Hand Surgery - An Overview of the Procedure

While hand surgery may often be performed by cosmetic surgeons, it differs from other procedures in that it is not usually done simply to improve a patient's appearance but rather to deal with illness or injury. Hand injuries can be devastating, given the extent that each of us relies on them to perform the most basic of tasks. Some of the best known conditions requiring surgery are cysts, arthritis, carpal tunnel and trigger finger.

Surgery deals with not only the fingers but the wrist and forearm as well. It is performed frequently given nearly 17 percent of all disabling work injuries involve the fingers and 25 percent of athletic injuries involve the hand or wrist.

A surgeon must be able to skillfully and adequately reconstruct the skin, bone, nerves, tendons, and joint(s). This may require several operations to complete. Surgeons usually have their training in plastic or orthopedic surgery with additional training specific to the hands. Plastic surgeons are particularly appropriate to perform traumatic injuries that require reconstruction and salvage of the hand and figures.

A physician must also be prepared to prescribe non-surgical treatments to assist patients or to refer them to a therapist for treatment. In addition to physical therapy, such treatments include splinting, medications and heat.

For example, one of the best known hand ailments is carpal tunnel syndrome, or tendinitis of the fingers, which is a type of repetitive stress injury. Carpal tunnel is usually treated initially with cortisone injections, diuretics, anti-inflammatory medications or vitamin B tablets.

However, if after about a month, symptoms persist, a doctor may suggest surgery. A doctor uses this surgical option to get rid of the problem by releasing the pressure on the nerve. This effectively allows for better blood supply and improved movement.

While hand surgery is generally performed as an out-patient procedure and related complications are relatively uncommon, it's still important to be informed of and talk to your doctor about the risks. You'll also need to have realistic expectations in regards to what surgery can and cannot accomplish. For example, not every patient who undergoes carpal tunnel surgery is able to return to the activities that originally triggered the syndrome.

Many continue to experience symptoms, though they are significantly reduced. Therefore, take as much time as you have available to research and choose a doctor with whom you feel at ease discussing your medical history, goals and concerns.