Hand surgery is a specialized procedure that can improve the strength and function of hands impaired by injuries or birth abnormalities. Some of the issues hand surgery can correct are:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: Overuse of a repetitive motion can create a tingling sensation, numbness, weakness, and aching.
- Dupuytren's contracture: Thick, scar-like tissue bands form on the palm and extend into the fingers.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: It can cause severe inflammation of any joint in the body. In the hands, it can painfully deform fingers.
The procedure will be different depending on the issue being treated and the patient.
The most common procedure is tendon repair from injury. When a tendon is cut, it will retract from the original wound site. Tendon repair retrieves the retracted tendon and reconnects it using surgical techniques to restore function and movement.
For carpal tunnel syndrome, there are generally two options:
- A larger incision from the middle of the palm to the wrist
- A smaller incision that allows the use of an endoscope
Both procedures release pressure on the median nerve in the wrist.