Surgery is performed on the hand to restore its function and to help relieve symptoms connected to deformity, inflammation, pain, and injury in the hand and fingers. Hand surgeries can also be performed to repair the tendons and nerves in order to restore the range of motion in the hand.
The specific procedure will depend on the underlying cause of the injury. The following are some of the most frequently performed types of hand surgery:
Carpal Tunnel Surgery
One of the most common hand surgeries is performed to address carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when there is excess pressure on the median nerve, which runs through the wrist.
The compression of the median nerve causes pain in the hand and wrist. This can lead to thumb weakness and a pins-and-needles sensation in the hand, and it can lead to permanent disability if left untreated.
The purpose of carpal tunnel surgery is to relieve the pressure by creating more space for the median nerve inside the carpal tunnel.
Skin Graft Surgery
Skin graft surgery is the replacement and attachment of skin onto the parts of the hands that have injured skin, such as from a burn or fall injury. The procedure begins with the doctor taking a suitable amount of healthy skin from other areas of the body (donor site) and attaching it to the site with the problem.
Trigger Finger Surgery
Trigger finger happens when the flexor tendons cannot slide smoothly when the finger bends and extends. The tendons prevent the fingers from straightening. Instead, it often locks into a curled or bent position.
To solve this problem, the surgeon widens and expands the tendon sheath with the use of a tiny incision in the palm. Your thumb and fingers will regain motion quickly after the operation.
Nerve Repairs
Most people are not aware that hand injuries can damage the nerves around the hand – people don’t usually think of the nerves, they think of the muscles and bones. But once a nerve has been damaged, you may not be able to feel your hand. Or even worse, the hand may lose its overall function.
The best time to undergo nerve repair surgery is approximately 3 to 6 weeks after the injury, especially if the nerve damage is linked to other complications. The sooner you address this, the higher the chances of a full recovery of your hand.
Hand Surgery in San Antonio
If you have a hand injury of any kind, be sure to have it checked as soon as possible by a skilled orthopedist. The Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine in South Texas has orthopedic surgeons with decades of experience diagnosing and successfully treating hand conditions and injuries, from arthritis to carpal tunnel syndrome and beyond.
Our own Dr. Michael Jones is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hand surgery. With his expertise and the assistance of our medical team, we are sure to give you the most effective treatment and recovery plan.
To schedule a consultation, contact us today by calling (210) 692-7400 or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to seeing you here.
