Our hands are by far one of our most useful tools. We use them to type, drive, pick up a cup of coffee, and many more. However, for some people, hands are a source of pain and frustration. Conditions affecting the hands, like carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, Dupuytren’s contracture, and arthritis can make everyday tasks difficult and uncomfortable.
If you’re dealing with one of these conditions, you may be considering hand surgery. While the thought of surgery can be daunting, it’s important to remember that hand surgeons are highly skilled professionals who can help relieve your pain and improve your quality of life.
Let’s talk about the steps of hand surgery and where you can go in Palm Beach for outstanding hand surgery.
Steps on Hand Surgery Procedure
Here’s a look at the steps involved in a typical hand surgery procedure:
- Pre-operative assessment: Before you undergo surgery, your hand surgeon will perform a thorough assessment of your condition. This will involve a review of your medical history and a physical examination.
- Anesthesia: The next step is to plan for anesthesia. This will be discussed with you in detail prior to surgery. Generally, hand surgery procedures only require local anesthesia unless it is an invasive surgery like a wrist replacement.
- Surgery: Depending on the type of condition for which you are being treated, the surgery may be performed using an open or endoscopic approach. Your surgeon will make small incisions in your skin and then remove tissue that is impeding function or work to repair any damaged tissue.
- Recovery: After surgery, you’ll likely experience some swelling and discomfort. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to care for your hand as it heals. Typically, physical or occupational therapy is recommended after hand surgery. In most cases, you’ll be able to return to your normal activities within a few weeks.
Common Types of Hand Surgery
The hand and wrist are affected by many medical conditions due to their anatomical complexity. The most common surgically treated conditions of the hand and wrist consist of the following:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
In this condition, people experience pain and loss of sensation in the thumb and first three fingers. This is because the carpal tunnel, where the nerve goes from the wrist into the hand, is compressed. The ligament spanning the “ceiling” of the carpal tunnel is cut to relieve this compression.
Trigger Finger
This is a condition where you can bend your finger towards your palm, but it may get stuck in that position. This is because the tendon responsible for bending your finger becomes enlarged and gets stuck in its narrow groove in the bones of your palm. Trigger finger release surgery involves cutting the covering surrounding the tendon to give it more space to move freely, preventing your finger from locking in the future.
Dupuytren’s Contracture
This is a condition in which the fascia, a tissue layer under the surface of the skin, becomes abnormally thick and prevents your fingers from extending, even causing them to curl in like trigger fingers. This is treated with a surgery called fasciectomy, where the surgeon removes the thickened tissue, allowing your finger to move normally.
Hand Surgery in Palm Beach, FL
If you are dealing with a hand condition that’s causing pain or frustration, consult with Dr. Jennifer Tucker at Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches. Dr. Tucker is a board-certified and fellowship-trained hand and upper extremity surgeon. Dr. Tucker treats all the conditions listed above, and many more. Dr. Tucker works to personalize your treatment and ensure you feel the treatment was successful.
With the latest advances in surgical techniques, hand surgery can provide relief and help you get back to the things you love. Don’t hesitate to call Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches today at 561-733-5888, or request an appointment here.
