Hand & Wrist
- Anatomy
- Conditions
- Procedures
Hand Anatomy
The human hand is made up of the wrist, palm, and fingers and consists of 27 bones, 27 joints, 34 muscles, over 100 ligaments and tendons, and many blood vessels and nerves.
Tenosynovitis
The muscles and bones of the hand are connected by thick flexible tissue called tendons. Tendons are covered by a thin soft sheath of tissue known as synovium. Extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus are two tendons located on the thumb side of the wrist. Inflammation and swelling of the tendon sheaths put pressure on the adjacent nerves and leads to pain and numbness in the thumb side of the wrist.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common condition that affects the hand and wrist. It occurs when the Median Nerve in the wrist is compressed. Nerves carry messages between our brains, spinal cord, and body parts. The Median Nerve carries signals for sensation and muscle movement. When the Median Nerve is compressed or entrapped, it cannot function properly.
Dupuytren’s Contracture
Dupuytren’s disease causes an abnormal thickening of the tissues located underneath the skin in the palm of the hand. As the tissue thickens it can form lumps and strong cords. The abnormal growth causes the fingers to bend in towards the palm of the hand. Severe symptoms can cause contractures and loss of hand function. Dupuytren’s disease generally progresses slowly, but progression is unpredictable.
Trigger Finger
The ability to bend the fingers is governed by supportive tendons that connect muscles to the bones of the fingers. The tendons run along the length of the bone and are kept in place at intervals by tunnels of ligaments called pulleys. When the fingers bend, or are straightened, a slippery coating called tenosynovium helps the tendons smoothly glide through the ligaments with reduced friction.
Wrist Fractures
A scaphoid fracture most commonly results from a fall on an outstretched hand. The scaphoid is a small bone located on the thumb side of your wrist. It is the most commonly broken bone in the wrist. Because symptoms can be minimal, scaphoid fractures are frequently mistaken as sprained wrists. Scaphoid fractures require casting or surgery.
Fractures of the Hand and Fingers
The hand is one of the most flexible and useful parts of our body. Because of overuse in various activities, the hands are more prone to injuries, such as sprains and strains, fractures and dislocations, lacerations and amputations while operating machinery, bracing against a fall and sports-related injuries.
Hand Infections
The hand becomes infected more frequently as it is one of the most commonly injured parts of our body. Hand infections, if left untreated or treated improperly, can cause disabilities such as stiffness, contracture, weakness, and loss of tissues (skin, nerve and bone) that will persist even after the infection resolves. Therefore, prompt treatment of hand infections is important.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a common disease that causes joint pain, stiffness, immobility, and swelling. Arthritis is actually a term for a group of over 100 diseases that affect the muscle and skeletal system, particularly the joints. Arthritis alters the cartilage in joints. Cartilage is a very tough, shock absorbing material that covers the ends of many of our bones.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is an inflammatory condition that can develop in a tendon. Tendons are strong fibers that connect your muscles to your bones. Tendonitis most frequently results from overuse of a joint. Symptoms include pain and tenderness.
Lumps & Bumps
Coming Soon
Bursitis
Coming Soon
Hand Therapy
Hand Therapy is a specialized area of rehabilitation. Your doctor may refer you to an occupational therapist or physical therapist with advanced skills or a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) for hand therapy. A CHT is an occupational or physical therapist that has completed continued education, supervised training, and testing to earn credentials beyond a therapy degree. Hand therapists focus on rehabilitation for conditions that affect the hand and arm.
Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common condition that affects the hand and wrist. It occurs when the Median Nerve in the wrist is compressed. Nerves carry messages between our brains, spinal cord, and body parts. The Median Nerve carries signals for sensation and muscle movement. When the Median Nerve is compressed or entrapped, it cannot function properly.
Trigger Finger Release
Trigger Finger and Trigger Thumb, medically termed Stenosing Tenosynovitis, are common hand conditions. This condition occurs when the tendons in the thumb and fingers do not glide smoothly. Tendons are strong tissues that connect our muscles to our bones. Trigger Finger and Trigger Thumb causes the tendons to catch or get stuck when the fingers or thumb bend.
Fracture Surgery
Wrist fractures are a very common type of orthopedic injury. They occur most often as the result of a fall. When we fall, it is our natural instinct to stretch out our arms in an attempt to cushion ourselves. However, this causes our full body weight to land on our wrists. There are several types of wrist fractures that can result from a fall or other source of injury. The type and location of the wrist fracture determines how it is treated.
Thumb CMC (Basal Joint) Arthroplasty - Thumb Joint Reconstruction
The thumb joint at the base of the thumb is the most mobile in the hand. The thumb can move up and down, in and out, and rotate slightly to touch the fingers. We move our thumbs hundreds of times each day. The thumb works as a grip when we use a hammer or hold a glass. The thumb also acts as a stabilizer to allow the fingers to manipulate items. We use such precision movements for counting coins and handwriting.
Wide-Awake Hand Surgery (In-Office)
Wide-awake hand surgery is an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia only, without the use of sedation or general anesthesia, usually in a clinic setting.
Injections and Medication
Injections and medications for the hand and wrist are provided to treat pain, inflammation, and various musculoskeletal conditions. They can provide relief and improve function in conditions like arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendinitis.
Drainage of Infections
Infections of the hand and wrist can involve any area affecting the skin and underlying tissues including bone. It may involve an area of injury or a surgical wound.
Excision of Masses
Excision of masses in the hand and wrist involves the surgical removal of abnormal growths, such as cysts, tumors, or lipomas. This procedure is essential for alleviating discomfort, restoring function, and preventing potential complications.