Hand Surgery

When might I need hand surgery?

When you have a hand condition, Northeast Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine focuses on the best treatment for healing the problem and ensuring you maintain full hand function and sensation.

They successfully treat most hand problems without surgery. However, many conditions eventually need surgery if the problem doesn’t improve. And sometimes, surgery is the first line of treatment. For example, broken bones and injured tendons may need prompt surgery.

Hand conditions that may need surgery include:

• Arthritis
• Tendonitis
• Scleroderma
• Sports injuries
• Ligament injuries
• Trigger finger
• Ganglion cysts
• Nerve and tendon lacerations
• Dupuytren’s contracture
• Congenital deformities
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

Your provider may also perform surgery when a serious infection develops.

What are the different types of hand surgery?

The experienced orthopedic surgeons at Northeast Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine specialize in a wide range of hand surgeries.

A few examples of procedures they frequently perform include:

Open reduction and internal fixation

When you have a complex hand fracture, this surgery realigns the bones and holds them in their proper position with pins, plates, rods, and other hardware.

Tendon and nerve repair

Many hand injuries damage the tendons and nerves that are essential to move your fingers, pick up objects, and use your hands. The team uses several surgical techniques to repair or release these tissues.

Drainage and debridement

Deep wounds, infections, and fractures that tear through your skin need surgery to clean the wound and remove damaged and infected tissues.

Carpal tunnel release

This procedure treats carpal tunnel syndrome and prevents permanent nerve damage by creating more space in the tunnel.

Trigger finger release

Surgery for a trigger finger focuses on restoring normal tendon movement.

What happens after hand surgery?

Your recovery after hand surgery depends on the procedure. Your hand may be immobilized for a time, and you're told to limit some activities, perhaps taking time off work. Your provider gives you specific information about your recovery based on the procedure and your overall health.

Most patients start physical therapy as soon as possible after hand surgery. Physical therapy is essential as it promotes healing and helps you regain hand strength and function.

If you have an ongoing hand problem or have questions about hand surgery, call Northeast Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, or book an appointment online today.