Hand reconstructive surgery is most commonly done to treat injuries involving the hand, fingers, thumb, wrist, or even forearm. Common examples of injuries treated include fractures and lacerations. The surgeon may also reconstruct nerves, tendons or blood vessels. In some cases, the surgeon can reattach fingers that have been removed. A surgeon can also treat conditions like the following:
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Dupuytren’s contracture
• Trigger finger
• De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
• More
What Can a Patient Expect from Hand Surgery?
The exact methods used during hand reconstructive surgery can depend on the injury or condition being treated. For example, the surgeon often uses screws, plates, and medical wires to repair a fracture.
Hand surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, so the patient can go home on the same day of the surgery. The patient is given some type of anesthesia in order to ensure comfort. Recovery from hand surgery frequently involves working with a physical therapist.
Again, the details of each hand reconstructive surgery vary from patient to patient based on a number of factors. Most patients only undergo surgery when more conservative treatments have failed. The surgeon’s goals are typically to relieve any pain and restore as much function as possible. He can also try to make the affected hand look as normal as it can.
Depending on the situation, the surgeon may fuse the bones of the affected joint together. The resulting joint may look normal and be pain-free, but movement may be limited.
Syndactyly is the most common birth defect affecting the limbs. The child is born with fingers or toes that are webbed or fused. Syndactyly can be simple or complex; simple syndactyly involves only soft tissues, while complex syndactyly involves bone. Complex syndactyly is, fortunately, rare. Syndactyly can also be complete or incomplete. Since untreated syndactyly can impair growth, function, and dexterity, surgery is necessary.
Getting Started
To learn more about hand reconstructive surgery and whether or not it can help you, book an appointment at REAL Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery, with locations in Werribee and Moonee Ponds. We serve men and women throughout the entire Melbourne area and beyond. Contact us today to set up a consultation and get started.
