Hand Surgery | Why | What | How
Hand surgery deals with both surgical and non-surgical treatment of conditions and problems that may take place in the hand (or upper extremity) including injury, disorders and infection.
There are various reasons why someone might require hand surgery, ranging from injuries and trauma to congenital abnormalities or degenerative conditions.
Hand surgery is a specialised field of surgery that focuses on treating conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and forearm. There are various reasons why someone might require hand surgery, ranging from injuries and trauma to congenital abnormalities or degenerative conditions.
Here’s a breakdown of why you might need hand surgery, how it’s performed, and what you should know:
Reasons to proceed with Hand Surgery
1. Injuries:
Hand surgery may be necessary to repair fractures, tendon injuries, nerve injuries, and soft tissue injuries resulting from accidents, sports injuries, or trauma.
2. Congenital Conditions:
Some individuals are born with hand abnormalities that may require surgical correction, such as extra fingers (polydactyly), fused fingers (syndactyly), or missing fingers (ectrodactyly).
3. Degenerative Hand Conditions:
Conditions like arthritis or playing string instruments can cause significant pain and loss of function in the hand joints. Surgery may be recommended to alleviate pain, restore function, or correct deformities.
4. Nerve Compression Syndromes:
Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, Dupuytren’s Contracture or Trigger Finger, where a nerve in the wrist is compressed, may require surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve.
5. Tumors and Growths:
Benign or malignant tumours affecting the hand or wrist may necessitate surgical removal.
6. Reconstructive Hand Surgery:
This includes procedures to reconstruct fingers or hands that have been partially or completely amputated, often involving microsurgery techniques.
Hand surgery encompasses a wide range of procedures, each tailored to the specific condition being treated.
How is Hand Surgery Performed?
Hand surgery encompasses a wide range of procedures, each tailored to the specific condition being treated.
Some common techniques and approaches for hand surgery include:
1. Open Surgery:
Traditional open surgery involves making incisions to access the affected area. This may be necessary for procedures such as tendon repairs, fracture fixation, or joint replacement.
2. Arthroscopy:
Minimally invasive techniques like arthroscopy involve inserting a small camera and specialized instruments through tiny incisions to visualize and treat conditions inside the joints, such as arthritis or ligament injuries.
3. Microsurgery:
Microsurgery involves using specialized instruments and microscopes to repair tiny structures like blood vessels and nerves. This technique is often used in complex reconstructions, such as finger replantation or nerve repair.
4. Ligament and Tendon Repair:
Procedures to repair torn or damaged ligaments and tendons may involve suturing the tissue back together or using grafts to reinforce the repair.
5. Joint Replacement:
For severe arthritis or joint damage, artificial joint replacement may be performed to restore function and reduce pain.
6. Soft Tissue Reconstruction:
This may involve techniques such as skin grafts, flap surgery, or tissue transfer to repair soft tissue defects or cover wounds.
What You Need to Know About Hand Surgery
1. Recovery Time:
Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery performed and the individual’s overall health. Physical therapy and rehabilitation may be necessary to regain strength and function in the hand.
2. Risks and Complications:
Like any surgery, hand surgery carries risks such as infection, bleeding, nerve damage, stiffness, or poor wound healing. Mr Fitton will discuss these risks with you before the procedure.
3. Follow-up Care:
Follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully, including wound care, medication management, and rehabilitation exercises.
4. Expectations:
Discuss your expectations and goals with Mr Fitton beforehand to ensure a clear understanding of what can be achieved through surgery.
5. Alternative Treatments:
In some cases, non-surgical treatments such as medication, splinting, or physical therapy may be recommended before considering surgery.
6. Choosing a Surgeon:
Choose a board-certified hand surgeon (BSSH) with expertise in the specific procedure you require. Don’t hesitate to ask about their experience, success rates, and any questions or concerns you may have.
Overall, hand surgery can be highly beneficial in improving hand function, relieving pain, and restoring quality of life for individuals with a wide range of hand and wrist conditions. However, it’s essential to have a thorough understanding of the procedure, its risks, and what to expect during the recovery process.
Always consult with a qualified surgeon for personalised medical advice and treatment options.
For a no-obligation quote
For a no-obligation quote, tailored specifically to you, please book in for your consultation with Mr Fitton. Your requirements will be discussed in full confidence in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Following your consultation, the price you are quoted includes everything and there are no extra or hidden costs. Advice, treatment and aftercare are all part of our package to ensure your experience is positive from beginning to end.
Summary
Managing your expectations about plastic surgery is important regardless of which procedure you wish to have done. It’s critical to have realistic expectations about plastic surgery but to also ensure you are on the same page as your surgeon.
To find out more about having a treatment, book your no-obligation consultation. You will meet with Antony Fitton and receive expert advice tailored to your needs.
Please call us on 07494 250277 or book your consultation using our online form.
About your Plastic Surgeon: Mr Antony Fitton
MB, BS(hons)., MD., FRCS(eng)., FRCS(plast).
Mr Antony R Fitton qualified at the Royal London Hospital in 1989 with distinction in Surgery. He holds a MB, BS(hons)., MD., FRCS(eng). and FRCS(plast). (Fellowship at the Royal College of Surgeons).
He is a member of BAPRAS (British Association for Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons), BAAPS (British Association for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons), BSSH (British Society for Surgery of the Hand).
Mr Fitton has received the Paton & Masser Award and the CM Matthews Award from the Royal College of Surgeons of England or his research in nerve injury.
Mr Fitton is licensed as Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon by the GMC.
- 0% Finance Available
- Consultations and treatments are available at either the Nuffield Health Hospital, Plymouth or the Duchy Hospital, Truro
- Care Quality Commission Regulated
- GMC Specialist Registered Surgeon
- BAPRAS, BAAPS and BSSH member
- Registered MD
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