The hands are intricate structures, composed of a complex network of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels. When injury, disease, or congenital differences affect the hands, it can substantially alter one’s quality of life. Hand surgery is a specialized field of medicine dedicated to addressing these issues and restoring function and form to the hand, wrist, and forearm.
What Is Hand Surgery?
Hand surgery is a broad surgical discipline that encompasses surgical treatments for conditions affecting the hand or upper extremity. This includes the hand, wrist, and forearm. The objective of any hand procedure is to maximize the functional recovery of the hand, allowing individuals to return to their work, hobbies, and daily activities.
What Does It Treat?
Hand surgery addresses a wide variety of conditions affecting the hand and upper extremity. The treatment aims to correct deformities and improve or restore movement and sensation. One common category of conditions treated is traumatic injuries. These can result from accidents, falls, or sports-related incidents. Examples include:
- Fractures: Breaks in any of the bones of the hand and wrist.
- Tendon Injuries: Damaged tendons that bend or straighten the fingers.
- Nerve Injuries: Damage to the nerves that provide sensation and control muscle movement.
Another area involves degenerative conditions, which develop over time. Surgical interventions can range from joint cleaning procedures to joint fusions or replacements, intended to reduce pain and improve alignment. Congenital differences represent another facet of hand surgery. These may include webbed fingers or extra fingers. Surgical correction is performed to improve the hand’s function and appearance.
What Does the Procedure Entail?
The journey starts with a thorough evaluation by a surgeon. During this appointment, the surgeon will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and examine your hand and arm. The surgeon will explain the recommended procedure, its goals, the potential outcomes, and the recovery process.
Hand surgery can be performed using different types of anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the procedure. Some minor procedures can be performed with local anesthesia, numbing only the affected area. Others may require general anesthesia, where you are asleep for the operation.
Following the surgery, the recovery phase begins. This period is tailored to the specific procedure performed. A dressing is typically applied to protect the surgical site and support the hand in a proper position for healing. You will receive instructions on how to care for your hand, manage discomfort, and when to follow up with your surgeon. Hand therapy can be an integral part of the recovery process. A specialized hand therapist may guide patients through exercises designed to restore range of motion, strength, and coordination.
Consult a Plastic Surgeon
The hand is a highly complex part of the body, and each individual’s condition is unique. If you are experiencing pain, loss of function, or other issues with your hands or wrists, a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon specializing in hand surgery is the appropriate next step. A specialist can provide a comprehensive evaluation, an accurate diagnosis, and a detailed discussion of your treatment options.
