Hand Surgery

Apr 2, 2009 | News

Hand Surgery

WHY VISIT A HAND SURGEON?

Figure 1

Hand surgery is necessary to fix problems with hand bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves, skin, and blood vessels. These elements must all be in good working order for the hand to function well. The relationship between these structures is delicate and refined (see Figure 1). An injury or disease can affect any or all of these structures and impair the use of the hand, wrist or elbow. A qualified hand surgeon is trained to diagnose and treat all problems related to these structures in the hand, wrist and el- bow. Hand surgeons have received specialized additional training in the treatment of hand, wrist and elbow problems beyond their board-certified specialty training in orthopedic surgery. © ASSH

COMMON CONDITIONS TREATED with Hand Surgery

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Other compressive neuropathies of the extremity (cubital tunnel, radial tunnel syndromes)
  • Lacerations and injury to nerves and tendons
  • Trigger finger
  • Tennis elbow, Golfer’s elbow
  • Sport’s injuries of the hand, wrist and elbow
  • Fractures of the hand, wrist and elbow
  • Dupuytren’s contracture
  • Arthroscopy of the hand, wrist, elbow
  • Arthritis of the fingers, hand, wrist and elbow
  • Hand, wrist or elbow pain
  • Work-related injuries to the hand, wrist and elbow

HOW ARE THESE CONDITIONS TREATED with hand surgery?

Not all of the conditions treated by a hand surgeon need surgery. Many conditions can be managed nonoperatively with medications, splinting, specialized hand therapy or injections.