Most Common Types of Hand and Wrist Surgery

Hands and wrists are arguably the most vulnerable parts of the body. Their vulnerability stems from the numerous tiny bones and muscles they contain. Also, people use them throughout the day for a range of tasks. This is why fractures, infections, and other damages to the tissues and bones are relatively common. These can cause discomfort and pain in the hands and wrists. Upon early diagnosis of these conditions, you may not need invasive surgery.

Doctors perform hand surgery to restore functionality and help relieve severe symptoms. These symptoms connect to inflammation, hand and finger injury, pain, and deformity. They also perform hand surgery when tendons need repair. 

If nerve damage to the hand limits the range of motion, surgery can correct this. The specific type of surgery will depend on the injury or deformity. Here are common hand and wrist surgeries.

Carpal Tunnel Release

Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the carpal tunnel, which runs through the middle of the arm and into the hand, is under pressure. The compression of this major nerve for long periods leads to inflammation. This can be very uncomfortable for you as it causes numbness in your fingers. 

It can result from a sprain or fracture that has permanently damaged the carpal tunnel. This damage is due to repetitive motion and overuse of the hand and wrist. The corrective surgery creates more room for the nerve in the carpal tunnel ligament.

Dupuytren's Contracture Surgery

Dupuytren's contracture is a deformity whereby the flesh under the hand, the palm, and fingers grows thick. It develops slowly over many years until it becomes a problem. The deformity causes the fingers to curl towards the palm. It makes it challenging to hold an object and use your hand effectively. 

It is usually a painless condition that until it becomes a problem, people rarely go to the doctor for it. The corrective surgery removes the thick bands of flesh from the hands to restore normal movement. Sometimes, a surgeon must perform a skin graft following the removal of too much flesh.

Trigger Finger Release

Some tendons go up from the base of the finger to the fingertip. These tendons are what allow people to bend their fingers. There is a protective sheath that covers these tendons. Sometimes, injury to this sheath or bumps develop. 

This causes difficulty extending your fingers; this is what triggers finger release. It is also known as stenosing tenosynovitis. Surgery widens the sheath through a small incision. The widening of the sheath will allow the tendons to slide smoothly.

De Quervain's Tenosynovitis Surgery

When tendons or their sheaths swell or go through an irritation, people refer to it as de Quervain's tenosynovitis. When there is crowding at the base of the thumb, tendons cannot move smoothly. When you make a fist, it leads to pain and swelling on the thumb and the wrists. The corrective surgery enlarges the sheath, allowing the tendons to move smoothly.

For more on hand and wrist surgery, visit Clark Plastic & Hand Surgery at our office in McKinney, Texas. You can call (469) 675-3659 to book an appointment today.