Hand & Wrist Surgery

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Hand and wrist surgeries can be critical medical interventions that improve your hand function while relieving pain and improving your quality of life. These highly specialized and complex hand surgeries require the skill, precision and expertise found at top-tier medical care centers like Houston Methodist. 

With advancements in surgical procedures and postoperative care, these surgeries have become more effective and require less time to recover. Our world-class orthopedics and sports medicine hand surgeons are here to diagnose, treat and help you recover from any wrist or hand fractures and injuries.

Hand & Wrist Conditions We Commonly Treat Surgically

There are many different reasons why you may need hand or wrist surgery, including:

  • Benign hand tumors and ganglion cysts
  • Carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel syndrome
  • De Quervain’s tendonitis
  • Dupuytren’s contracture
  • Fractures of the hand and wrist
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Thumb arthritis
  • Trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis)

Types of Hand & Wrist Surgery

While the first course of action in treating hand and wrist injuries may be non-invasive, serious injuries typically require surgery. Our team specializes in the following types of hand and wrist surgery:

 

  • Carpal tunnel release: A minor procedure to release the pressure on the median nerve while also minimizing symptoms.
  • Fracture fixation and ligament reconstruction: This stabilizes and realigns your broken bones and damaged joints.
  • Hand replantation: This is a less common, though highly complex surgical procedure that involves the reattachment of an amputated hand.
  • Joint replacement (arthroplasty) and arthroscopic surgery: Most common for those with severe arthritis or other degenerative conditions.
  • Soft tissue reconstruction and microsurgery: This may be necessary for severe injuries, including those that require nerve or tendon grafts.
  • Tendon repair and nerve decompression: This can be essential for restoring function after severe tendon and nerve injuries.
  • Amputation: In cases of severe injury or disease where other treatments are not viable, amputation may be necessary to preserve the patient’s overall health and hand function.

Signs and Symptoms: Do You Need Hand or Wrist Surgery?

Though you should always seek medical guidance from a hand specialist, if non-surgical treatments don’t help, you may require hand or wrist surgery. Below are some of the common signs and symptoms that often lead to surgery if left untreated.

Persistent Pain 

If you experience constant or recurring pain due to a medical condition or an injury, such as a dislocation or misalignment, it may require surgery.

Stiffness

This typically accompanies arthritis, but it can also be attributed to many other wrist injuries and conditions, including bursitis and carpal tunnel. 

Swelling

Most serious wrist injuries result in swelling. Your physician can advise about the best treatment options depending on the severity and length of swelling. 

Tingling

This is common with carpal tunnel, but in many cases, the tingling feeling is the result of a severed or stretched nerve, which may require surgical intervention.

Weakness & Numbness

Extreme weakness or numbness is often associated with more severe issues and as a result may require surgical treatment.

How We Determine Eligibility for Surgery

A hand specialist will perform a set of examinations. This could include a physical exam, an X-ray, CT scan, ultrasound or MRI. These tests and scans are used to assess the severity of the issue while providing insights into the best treatment plan.

Hand Surgery Designed for Professional Athletes & Performers

Our hand and wrist experts at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine are trusted by professional Houston-area sports teams for a reason — our surgeons are among the nation’s best. We also treat members of fine art organizations and hundreds of area high schools and youth teams to help them get back on track and regain functionality faster. 

Find Expert Hand & Wrist Surgeons in Houston

At Houston Methodist, our team of orthopedic and plastic surgeons specialize in the latest surgical techniques for arm, wrist, hand and elbow conditions. This expertise ensures you receive a highly personalized treatment plan that focuses on minimizing your pain, restoring function to maximum improvement and improving your overall quality of life.

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    FAQs About Hand & Wrist Surgery

    How do I know if I need hand or wrist surgery?

    There is no one clear symptom that requires surgery. Generally, if your pain and other symptoms do not improve after non-invasive treatment methods, your physician may recommend surgery.

    What can I expect during the recovery process after hand or wrist surgery?

    The recovery process generally involves rest, physical therapy and a step-by-step return to physical activities. Further, your specific recovery process can be affected by many factors, including age, physical health, severity of your injury and more. 

    Are there any risks associated with hand and wrist surgery?

    Yes, as with any invasive procedure, there are potential risks, including infection, nerve damage and more. However, these risks can be significantly minimized by working with an experienced and skilled surgery team. 

    How long does it take to regain full function after hand or wrist surgery?

    Depending on the type of hand surgery, it can take up to three months to regain full strength and many more months to regain your full range of motion. However, there are many individual factors that can influence the recovery timeline. 

    Can hand and wrist surgery be performed using minimally invasive techniques?

    Yes, many surgeries, including carpal tunnel release and different arthroscopic procedures, can be performed using minimally invasive techniques. This often results in faster recovery times and improved outcomes. 

    What conditions can be treated with hand or wrist surgery?

    Conditions commonly treated include carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, Dupuytren’s contracture, severe arthritis, tendon injuries and more. Our certified hand specialists will provide a comprehensive assessment, including the best options for treating your injury.

    How do I prepare for hand or wrist surgery?

    The preparation process varies from person to person. However, it generally involves comprehensive medical evaluations, discontinued use of certain medications, arranging for help at home during the recovery process and adhering to the treatment plan recommended by your hand surgeon.