Description

The hand and wrist are complex structures with bones, tendons, nerves, ligaments, and joints all packed into a small area — so when something goes wrong, it can seriously affect daily function. Surgery is often a last resort after non-surgical treatments, but it can be highly effective when needed. 🔧 Common Conditions Requiring Hand or Wrist Surgery: 1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 💥 Caused by pressure on the median nerve 🛠️ Carpal tunnel release cuts the ligament to relieve pressure 🕒 Recovery: 2–6 weeks (sometimes longer if nerve damage was advanced) 2. Trigger Finger 💥 Finger locks in a bent position due to tendon sheath inflammation 🛠️ Tendon sheath is released to restore movement 🕒 Recovery: A few weeks 3. De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis 💥 Pain/swelling at the base of the thumb 🛠️ Release of tendon compartment to allow freer movement 🕒 Recovery: 2–6 weeks 4. Ganglion Cyst Removal 💥 Fluid-filled bump on wrist or hand 🛠️ Surgically removed if painful or recurrent 🕒 Recovery: Usually fast — 1–3 weeks 5. Fracture Repair (Hand/Wrist/Thumb) 💥 Common in falls or sports 🛠️ May require pins, plates, or screws 🕒 Healing: 4–8 weeks (depends on bone and injury type) 6. Tendon or Ligament Repair 💥 From cuts, sports injuries, or overuse 🛠️ Surgical repair followed by intensive hand therapy 🕒 Recovery: 6–12+ weeks 7. Arthritis Surgery 💥 For advanced osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis 🛠️ Options include joint fusion or joint replacement (e.g., thumb CMC joint) 🕒 Recovery varies; often includes splinting and rehab 8. Dupuytren’s Contracture 💥 Fingers (usually ring/little) get pulled inward 🛠️ Tissue is surgically removed or released (fasciectomy) 🕒 Recovery: 2–8 weeks or longer 🔍 Surgical Methods: Open surgery: Traditional incisions, often used for more complex repairs Minimally invasive (endoscopic): Smaller cuts, quicker healing Microsurgery: For delicate nerve/tendon repairs under a microscope 🧠 What to Expect Before & After: ✅ Pre-op: Imaging (X-rays, MRI) Possible nerve testing (EMG for carpal tunnel) Discuss work/activity limitations post-surgery 🩹 Post-op: Splinting or casting Physical/Occupational therapy is crucial (especially for tendon/nerve surgeries) Keep the hand elevated to reduce swelling Pain is manageable with meds, ice, and rest ⚠️ Risks/Complications: Infection Nerve injury or numbness Scar tissue or stiffness Recurrence (e.g., ganglion cysts or Dupuytren’s) Prolonged swelling or weakness 💪 Quick Recovery Tips: Don’t skip hand therapy Keep up with motion exercises as prescribed Avoid heavy lifting or gripping too soon Monitor for numbness, excessive swelling, or signs of infection

Filter tags