Our hands are necessary in virtually everything we do in life. When our hands have problems that interfere with our ability to perform everyday activities – such as taking care of ourselves, driving, and working – it can be absolutely disabling.
When this happens, a doctor will try to heal the condition via medications and various types of therapy. However, if these treatments fail, hand surgery can be the solution to return functionality and comfort back to the hands.
Hand Surgeries
Let’s take a look at the most common types of hand surgeries that hand surgeons and orthopedic physicians perform:
Fracture Surgery
Some fractures (broken bones) in the hands require surgery to correct them so the bone heals properly. People can experience broken or fractured bones in the hand when an injury or accident happens, or if they suffer from osteoporosis – which is low bone mass, causing bones to be very brittle and weak.
Depending on the type of injury and the severity of the broken bone, fracture surgery may require readjusting the bone placement. The surgeon may also insert pins or other connectors so that the fractured segments grow back together correctly.
Tendon Repair Surgery
Another common hand procedure is tendon repair surgery. Tendons are strong connective tissues that attach our muscles to adjacent bones. Tendons can get damaged when there is a severe injury due to an accident, infection, or a sudden rupture.
For example, if one of the five flexor tendons in the hand is cut, you would not be able to bend that finger or thumb until the tendon is healed. It can take several months for an injured tendon to heal; tendon injuries may cause permanent disability or less ability to move the finger than before.
Nerve Repair Surgery
Nerves in the hand can get damaged due to injury, carpal tunnel syndrome, and continuous pressure or stretching of the nerves.
Some of the most common symptoms of nerve damage in the hand is a numb sensation, weakness, and pain. While most cases of nerve damage can heal on their own, severe nerve damage may require surgery to correct the problem.
Joint Replacement Surgery
When a joint deteriorates or is injured, joint replacement surgery (also known as arthroplasty) may be necessary to remedy the problem. Joint replacement surgery involves implanting artificial parts, or prosthetics, to replace the deteriorated or injured sections of the joint.
Individuals with severe injuries to the hand or conditions like rheumatoid arthritis may require joint replacement surgery in order to be able to fully use the hand again.
Orthopedic Surgeons in Maryland
These surgeries listed above are just a few of the many types of surgical hand procedures performed every day by hand surgeons and orthopedic physicians. If you are experiencing hand pain or declining use of your hand, talk to an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hands to get the right diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
If you have a hand injury or condition, talk to the experts at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder. Our hand surgeons perform a wide variety of hand procedures to help restore function in your hand, so you can be as pain-free as possible.
Schedule a consultation today with one of our orthopedic hand surgeons by calling (410) 296-6232 or by filling out our online appointment request form.We look forward to helping you gain the use back of your hand so you can continue to enjoy your active lifestyle.
