Hand Surgery Specialist

What conditions may need hand surgery?

Hand surgeons take care of all the different problems affecting your hand, wrist, and forearm, providing conservative non-surgical treatment and using their extensive surgical skills when necessary.

While many hand conditions respond to conservative measures, others may ultimately require surgery if they do not respond adequately to these treatments.  These conditions can include: could ultimately need surgery, depending on the severity of the problem and how it heals, these conditions are more likely to require surgical intervention:

• Arthritis 
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Sports injuries
• Ligament injuries
• Nerve and tendon lacerations
• Fractures of the hand, wrist, or forearm

Hand infections, which frequently result from injuries such as deep cuts and animal bites, often need surgery to clear away the infection and damaged tissues.

What are the different types of hand surgery?

The fellowship-trained hand surgeon at New Braunfels Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine has exceptional experience performing the full range of hand surgery. In many cases, the performance of minimally invasive hand surgery accelerates your healing and recovery.

Some of the more  common types of hand surgery include:

Closed reduction and fixation

This surgical technique realigns fractured bones without needing an incision.

Tendon and nerve repair

An injury to a tendon or nerve can make it impossible to move your fingers or use your hand. Surgical repair is often necessary to attempt restoration of optimal function and preserve fine motor skills.

Carpal tunnel release

When your carpal tunnel symptoms don’t improve, or your muscles begin to weaken, your doctor may recommend surgery to release the nerve and enlarge the carpal tunnel.

Drainage and/or debridement

Surgery to clean out a wound and remove damaged or infected tissues promotes healing.

Joint replacement

When arthritis reaches an advanced stage, joint replacement becomes the only treatment option. Your surgeon performs various arthroplasty/arthritis treatments at joints of the wrist and fingers to improve symptoms. 

What should I expect during hand surgery recovery?

Your ultimate recovery and your ability to regain optimal hand function depend on your rehabilitation. As soon as possible after surgery, you start hand therapy. Your recovery begins with modalities to prevent swelling and gentle exercises to improve the range of motion and promote healing.

As you recover, you progress to strengthening exercises and a regimen that’s specific to your needs. For example, you may need to regain specific fine motor skills so you can get back to work, or to prepare your hand for rigorous sports activities.

When you need expert surgical care for a hand, wrist, or arm problem, call New Braunfels Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine, or book an appointment online.