Many ailments impacting the hand can be corrected through surgical intervention. More conservative methods, including physical therapy and medication, are typically the first steps in finding relief. However, when these prove ineffective or insufficient, Lake County Plastic and Hand Surgery can help you find relief through surgical care.
What Are the Different Types of Hand Surgery
- Closed Reduction and Fixation – When the bones within the hand become fractured, this surgery serves to realign them and aid proper healing. Depending on the nature and severity of the injury, casts, rods, splints, and wires may be used to immobilize these bones while they heal.
- Tendon Repair – Tendons are bands of fibrous tissues that attach to the muscles and bones. The nature of these bands makes them challenging to treat surgically. Tendon injuries result from spontaneous rupture, infection, or physical trauma. There are three types of surgical repair for tendon injuries. Primary repair means the injury is treated within 24 hours of its occurrence. Delayed primary occur within the first week after the tendon injury occurs. They are known as secondary repairs when performed within five weeks of the injury. Tendon grafts are sometimes necessary in more complex cases.
- Nerve Repairs – The hand relies on the radial, median, and ulnar nerves to provide most of its neural connection. When these nerves become damaged, it can temporarily or permanently impair their ability to move and function. While some nerve injuries can heal independently, surgical treatments may be required for complex injuries. Nerve grafts and surgical reattachment are options used to repair the nerves.
- Surgical Draining/Debridement – As the primary way we interact with the world, our hands are prone to injury and infection. Addressing a hand infection is a common reason for people to seek treatment. Typically, the treatment is relatively simple, requiring only time and maybe antibiotics. However, surgery may be necessary to drain the accumulated pus in cases where they become severe. Debridement involves cleansing diseased tissue from the wound to help it heal quickly and correctly.
- Joint Replacement – Arthritis is a common concern that impacts the joints within the hand. This disease can degrade and eventually destroy the joint in which it appears. Joint replacement addresses this by providing a prosthetic replacement for the joint. These replacements can be made from the patient’s plastic, metal, rubber, tendons, or other tissue.
Seek Surgical Care For Hand Concerns With Us
As an essential part of how we experience the world, we must keep our hands healthy and functional. Our team ensures patients can address their hand health issues and restore them to full functionality. We know your hands have so much left to do in this life, so ensure you keep them in excellent health with Lake County Plastic and Hand Surgery. Call to schedule a consultation at (262) 523-1200, or stop in and see us at our offices in Waukesha, WI. You’ll meet with our team and explain your concerns during your consultation. Together, you’ll outline a treatment plan that will have your hands in excellent health for years.
