What Conditions Can Hand Surgery Treat?

Hand surgery is a specialized field of orthopedic surgery that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries, conditions, and deformities affecting the hands, wrists, and forearms. As one of the most complex and intricate parts of the human body, the hands play a crucial role in our daily activities, from simple tasks like grasping a pen to more complex movements like playing a musical instrument. When hand function is impaired due to injury, illness, or congenital conditions, hand surgery can often provide the solution to restore mobility, strength, and overall hand health.

Understanding Hand Surgery and Its Purpose

The primary purpose of hand surgery is to alleviate pain, restore function, and improve the overall quality of life for patients suffering from various hand-related conditions. Surgeons are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of issues, from common conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome to more complex injuries such as tendon and nerve damage. By utilizing advanced surgical techniques, hand surgeons can address the underlying cause of the problem and help patients regain the use of their hands, ultimately improving their ability to perform everyday tasks and participate in activities they enjoy.
 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Its Treatment Through Hand Surgery

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common hand conditions treated by hand surgeons. This condition occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, becomes compressed, leading to numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers. Hand surgery, specifically a procedure called a carpal tunnel release, can be an effective treatment for this condition.

During a carpal tunnel release, the hand surgeon makes a small incision in the palm of the hand and cuts the transverse carpal ligament, which is the source of the compression on the median nerve. This helps to relieve the pressure on the nerve and alleviate the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. In most cases, patients experience significant improvement in hand function and a reduction in pain and discomfort following the surgery.

Treating Fractures and Dislocations with Hand Surgery

Fractures and dislocations in the hand, wrist, or forearm can be particularly debilitating, as these areas are essential for performing many everyday tasks. Hand surgeons utilize a variety of surgical techniques to address these types of injuries. Depending on the severity and location of the injury, hand surgery can often help patients regain full mobility and strength in their hands, allowing them to return to their normal activities and daily routines.
 

Hand Surgery for Tendon and Nerve Injuries

Injuries to the tendons and nerves in the hand and wrist can have a significant impact on hand function, leading to decreased strength, limited range of motion, and even complete loss of sensation. Hand surgeons are skilled in the repair and reconstruction of these delicate structures, using techniques such as:
 

• Tendon Repair: Surgical reattachment or reconstruction of torn or severed tendons, which can restore the ability to move the fingers and hand.

• Nerve Repair: Surgical reconnection of damaged or severed nerves, which can help to restore sensation and muscle function in the hand.

• Nerve Grafting: The use of a patient's own nerve tissue or a synthetic nerve graft to bridge gaps in damaged nerves, facilitating the regeneration of nerve function.

By addressing these types of injuries through hand surgery, patients can often regain a significant amount of hand function and improve their quality of life.
 

Benefits of Hand Surgery for Arthritis Patients

Arthritis is a common condition that can affect the joints in the hands and wrists, leading to pain, stiffness, and a loss of mobility. Hand surgery can be an effective treatment option for patients with advanced arthritis, offering the following benefits:
 

• Pain Relief: Surgical procedures, such as joint replacement or fusion, can help to alleviate the pain associated with arthritic joints in the hands and wrists.

• Improved Function: By addressing the underlying joint damage, hand surgery can help to restore range of motion and improve the overall functionality of the hands.

• Enhanced Quality of Life: Reduced pain and improved hand function can enable arthritis patients to regain the ability to perform everyday tasks and participate in activities they enjoy.

Hand surgeons work closely with patients to develop a customized treatment plan that addresses their specific needs and goals, ensuring the best possible outcome for those suffering from arthritic hand conditions.

Correcting Congenital Hand Deformities Through Surgery

Some individuals are born with congenital hand deformities, such as webbed fingers, missing digits, or other structural abnormalities. Hand surgery can be an effective solution for addressing these types of conditions, often improving both the appearance and function of the affected hand. Surgical techniques used to correct congenital hand deformities may include:
 

• Separation of Webbed Fingers: Surgical division of webbed fingers to create individual, functional digits.

• Digit Reconstruction: The creation or replacement of missing fingers or thumbs using the patient's own tissues or synthetic materials.

• Correction of Skeletal Deformities: Surgical realignment or reconstruction of bones in the hand or wrist to improve overall hand function.

By addressing these congenital conditions through hand surgery, patients can often achieve a more natural-looking and functional hand, which can have a significant positive impact on their self-esteem, confidence, and overall quality of life.

Is Hand Surgery Right for You?

Hand surgery is a versatile and effective treatment option for a wide range of hand and wrist conditions. Whether you're suffering from a common condition like carpal tunnel syndrome or a more complex injury or deformity, hand surgery can help to alleviate pain, restore function, and improve your overall quality of life.
 

If you're experiencing any hand or wrist issues and would like to explore your treatment options, schedule a consultation with Aron Kressel, MD. Visit our office in New York, New York, or call (212) 772-6968 to book an appointment today.