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What is orthopedic hand surgery?
Orthopedic hand surgery is a specialized branch of medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating various hand and wrist conditions through surgical intervention. This type of surgery addresses musculoskeletal disorders, such as fractures, deformities, arthritis, ligament injuries, nerve damage, and other conditions affecting the hand. The goal of orthopedic hand surgery is to restore both function and aesthetics, improving quality of life for patients experiencing hand issues.
Orthopedic hand surgery may involve repairing damaged bones, tendons, joints, or nerves, or in more complex cases, reconstructing the hand or wrist. Whether caused by trauma, congenital conditions, or degenerative diseases, orthopedic surgery aims to correct or alleviate the symptoms of hand problems, helping patients regain their independence and mobility.
Common conditions treated with orthopedic hand surgery
Orthopedic hand surgery can address a variety of hand and wrist conditions, including:
- Fractures: Broken bones in the hand or wrist, including metacarpal, phalangeal, and carpal fractures.
- Arthritis: Degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis that affect the joints of the hand and wrist.
- Tendon injuries: Ruptured or torn tendons, such as in tendonitis, flexor tendon injuries, or extensor tendon injuries.
- Ligament injuries: Damage to ligaments caused by trauma or repetitive stress, including conditions like ligament sprains or tears.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: A condition where the median nerve becomes compressed in the wrist, leading to symptoms like numbness, tingling, and weakness.
- Dupuytren’s contracture: A condition where the connective tissue in the palm thickens and tightens, causing the fingers to bend inward.
- Trigger finger: A condition where a finger becomes stuck in a bent position and may suddenly snap straight.
- Congenital deformities: Conditions like syndactyly (webbed fingers) or polydactyly (extra fingers) that are present at birth.
- Replantation of severed fingers: Surgical reattachment of severed fingers or parts of the hand.
- Wrist injuries: Fractures, sprains, or dislocations in the wrist joint.
Orthopedic hand surgery in Ahmedabad
Orthopedic hand surgery is a highly specialized procedure aimed at treating a variety of conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and forearm. The process of surgery typically involves three main stages: pre-surgery evaluation, the surgical procedure itself, and post-surgery rehabilitation. Each stage is critical in ensuring optimal outcomes and a smooth recovery. Here’s an in-depth look at how the process works:
1. Pre-surgery evaluation
Before undergoing orthopedic hand surgery, it is crucial to undergo a thorough pre-surgery evaluation. This assessment allows the orthopedic hand surgeon to gain an in-depth understanding of the patient’s condition and ensure they are in the best possible health for the surgery. The pre-surgery evaluation generally includes the following:
- Medical history: During this phase, the surgeon will review the patient’s complete medical history, including any pre-existing conditions or previous surgeries that could influence the procedure. The surgeon will ask about any allergies, medications (including over-the-counter drugs and supplements), and any history of infections or chronic conditions like diabetes, which can affect the healing process. This helps the surgeon tailor the treatment plan and prepare for potential complications.
- Physical examination: The surgeon will physically assess the hand and wrist to evaluate its range of motion, strength, and functionality. This may involve testing how well the fingers, wrist, and hand can move and whether there is any pain, weakness, or stiffness. The surgeon will also inspect the joints, ligaments, and tendons to determine the severity of the injury or condition and to identify any abnormalities or limitations that might need specific attention during the surgery.
- Imaging tests: To get a clear picture of the bones, joints, and soft tissues in the hand or wrist, the surgeon may request imaging studies such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans. These tests help visualize fractures, joint damage, or tendon injuries that may not be visible through a physical exam alone. The results will help the surgeon create a detailed surgical plan, including deciding on the best approach and the tools needed for the surgery.
2. Surgical procedure
The type of surgery required will depend on the specific condition being treated, whether it’s an injury, degenerative disease, or congenital deformity. Here are some of the most common orthopedic hand surgeries:
- Fracture fixation: In cases of broken bones (such as metacarpal or phalangeal fractures), the surgeon may use hardware like pins, plates, or screws to stabilize the bones in place. These devices hold the bones together while they heal, allowing for proper alignment and faster recovery. In some cases, the surgeon may also perform open reduction surgery, where the bones are realigned through a surgical incision before being fixed in place.
- Joint replacement: For patients suffering from severe arthritis or significant joint damage, joint replacement surgery may be necessary. In these cases, the surgeon may remove the damaged joint, such as the wrist, thumb, or fingers, and replace it with a prosthetic joint made from metal, plastic, or ceramic. This procedure helps restore function, relieve pain, and improve mobility, especially when other treatments like medication or physical therapy have not been effective.
- Tendon repair: Tendon injuries, whether caused by trauma or degenerative conditions, can severely impact the hand’s ability to function properly. If a tendon is ruptured, torn, or damaged, the surgeon may perform a tendon repair surgery. This involves reconnecting the torn ends of the tendon using sutures or tendon grafts to restore the normal function and movement of the fingers or wrist. In more complex cases, tendon transfer surgery might be required if the original tendon is too damaged to be repaired.
- Ligament reconstruction: Ligaments play a crucial role in stabilizing the joints in the hand and wrist. Ligament injuries, such as tears or sprains, can destabilize these joints, leading to pain and reduced functionality. To address this, the surgeon may perform ligament reconstruction using sutures or tendon grafts to restore the integrity and function of the injured ligaments, allowing for better joint stability and movement.
- Carpal tunnel release: One of the most common conditions treated with orthopedic hand surgery is carpal tunnel syndrome. In this condition, the median nerve in the wrist becomes compressed, causing symptoms like numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. Carpal tunnel release surgery involves cutting the ligament that is pressing on the median nerve, thereby alleviating the pressure and reducing the symptoms. This procedure is highly effective for most patients suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Nerve repair: Nerve injuries, whether caused by trauma, disease, or surgical complications, can lead to permanent loss of sensation or motor function in the hand. If the nerve is damaged, the surgeon may perform nerve repair surgery to reconnect the nerve ends and restore function. In some cases, nerve grafts may be used to bridge the gap between nerve endings if the injury is extensive.
3. Post-surgery phase (Rehabilitation & Long-term care)
The recovery process after orthopedic hand surgery is critical to ensuring the best possible outcome. The post-surgery phase typically involves several stages, including pain management, rehabilitation, and follow-up visits to monitor progress. Here are the key components of post-surgery recovery:
- Pain management: After surgery, patients may experience pain or discomfort as the body heals. To manage this, the surgeon will prescribe pain medications or anti-inflammatory drugs to help reduce swelling and relieve pain. In some cases, nerve blocks or localized anesthesia may be used to alleviate pain during the immediate post-surgical period. Patients are encouraged to take medications as directed to ensure comfort while avoiding overuse, which can lead to side effects.
- Immobilization: In many cases, the hand or wrist will need to be immobilized using a splint or cast to protect the surgical site and prevent unnecessary movement that could disrupt the healing process. Immobilization can also help reduce swelling and provide stability during the early stages of recovery. Depending on the surgery, the immobilization period can range from a few days to several weeks.
- Physical therapy: Once the initial healing has occurred, patients will often be referred to physical therapy to regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the hand and wrist. A tailored rehabilitation program will be created based on the specific procedure performed. Physical therapy exercises may include stretching, strengthening, and functional tasks designed to gradually restore the patient’s ability to use their hand in daily activities. The goal is to improve the overall functionality of the hand while preventing stiffness or joint contractures.
- Follow-up visits: Regular follow-up visits with the surgeon are essential to monitor the healing process, address any complications, and ensure the best recovery. During these visits, the surgeon will assess the surgical site, check for signs of infection or complications, and determine if the rehabilitation process is progressing as expected. Adjustments to the rehabilitation plan may be made depending on the patient’s progress.
- Long-term care: After the initial recovery period, patients may be encouraged to continue with home exercises, avoid overloading the affected hand, and follow any additional recommendations from the surgeon or therapist to maintain the best possible hand function.
How long does orthopedic hand surgery take?
The length of surgery varies depending on the procedure. Simple surgeries may take 1 to 2 hours, while more complex surgeries such as joint replacements or tendon repairs may take several hours. The complexity of the surgery, the type of condition, and the number of structures involved will all influence the time required.
Benefits of orthopedic hand surgery
Orthopedic hand surgery offers several advantages:
- Restoration of function: Surgery helps to restore movement, strength, and dexterity in the hand, improving the ability to perform daily tasks.
- Pain relief: Most surgeries are aimed at reducing or eliminating pain caused by injuries or conditions like arthritis.
- Improved quality of life: Restoring hand function improves independence and allows patients to return to their normal activities.
- Minimized scarring: With advanced techniques, surgery is often less invasive, resulting in minimal scarring.
Risks or potential complications of orthopedic hand surgery
Like any surgery, orthopedic hand surgery carries some risks, including:
- Infection: Although rare, infections can occur after surgery, especially if proper care is not taken.
- Nerve damage: There is a possibility of further nerve damage during the procedure, which can affect sensation or motor function.
- Scarring: While advanced techniques minimize scarring, it is still possible to experience visible scars, especially with complex surgeries.
- Poor healing: In some cases, the hand may not heal as expected, requiring additional procedures or extended rehabilitation.
When to contact a healthcare provider?
After surgery, it’s important to monitor your recovery and seek medical advice if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent pain, swelling, or redness around the surgical site.
- Fever or other signs of infection.
- Numbness or loss of sensation in the hand or fingers.
- Any other unusual symptoms that may indicate complications.
If you’re unsure about any symptoms, it’s always a good idea to contact your provider for guidance.
What makes us the best hospital for orthopedic hand surgery in Ahmedabad?
We are committed to providing exceptional care and delivering the highest standards of treatment for orthopedic hand surgery. Here’s why we are considered the best choice for orthopedic hand surgery in Ahmedabad:
Expertise of Dr. Karn Maheshwari
He is a highly skilled hand & wrist surgeon, specializing in orthopedic hand surgery. His expertise ensures that you receive the most effective and precise treatment, tailored to your specific needs.
Personalized treatment plans
We believe that no two patients are the same. Dr. Maheshwari tailors each treatment plan based on your specific symptoms, lifestyle, and preferences, ensuring you get the most effective and least invasive care possible.
Minimally invasive surgery
When surgery is necessary, we use the latest techniques to reduce scarring, shorten recovery times, and get you back to your daily activities faster.
Comprehensive physiotherapy
Our in-house physiotherapy team, led by Dr. Maheshwari, provides targeted rehabilitation exercises post-surgery to ensure optimal recovery and restore hand function as quickly as possible.
State-of-the-art facility
Our hospital is equipped with modern medical technologies, ensuring precise diagnostics and advanced treatment options for every patient.
Patient-centric care
From your first consultation to your follow-up care, our team is dedicated to providing a comfortable, compassionate experience. We prioritize open communication, answering all your questions and keeping you informed every step of the way.
Awards & Achievements
What our patients say about their hand treatment
- B-Wing 201 & 210, 2nd Floor, Shaligram Lakeview Commercial, Above Domino's, S.P. Ring Road, Nr. Vaishnodevi Circle (Vaishnodevi-Zundal Highway Service Road), Ahmedabad-382421
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FAQs about hand replantation
You can schedule an appointment by calling or booking an appointment online through our website. Our team will assist you with the scheduling process and provide additional details about your consultation.
During your first consultation, the surgeon will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, review your medical history, and perform any necessary imaging studies (X-rays, MRIs, etc.) to assess the extent of the injury or condition.
It’s helpful to bring a list of your current medications, any previous medical reports or imaging related to your condition, and a record of your symptoms to the appointment.
Yes, we accept a wide range of insurance plans. Please contact us or your insurance provider for specific coverage details regarding consultations, diagnostic tests, and surgery-related expenses.
Recovery times vary depending on the complexity of the surgery. For most hand surgeries, initial healing takes a few weeks, but full recovery may take several months. Our team will provide detailed post-operative care instructions to support your healing process.
Yes, we offer physiotherapy services as part of the recovery process. Our expert physiotherapists will help you with personalized rehabilitation exercises to restore strength, function, and mobility to your hand.
In most cases, surgery is scheduled after a thorough evaluation and imaging studies. The procedure will be planned based on the severity and complexity of the condition.
Wait times may vary depending on the urgency of your condition, surgical availability, and other factors. We will provide you with an estimated timeline during your consultation.
We offer a variety of diagnostic tests, including X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, to assess the injury or condition and determine the best treatment approach.
Before surgery, you may be asked to avoid smoking, alcohol, and blood-thinning medications, as these can interfere with healing. Specific instructions will be provided based on your individual needs.
Patient safety is our top priority. We adhere to strict protocols for surgical procedures, including pre-operative assessments, sterilization techniques, and continuous monitoring during and after surgery to minimize risks.
Most hand orthopedic surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to go home the same day. However, if there are complications or other medical considerations, an overnight stay may be recommended.