About Surgery of the Hand

What are the Basics of Hand Surgery?

Hand surgery is an invasive procedure conducted to correct a wide variety of severe injuries to the hand or fingers. When other treatment methods are ineffective, then surgery may be the only option to correct an issue and jumpstart the healing process.

Many types of hand surgery are conducted on an outpatient basis. This means that the patient can usually go home within hours of the surgery. Though depending on the severity of the injury and complexity of the surgery, the recovery process can last from several weeks to numerous months. 

About Surgery of the Hand

While many patients may undergo hand surgery, each surgery of the hand is unique and may be for multiple reasons. Some patients need reconstructive surgery to improve the appearance of the hand, while others may need surgical repair for function. The hand is complex, which means that many hand surgeries are detailed and require specialized care and recovery. 

Overview

Hand surgery is usually invasive, meaning that it may require incisions and manipulation of bones, skin, and other tissues. While hand surgeries are different, the hand is also relatively small and so there are similarities between them. Because the hand is a smaller area of the body, it can mean that some of these surgeries are difficult and complicated. However, most patients are able to return home shortly after surgery even though recovery time may take several weeks or months. Most hand surgeries take place after the patient has tried other treatments and procedures first, but they did not cure the issue or weren’t able to relieve the symptoms. 

Are There Injuries that Often Lead to Hand Surgery?

The fingers and hands are incredibly complex structures with a multiple of mechanisms and connections. Accordingly, there are many different types of injuries that can lead to hand surgery. Though generally speaking, hand surgery is often necessary to correct:

• De Quervain’s tenosynovitis;
• Dupuytren’s disease;
• Boxer’s fracture;
• Metacarpal fractures;
• Mallet or trigger finger;
• Flexor tendon injuries;
• Nerve injuries of the hand; or
• Other severe injuries of the hand or fingers for which conservative treatment was ineffective. 

In this context, it is vital to note that a qualified hand surgeon or other medical professional should conduct a complete diagnosis. Only after taking relevant imaging tests — such as X-rays or MRIs — and reviewing the patient’s medical history is it possible to recommend hand surgery as a potential treatment option. 

When Does Hand Surgery Become Necessary?

For many patients, hand surgery is generally the final option in addressing a painful injury or condition. After diagnosing an injury, a medical professional usually starts with conservative treatment methods, such as prescription medication, injections, or even physical/occupational therapy. 

If these conservative methods cause the patient’s injury to remain the same or get worse, then surgery may be appropriate. Common reasons for which a patient may undergo hand surgery include:

• Bone Alignment/Fragments — When a bone fractures, surgery may be necessary to reset the bone in proper position or clear away small fragments.
• Nerve Compression — If a nerve is compressed and causing pain or other issues, surgery can help align various structures and relieve the symptoms. 
• Joint Replacement — When a joint degrades or is subject to trauma, surgery may be necessary to replace the affected joint. 
• Infection/Disease — If there is infection or disease impacting the structures in the hand or fingers, surgery can help correct the problem and catalyze recovery.