Hand surgery is a specialized field of medicine dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating conditions and injuries affecting the hand, wrist, forearm, and sometimes the elbow. This complex area requires detailed knowledge of bones, joints, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels, as well as the skin and soft tissues that support hand functionality. Hand surgeons often combine surgical and non-surgical methods to restore hand function and improve quality of life.
Types of Conditions Treated in Hand Surgery:
Hand surgeons treat a variety of conditions, including:
Traumatic Injuries: Fractures, dislocations, tendon injuries, nerve lacerations, and crush injuries.
Arthritis: Degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis or autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis affecting joints.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the median nerve in the wrist leading to numbness and pain.
Trigger Finger: A condition causing fingers to lock or catch during movement due to tendon inflammation.
Dupuytren’s Contracture: Thickened tissue under the palm skin causing fingers to curl inward.
Congenital Hand Deformities: Conditions like syndactyly (webbed fingers) or polydactyly (extra fingers) present at birth.
Ganglion Cysts: Benign lumps often found on the wrist or hand.
Tumors and Infections: Soft tissue masses and infections requiring surgical intervention.
Common Hand Surgery Procedures:
Fracture Repairs: Stabilizing broken bones using pins, plates, or screws.
Tendon and Nerve Repairs: Reconnecting or repairing damaged tendons and nerves, often using microsurgery.
Arthroplasty: Joint replacement to treat severe arthritis.
Carpal Tunnel Release: Relieving nerve compression in the wrist.
Skin Grafts and Flaps: Repairing skin defects using grafts or moving skin from another part of the body.
Reconstructive Surgery: Correcting deformities, restoring function after trauma, or addressing congenital issues.
Advanced Techniques:
Modern hand surgery uses advanced technologies like:
Microsurgery: For precise nerve and blood vessel repairs.
Endoscopy: Minimally invasive techniques for conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Rehabilitation Integration: Physical and occupational therapy is often part of treatment to restore function.
Importance of Rehabilitation:
Hand surgery is closely linked with post-operative rehabilitation to ensure the best outcomes. Therapies may include strengthening exercises, splinting, and activities to regain dexterity. Early intervention and comprehensive care are key to maximizing hand functionality and minimizing long-term disability.
Whether addressing trauma, chronic conditions, or congenital abnormalities, hand surgery plays a vital role in restoring mobility and improving quality of life.
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