that impair function and affect the appearance of the hands.

Reconstructive surgeons can help treat conditions such as:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome (wrist, thumb, index and mid-finger pain)
• Rheumatoid arthritis (inflamed joints)
• Birth defects (webbed hands, short, missing or extra fingers)
• Dupuytren’s contracture (tight, thickened hand skin)
• Hand injury or trauma

Surgical Procedures of the Hand

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common hand problem affecting people today. This condition is marked by impaired hand function, pain, tingling and numbness. Corrective surgery, a procedure called “carpal tunnel release” is done to relieve pressure that builds up within the carpal tunnel. By releasing the tissue that is pressing on the lower hand and wrist nerves, the procedure can help to relieve pain, tingling and numbness. This requires an incision from the mid-palm to wrist.

Rheumatoid arthritis can deform finger joints and force the fingers into a bent position that hampers movement. Splints or physical therapy can help, but corrective surgery offers the best solution for many patients. Surgeons can remove tissue from inflamed joints, reposition tendons, or implant artificial joints. While your hand may not regain its full use, you can generally expect a significant improvement in function and appearance.

Dupuytren’s contracture is a disorder of the tissue on the palm side in which thick, scar-like tissue forms under the skin of the palm that can extend into the fingers, pulling them toward the palm and restricting motion. To treat Dupuytren’s, your surgeon will cut and separate the bands of thickened tissue, freeing the tendons and allowing better finger movement.

Congenital deformities of the hand can interfere with proper hand growth and significantly impair function. Most deformities can be corrected at a very early age—in some cases during infancy, in others at two or three years—allowing normal development and functioning of the hand. Common deformities include syndactyly, short, missing, or deformed fingers, immobile tendons, and abnormal nerves or blood vessels.

Life After Hand Surgery: What to Expect

After hand surgery, you may need prescription medication to manage pain. Your hand will need to be immobilized for some time, depending on the procedure.