Hand surgery is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating various conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and forearm. These procedures aim to restore function, alleviate discomfort, and enhance the overall quality of life for patients.

Specialist Plastic surgeons have a profound understanding of the complex networks of blood vessels, nerves, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones that compose the hand and fingers.

Hand surgery, as a subspecialty of plastic and reconstructive surgery focuses on surgical care and delicate tissue handling to ensure patients have pain-free full range of motion that is essential to daily activities, sports, work, self-care, and leisure.

The most common hand surgery procedures performed at Sydney Plastic Surgery include:

1. Carpal Tunnel Release:

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a prevalent condition caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. Carpal tunnel release is a surgical procedure that involves cutting the transverse carpal ligament to relieve pressure on the median nerve. This procedure is often performed using minimally invasive techniques, resulting in faster recovery and reduced scarring.

2. Trigger Finger Release:

Trigger finger, or stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition characterized by the inflammation and narrowing of the sheath surrounding a tendon in the finger or thumb. It causes difficulty in straightening or bending the affected digit, often accompanied by pain and a popping sensation. Surgical treatment involves making a small incision and releasing the constricted tendon sheath, allowing smooth movement of the affected finger.

3. Dupuytren’s Contracture Surgery:

Dupuytren’s contracture is a progressive condition where the connective tissue beneath the skin of the palm and fingers thickens and forms tight cords, causing the fingers to bend inward. When the contracture becomes severe and limits hand function, surgery may be necessary. The procedure involves removing or dividing the thickened tissue to release the contracture and improve finger extension.

4. Ganglion Cyst Removal:

Ganglion cysts are benign fluid-filled sacs that commonly develop within the joints or tendons of the hand and wrist. While they are often painless, they can cause discomfort and restrict movement if they press on adjacent structures. Surgical removal involves making an incision and excising the cyst, along with any associated stalk or joint tissue.

5. Fractures, dislocations, and hand traumas:

Hand fractures, dislocations and soft tissue traumas can commonly affect any part of the hand and may require surgical intervention for proper healing and restoration of hand function. Depending on the complexity and location of the trauma, various surgical techniques such as open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), external fixation, K wires, skin flaps, skin grafts or nail bed repairs may be employed to realign and stabilize the broken bones and repair the soft tissues.

6. Tendon Repair:

Tendons are vital structures that connect muscles to bones, enabling movement. Injuries such as tendon lacerations or ruptures can significantly impair hand and finger function. Tendon repair surgery involves reattaching the torn ends of the tendon using sutures or other fixation methods, followed by a period of immobilization and rehabilitation to restore strength and range of motion.

7. Other conditions we commonly treat are hand lumps, nerve injury, Infections, mallet finger, sports Injuries, tenosynovitis, and hand infections.

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

Plastic surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries inherent risks and potential complications.

Please read our Risks and Complications of Plastic Surgery page.

Summary

Hand surgery procedures are performed to address a wide range of conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and forearm. From relieving the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome to repairing fractures and restoring tendon function, these surgeries play a crucial role in restoring hand dexterity and improving quality of life. If you are experiencing any hand-related issues, consult with a qualified hand surgeon to explore the appropriate treatment options available to you.