Many of the tasks we perform require the use of our hands. Thus, it’s vital that we address hand and wrist pain as soon as possible. Getting a diagnosis and proper treatment from healthcare experts reduces the risk of complications.
An orthopedic surgeon may recommend wrist surgery when noninvasive treatment options fail to bring patients relief. The following are the most common orthopedic operations performed for wrist issues.
Fracture Management
A broken wrist is a common result of falling onto an outstretched hand (FOOSH). This happens when a person slips and tries to break their fall by using their hands. Athletes and active individuals are more likely to fracture their wrists this way.
An orthopedic surgeon can perform a reduction surgery to piece the bones back together and align them properly. They may implant rods, screws, plates, or pins to stabilize the fractured bones. Fracture management surgeries require going under local or general anesthesia, but it varies depending on the patient’s condition.
Carpal Tunnel Release
Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common wrist injuries people have. The pressure on the median nerve of the hand causes pain and immobility in patients. To reduce the pain and other symptoms, a carpal tunnel release surgery may help.
This surgery involves cutting the ligament putting pressure on the median nerve and can be done in two ways: endoscopic surgery or open wrist surgery.
Endoscopic Surgery
This procedure requires a surgeon to cut a small incision to navigate an endoscope into the carpal tunnel. An endoscope is a small tube with a tiny camera attached at the end, which they use to visualize the affected area. The orthopedic surgeon will cut the ligament and relieve the pain.
Open Wrist Surgery
This is a more invasive type of carpal tunnel release surgery. Your surgeon will make an incision directly above the carpal tunnel. This gives them accessibility to sever the ligament compressing the median nerve.
Trigger Finger Release
Trigger finger is a condition that causes your fingers to remain in a bent position. This condition occurs due to inflammation of your finger’s tendon sheath. Treatments for trigger finger vary depending on its severity.
Trigger fingers could be treated by percutaneous release or open surgery. After an assessment, your wrist and hand surgeon will recommend which procedure is best for you.
Percutaneous Release
Percutaneous release involves the use of a needle to break apart the clumped tendons together. This is a minimally invasive procedure that requires no incisions in the affected area.
Open Surgery
Open surgery for trigger finger involves using local anesthesia. Once the area is numb, your orthopedic surgeon makes an incision over the fingers and cuts the inflamed tendon sheath. When the orthopedic surgeon is sure that mobility is intact, they will stitch the incision up.
Tendonitis Surgery
Tendonitis is caused by the inflammation of the tendons. This condition often occurs in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and heels. To solve this, your orthopedic doctor will assess the severity of your condition first to propose an appropriate intervention. A variety of procedures are available, including:
- Dry needling
- Ultrasonic treatment
- Surgery
Tendonitis surgery is needed in complex cases where the tendon has completely shifted away from the bone. During surgery, your orthopedic surgeon will reattach the tendon to the bone and make appropriate repairs, as necessary.
Dupuytren’s Contracture Release
Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition that causes the little and the ring finger to bend forward. It is caused by the formation of knots in the tissues underneath the palm.
There are a variety of ways to help solve this condition, including:
- Needling
- Enzyme injections
- Surgery
You may need surgery when treatments like needling and enzyme injections fail. During surgery, your orthopedic surgeon will remove all the affected tissues. In some cases, a skin graft may be necessary for the area when the skin is not enough to cover the open wound.
Ganglion Cyst Extraction
Ganglion cysts are lumps that usually develop along the tendons or the joints of the hand. They are noncancerous, but removal is necessary to prevent pain and progression.
Immobilization and aspiration are often the first-line of treatment for this condition. Immobilization helps the cyst shrink and reduces pain. Meanwhile, aspiration involves draining the liquid from the cysts to help shrink it.
Surgery becomes an option if nonsurgical options don’t work. Your orthopedic surgeon will remove the cysts and the stalk that attaches them to the tendon or joint.
Orthopedic Surgeons In San Antonio, Texas
Different wrist conditions require different approaches to help solve them. If you suffer from a hand or wrist problem, contact your provider to assess your condition and receive proper treatment.
If you’re looking for a place to get your wrist checked, look no further than the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine. Together with our finest healthcare providers and a set of equally experienced and caring staff, we will make sure to give you the best health care possible.
If you want to know more about our services, you may give us a call at (210) 692-7400. You may also secure an appointment by using our online appointment request form. Visit us today!
