Hand Surgery Specialist

What conditions need hand surgery?

For most hand problems, Powell Orthopedics and Sports Medicine starts your treatment with nonsurgical therapies.

However, many hand conditions ultimately need surgery, and sometimes surgery is the first line of treatment. For example, injured tendons, pinched nerves, and broken bones need prompt surgical repair to ensure you regain the full use of your hand.

This list gives you a few examples of hand conditions that may need surgery:

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

Your provider may also recommend surgery when an injury leads to an infection. 

What type of hand surgery might I need?

The team at Powell Orthopedics and Sports Medicine specializes in many types of hand surgery. A few examples include:

Open reduction and internal fixation

This procedure realigns broken bones and then holds them in place with pins, screws, rods, plates, and other types of hardware.

Tendon and nerve repair

Damaged tendons and nerves affect your ability to move your fingers and use your hand. Powell Orthopedics and Sports Medicine may perform one of several surgeries to repair or release these structures.

Drainage and debridement

If you have an infection, deep wound, or a bone fracture that breaks through the skin, you need surgery to clean the wound and get rid of damaged or infected tissues.

Carpal tunnel release

This procedure prevents permanent nerve damage by enlarging the carpal tunnel in your wrist.

Trigger finger release

Your provider treats a trigger finger with surgery to restore tendon movement.

What should I expect after hand surgery?

Your recovery depends on the type of hand surgery. You should expect to have pain, but your pain should be well managed with medications. If you can’t tolerate your post-surgery pain, call and talk with your provider.

Your hand may be immobilized for a time, and you may need to limit some activities. This could mean taking time away from work. Your provider gives you more specific information about the recovery time you may need.

For many surgeries, your outcome may be improved with the addition of physical therapy and rehabilitation.

If you have questions about hand surgery, call Powell Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, or book an appointment online today.