Hand fractures and joint problems can affect virtually all aspects of your life. Daily tasks like writing, cooking, or cleaning the house could become challenging to complete. Some cases may require hand and upper extremity surgery Oklahoma City. Find out more about the different types of hand conditions and surgical processes to treat them.
Stenosis tenosynovitis or trigger finger
Also known as trigger finger, stenosis tenosynovitis is a condition that usually affects the ring finger and thumb. Its main characteristic is the finger remaining flexed after clenching and opening the fist.
The precise factors that lead to trigger fingers are unknown. Research has indicated a link with diabetes.
The finger locks into the flex position due to the degeneration of the flexor tendon. The fibrous tissue changes force the tendon to behave like cartilage tissue.
Steroidal injections can address some cases of trigger fingers. But medication is not suitable for people with type 1 diabetes.
Fortunately, surgery can restore the function of the finger. Trigger finger surgery is an outpatient process that involves incisions under local anesthesia to release the finger.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
The carpal tunnel is a neuropathic condition that affects the function of the median nerve. The carpal tunnel area runs through the middle of the palm, stretching from the hand to the forearm. It houses the median nerve and tendons.
Pressure from the carpal tunnel can influence the median nerve function. It restricts circulation in the hand, leading to numbness and pins and needles. For mild cases, bracing can relieve symptoms.
If bracing and corticosteroid injections do not alleviate symptoms, your provider may recommend surgery. A surgical procedure can remove the pressure at the base of the carpel tunnel to address pain and numbness.
Hand arthritis, joint replacement, and fusion
Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that degenerates the bones and joints. It causes the immune system to attack joints making them stiff and painful. When it affects the hand, it leads to impairments, such as loss of mobility, pain, and disability.
When treating hand arthritis, your provider will exhaust other options such as pain medication and bracing. That is because a joint replacement has a higher risk of complications.
Arthroplasty or joint replacement involves removing the joint and placing an artificial implant. The process can replace knuckle, wrist, and hand joints.
The thumb joint is much more complicated to replace. Therefore, surgeons may suggest fusion to alleviate pain. But fusing the joint may cause loss of mobility and function.
Surgery for hand fractures
Hand fractures on the fingers or metacarpals may sometimes require a surgical procedure to treat. Fractures may cause pain, tenderness, and limited motion in the finger. Surgery can facilitate healing and restore function.
Surgery involves cuts to allow the repositioning of the bones that are out of place. Your surgeon may use screws and pins to shift the bones and correct their position. The process will depend on the location and type of fracture on your hand.
To explore your hand surgery options, contact Prairie Garden Medical to schedule your appointment today.
