HAND AND WRIST

 

Hand surgery is a specialized type of procedure that may be performed to correct a wide range of diseases, injuries and defects that may cause symptoms and/or affect the appearance of the hand. Hand surgery can be performed for both medical and cosmetic purposes. Your hand surgery procedure will be customized in order to repair your individual condition and leave your hands looking and feeling their best.
Some of the more common hand and wrist conditions and treatments we see are:

  • Trigger finger
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release
  • deQuervain’s Tendonitis or Tenosynovitis

Effective hand surgery requires the skill and precision of an experienced surgeon, in order to successfully treat the condition and restore full function to the hand. At Jefferson Orthopedic, our surgeons have years of experience performing a full range of hand surgery procedures, and utilize the latest techniques while doing so.

 

TRIGGER FINGER

 

Trigger finger is a condition that involves one of the fingers becoming stuck in a bent position and then rapidly straightened like the trigger of a gun. This condition is caused by a narrowing of the sheath that surrounds the tendons in the finger, and is common in people who perform repetitive gripping actions. It is also more common in women and people with diabetes. Trigger finger causes stiffness, pain and may eventually lead to an inability to completely straighten the finger.

Mild cases of trigger finger can often be treated through conservative home methods such as rest, finger exercises and avoiding repetitive movements. More severe cases may need anti-inflammatory medication, steroids or surgery. Jefferson Orthopedic will help you decide which treatment is best for you depending on your individual case.

 

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

 

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition involving numbness, pain, tingling and instability in the wrist, hand and fingers. It occurs when pressure is put on a nerve in the wrist called the median nerve, which controls motor function in the wrist and hand. This pressure, called impingement, is most often caused by bone spurs, rheumatoid arthritis, repetitive use or injury.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be diagnosed with tests such as an electromyogram or a nerve conduction study. It can often be effectively treated with nonsurgical therapies such as wrist splints, anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids. In cases where pain and numbness persist, surgery (usually endoscopic surgery) may be necessary to relieve pressure on the nerve.

 

ENDOSCOPIC CARPAL TUNNEL RELEASE

 

Carpal tunnel release is an outpatient procedure performed to relieve pressure on the median nerve and reduce the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. This procedure can help restore muscle strength and dexterity, and is typically performed on patients who have had persistent symptoms that do not respond to conservative treatment methods.

Endoscopic carpal tunnel release involves two tiny incisions and offers patients less post-operative pain and the ability to return to work more quickly.

 

DEQUERVAIN’S TENDONITIS OR TENOSYNOVITIS

 

Wrist tendonitis (also called deQuervain’s tendonitis or tenosynovitis) is an inflammation of the tendons that cross the wrist and attach to the thumb. If you have deQuervain’s tendonitis, it hurts to bend, extend or turn your wrist or form a fist with the thumb tucked inside. Activities such as writing, knitting and gripping something with your hand become uncomfortable. Pain is usually located in the front of the wrist and worsens with activity. Other symptoms include sensitivity to touch, limited mobility, and wrist weakness.

If detected early, tendonitis can be treated with steroids or anti-inflammatory medications. Advanced cases may require surgery.

 

To learn more about our Hand and Wrist Procedures & Treatments, please contact us at (504) 541-5800 today to schedule an appointment.