Type of Surgery
Information
Last updated: 11/24/2009
The purpose of hand surgery is the treatment of a broad range of problems that affect the hand, whether they result from cuts, burns, crushing injuries to the hand, or disease processes. Hand surgery includes procedures that treat traumatic injuries...
of the hands, including closed-fist injuries; congenital deformities; repetitive stress injuries; deformities caused by arthritis and similar disorders affecting the joints; nail problems; and tendon repair.
The central priority of the hand surgeon is adequate reconstruction of the skin, bone, nerve, tendon, and joint(s) in the hand. Proper repair of any cuts, tears, or burns in the skin will help to ensure a wound free of infection and will provide cover for the anatomical structures beneath the skin. Early repair and grafting is an essential component of hand surgery. Nerve repair is important because a delay in reconnecting the nerve fibers may affect the recovery of sensation in the hand. Restoration of sensation in the hand is necessary if the patient is to recover a reasonable level of functionality. Next, the bones in the hand must be stabilized in a fixed position before the surgeon can repair joints or tendons. Joint mobility may be restored by specific tendon repairs or grafts. In some cases, the patient's hand may require several operations over a period of time to complete the repair.
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There are several bones in the wrist joint and trauma to this area can cause one of a number of wrist and arm fractures. One of the most common types of wrist fracture, called a Colles fracture, is discussed as well one way to treat the fracture.
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The field of hand surgery deals with both surgical and non-surgical treatment of conditions and problems that may take place in the hand or upper extremity (commonly from the tip of the hand to the shoulder). Hand surgery may be practiced by graduates of general surgery, orthopedic surgery and plastic surgery. Plastic surgeons and orthopedic surgeons receive significant training in hand surgery during their residency training, with some graduates continuing on to do an additional one year hand fellowship. These fellowships are sometimes also pursued by general surgeons. Plastic surgeons are particularly well suited to handle traumatic hand and digit amputations that require a "replant" operation. Plastic surgeons are trained to reconstruct all aspects to salvage the appendage: blood vessels, nerves, tendons, muscle, bone. Orthopedic surgeons are particularly well suited to handle complex fractures of the hand and injuries to the carpal bones that alter the mechanics of the wrist. Hand surgeons perform a wide variety of operations such as fracture repairs, nerve decompressions, releases, transfer and repairs of tendons and reconstruction of injuries, rheumatoid deformities and congenital defects.
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Orthopedic complaints are the most common reason to seek medical care.
From: About.com
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