Hand surgery is a very specialized field of medicine that skillfully employs the principles of both orthopedic and plastic surgeries. The following list explains the most common conditions for which we suggest the attention of a Hand Surgery Centre specialist.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
This condition most commonly afflicts those whose job or hobby requires repetitive motion of the hand or wrist. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve and typified by pain, numbness, weakness or tingling. Treatment options range from wearing a wrist splint and the use of anti-inflammatories, to surgical intervention. Results of surgery are excellent. Our physicians are trained to use both the open or endoscopic technique for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.
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Ganglions
Ganglions are tumor-like cystic lesions that can occur in the tendon sheath or joint capsule of fingers or hands. Some ganglions resolve themselves with little or no treatment. It is often necessary to surgically remove the cyst and the bone spurs that cause ganglions.
Tendonitis, Tennis Elbow
Common to participants of physical sports, tennis elbow is a condition that can occur from a single event or slowly over time. Pain and inflammation tendonitis treatment is conservative at first, with analgesics and anti-inflammatory medicines. If there is actual structural damage, we may recommend surgery.
Rheumatoid and Degenerative Arthritis
Commonly seen in men and women over 40, degenerative arthritis usually affects the ends of the fingers or base of the thumb. When measures like heat, rest and anti-inflammatories fail to deliver adequate relief, surgical reconstruction often provides excellent results. Rheumatoid arthritis is a very complex condition, affecting multiple areas of the body. Like degenerative arthritis, surgical intervention may be necessary when conservative measures fall short. The specialists at the Hand Surgery Centre can diagnose and suggest treatments designed to bring relief and satisfactory long-term management.
Trigger Finger, Thumb
This condition can involve all fingers of the hand and the thumb. This may be due to trauma, arthritis or repetitive activities. The finger(s) typically lock or click during attempts at motion. Trigger thumb is caused by inflammation around the tendon. Treatment includes splints or injections, or can a simple surgical intervention.
Joint Injuries and Replacement
Joint injuries to the hand and upper extremity are very common. They often involve bones, cartilage, joint capsule, ligaments and supporting soft tissues. The goals of diagnosis and treatment are the maximum restoration of motion, stability and strength with minimum residual pain. In severe cases, artificial joint replacement is necessary, using silicone prosthetic joints.
Micro-Surgery, Replantation
Accidental amputation is a true medical emergency in which time is of the utmost importance. Though some dismemberments will not qualify for reattachment, any severed body part must be immediately chilled in ice water. Both patient and amputated part are transported to the hospital for diagnosis and treatment. Hand Surgery Centre specialists are both skilled and experienced in micro-surgical reattachment.
Traumatic Lacerations
These types of lacerations are most commonly the result of home or workplace injuries. Many are relatively minor in nature. Others however, may affect underlying structures such as tendons, nerves, blood vessels, ligaments or joints. Our qualified hand surgeons carefully assess hand, wrist and forearm lacerations with a keen eye toward possible secondary injuries, to underlying structures which may call for more extensive surgical repairs.
Amputations
Injuries that require amputation mostly involve fingers, thumb, hand, wrist or forearm. Depending on the severity and scope of the injury, relatively minimal reconstructive surgery may be necessary and can be quite successful in the emergency room or physician’s office. Amputations of a major nature usually require extensive treatment involving bones, joints, tendons, nerves and blood vessels. Treatment is best in a hospital operating room by one of the Hand Surgery Centre’s qualified specialists.
Burns
Common to fingers, hands and forearms, burns of the 3rd degree require prompt medical attention. Because tissue has actually been destroyed, they pose a major risk of infection, and if extensive enough, a threat to life. Though initially best treated in an emergency room, long-term healing may involve natural or synthetic skin grafts, antibiotics and physical rehabilitation.
Infections
Many infections arise within the joint capsule of the hands or wrists. Initial treatment includes a single or multiple course of antibiotics. Severe or non-responding infections sometimes require surgery, especially if they spread systemically.
Tumors, Benign or Cancerous
From simple warts, to cysts, or cancers, treatment for tumors include a wide variety of medical options. Topical treatments and laser surgery often work for outright removal. Large tumors might require skin grafting. Cancerous tumors almost always require surgery and may require some form of chemotherapy. Tumors of any kind should not be taken lightly. Its important to address tumors with a prompt, accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Congenital Deformities
The result of genetics instead of physical trauma, you can address these deformities in a number of ways. Conservatively, serial casting, splints and bracing are employed. Surgical intervention can involve tendon release surgery, implantations, bone grafting and ligament reconstruction. Each case is unique, and there are often a number of options available for long-term correction.
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Skin Grafts
Anytime more skin is removed than can be quickly re-grown by the body, grafting is commonly employed. Natural or synthetic grafts are often used in burn therapy and reconstructive surgeries. It is a delicate process that requires a Hand Surgery Centre specialist, trained in the latest procedures.
Schedule a Consultation
If you think you may need hand surgery, call (866) 331-0612 to schedule a consultation with Elite Plastic Surgery’s Hand Surgeons. Our practice serves Grand Rapids, Byron Center, and surrounding areas in Michigan.
