Hand & Wrist Surgery

What is hand and wrist surgery?

Hand and wrist surgery focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the hand, fingers, wrist, forearm, nerves, tendons, ligaments, and joints.

Your hands are essential to nearly everything you do, from working and exercising to driving, cooking, and simply getting through your daily routine. Pain, numbness, weakness, stiffness, or loss of motion can therefore have a significant impact on your independence and quality of life.

YAt Western Orthopaedics, our hand and wrist specialists provide comprehensive care for both acute injuries and chronic conditions. Whenever possible, treatment begins with nonsurgical options. When surgery is necessary, our surgeons use advanced techniques to repair damaged structures and restore function.

What are the most common hand and wrist conditions?

Hand and wrist problems can result from injuries, repetitive use, arthritis, nerve compression, or degenerative changes. Common conditions treated by our specialists include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Trigger finger
• Arthritis of the hand or wrist
• Wrist fractures
• Hand and finger fractures
• Tendon injuries
• Ligament injuries
• Nerve injuries
• Ganglion cysts
• De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
• Tennis elbow and other upper-extremity tendon conditions
• Wrist instability
• Cartilage injuries
• Dupuytren’s contracture
• Sports-related hand and wrist injuries
• Work-related hand and upper-extremity injuries

Symptoms may include pain, swelling, stiffness, numbness, tingling, weakness, loss of grip strength, difficulty moving a finger or wrist, or changes in the appearance of the hand.

How are hand and wrist conditions diagnosed?

Your evaluation begins with a detailed discussion of your symptoms, medical history, previous injuries, work or recreational activities, and how your symptoms affect your daily life.

Your specialist then performs a focused examination of your hand, wrist, and upper extremity. This may include evaluating strength, sensation, range of motion, tendon function, nerve function, and joint stabilitys

Depending on your condition, your provider may recommend diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, MRI, CT scans, or ultrasound. Specialized nerve testing may also be used when nerve compression or injury is suspected.

The information gathered during your evaluation allows your provider to identify the source of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

How are hand and wrist conditions treated?

Not every hand or wrist problem requires surgery. Depending on your diagnosis, your treatment may include:

• Activity modification
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Splinting or bracing
• Physical or occupational therapy
• Hand therapy
• Stretching and strengthening exercises
• Corticosteroid or other therapeutic injections
• Treatment of fractures and dislocations
• Nerve decompression
• Minimally invasive procedures
• Surgical repair or reconstruction

Our specialists emphasize conservative treatment when appropriate and recommend surgery when it provides the best opportunity to restore function, relieve pain, or prevent further damage.

When is hand or wrist surgery necessary?

Surgery may be appropriate when a condition does not improve with conservative treatment, when an injury has significantly damaged the structures of the hand or wrist, or when nerve compression, arthritis, or another condition is interfering with normal function.

Depending on your condition, surgical treatment may include:

• Carpal tunnel release
• Trigger finger release
• Tendon repair
• Nerve repair or decompression
• Fracture fixation
• Ligament repair or reconstruction
• Wrist arthroscopy
• Ganglion cyst removal
• Arthritis procedures
• Joint reconstruction
• Dupuytren’s contracture surgery
• Complex hand and wrist reconstruction

Your surgeon will explain the recommended procedure, alternatives, expected recovery, and potential risks so you can make an informed decision about your care.

What should I expect after hand or wrist surgery?

Recovery depends on the type and complexity of your procedure. Some patients can return to normal activities relatively quickly, while more complex injuries or reconstructions may require a longer period of healing and rehabilitation.

Your postoperative plan may include splinting or casting, activity restrictions, wound care, medications, and hand therapy or physical therapy.

Following your rehabilitation plan is an important part of restoring strength, flexibility, coordination, and range of motion. Your surgeon will guide you through each stage of recovery and help determine when you can safely return to work, sports, and other activities.

Why choose Western Orthopaedics for hand and wrist care?

Your hands and wrists play a critical role in your ability to work, exercise, and perform everyday activities. When pain, numbness, stiffness, or injury interferes with your life, getting an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment is important.

At Western Orthopaedics, our specialists provide individualized care for a broad range of hand and wrist conditions, from common problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger to fractures, tendon injuries, arthritis, and complex reconstruction.

If hand or wrist pain is limiting what you can do, schedule an appointment with Western Orthopaedics today for a comprehensive evaluation.

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