Hand Surgery

Hand Surgery

Hand surgery is a reconstructive plastic surgery procedure intended to correct and heal any abnormalities in the patient’s hand caused by a birth defect or accidental trauma. Some of the more common afflictions treated by hand surgery are carpal tunnel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, carpometacarpal bossing and Duputryen’s contracture.

How Hand Surgery is Performed

Hand surgery is often performed by a board certified plastic surgeon. Dependent upon the type of condition the patient is suffering from, there are various methods of surgery. We have listed descriptions of the most common hand injuries below along with the method of procedure a plastic surgeon will administer when performing hand surgery.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, located at the base of the palm where the hand meets the wrist, becomes compressed or pinched. The result of this pinch causes numbness, tingling and even pain in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, wrist and forearm. The hand surgery used to treat this syndrome is referred to as carpal tunnel syndrome relief surgery or carpal tunnel release surgery. The hand surgeon will make an incision from the middle of the palm toward the wrist. The main tendon causing the pressure to the hand is cut into two relieving the pressure. The incision is then stitched together.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition which attacks the joints in the body causing inflammation and pain. Rheumatoid arthritis in the hand can sometimes be treated via surgery. Hand surgery for rheumatoid arthritis is dependent upon the individual needs of the patient and can either replace or preserve the inflamed joints. Speak with your hand surgeon to determine what options you may have.

Carpometacarpal Bossing

Carpometacarpal bossing occurs when carpometacarpal joint becomes swollen in the hand causing uncomfortable sensitivity and possibly a bulge to appear on the back of the wrist/hand. Hand surgery treatment for this condition excises the bossing and should be performed by a expert surgeon.

Duputryen’s Contracture

Duputryen’s contracture is a condition which causes knots of tissue to form under the skin of the palm. The fingers of the afflicted individual will begin to form themselves into a slightly bent position. Although the fingers will bend normally, they cannot be completely straightened causing difficulty when trying to use the hand. Hand surgery is sometimes an option for Duputryen’s contracture and is performed by either removing some of the tissue in the hand, releasing cords in the hand causing the contraction, or in some cases removing all of the tissue causing the contraction. Speak with a board certified surgeon about options that may be best for you.

How to Find Board Certified Hand Surgeons Near You

Choosing the right hand surgeon can be a daunting task. Surgeons vary greatly in skill, experience and price. It is imperative that you speak with more than 1 surgeon before having a surgery performed on you. Don’t just shop for the best price, although a well priced surgery is a bonus, it is important that you feel comfortable with the surgeon you choose and confident that they will do the job right. Visit our plastic surgeon directory for 5 Star Surgeon Network Approval Rated™ Surgeons near You.