We will try to correct your concern with the most minimally invasive surgical solutions available. Our doctor will see if you qualify for endoscopic hand surgery since it has many benefits that separate it from traditional surgical methods:
Hand Surgery
Injury and Chronic Conditions
Injuries and chronic conditions in your hand can make even basic tasks challenging and painful. Hand surgery from Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin can restore function to your hands and minimize pain.
See how minimally invasive surgery at our offices in the Austin, TX, area can improve your quality of life.
Benefits of Hand Surgery
at Our Austin-area Offices
Minimized Pain
Having a chronic hand condition usually involves some level of consistent pain. By correcting the issue through orthopedic techniques, our hand surgeons can alleviate or greatly minimize your pain.
Restore Appearance
Damaged tendons or nerves can cause swelling around the joints. Some conditions can cause lumps to form in your hands. Hand surgery at one of our offices can improve the look of your hands, reducing swelling and eliminating any lumps.
Better Function
Hand issues like carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis can make it difficult to use your hands. Tasks like typing, writing, and opening doors can become much more difficult if your nerves are damaged or if your hand is suffering from an injury. Our orthopedic specialists use the least invasive techniques available to restore function to your hands, allowing you to type, cook and open doors with ease.
Is Hand Surgery Necessary?
Our doctors always aim to correct your condition or injury through non-invasive methods, but sometimes surgery is the best option for patients. We will review your medical history and come up with a plan that works for you during your consultations, but you may need surgery if:
You've Tried Non-Invasive Methods
If you have tried non-invasive methods, like medication, physical therapy, and rest but still have uncomfortable symptoms, you may benefit from hand surgery. We'll always try non-invasive methods first when treating your condition.
Painful Symptoms Affect Your Life
If symptoms like discomfort, swelling, and stiffness cause daily pain that interferes with your lift, hand surgery may be necessary. You may also need hand surgery if these symptoms affect the overall function of your hand.
Your Injury or Condition Requires Surgery
We can often fix minor injuries with splints and other non-invasive methods. However, if your injury is severe or your condition is not responding to non-invasive methods, hand surgery may be the best option to give you back your freedom.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
A pinched nerve in the wrist can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. The pinched nerve can result from wrist placement when typing and using a computer, a fracture, or other factors. Carpal tunnel syndrome can weaken your hands and cause chronic pain. Numbness and tingling are other common symptoms.
If we diagnose you with carpal tunnel syndrome at one of our Austin offices or at Leander, TX, locations, we can recommend treatments like bracing or cortisone shots. For advanced carpal tunnel syndrome, we may recommend a surgical procedure.
Arthritis
If you're experiencing swelling and tenderness in the joints, you may have arthritis. Pain and stiffness are other common symptoms associated with the condition. Our hand surgeons can treat different forms of arthritis including osteoarthritis, wrist arthritis, thumb arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Medication and therapy can help manage different forms of arthritis. If you have joint damage or are experiencing more severe complications, our doctors may recommend endoscopic surgery.
Hand Fracture
Your hands may swell and be in pain after a fall or bad car accident. If you suspect that you're suffering from a hand fracture, you should have it examined as soon as possible. The bones may heal incorrectly if you avoid seeing a doctor, which can hinder your functionality and cause chronic pain.
Our doctors may be able to treat a fractured hand with a cast or a splint. Should your hand require surgery, our hand surgeons will use advanced tools and conservative techniques during the procedure.
More Hand Injuries
Wrist Fracture
A wrist fracture that heals without proper treatment limit the function of your hand and wrist. Our doctors offer both surgical and non-surgical treatments to ensure your wrist heals with greater mobility.
Ganglion Cyst
Joint fluid can buildup under your hand or wrist, causing a ganglion cyst. Our doctors can drain the cyst with a needle or inject it with medicine to shrink it. We can also perform surgery to remove the bump.
Trigger Finger
Your finger or thumb can become stiff and even locked into a bent position. If your thumb or finger is in pain or there is a popping sensation when you bend or straighten it, you may have a trigger finger. Our surgeon can examine your thumb or finger to determine if a steroid injection or splint may help. If not, surgery may be the best option.
Managing Hand Pain
Arthritis and carpal tunnel can cause chronic pain. If you're waiting for surgery or are managing your condition through non-surgical methods, our doctors recommend the following for managing hand pain:
- Reduce repetitive hand movements
- Wear splints at night
- Minimize stress levels
- Wear protective gear like gloves and wristguards
- Minimize the level of strain on your hands
Types of Hand Surgeries Performed at Our Greater Austin, TX Offices
Endoscopic
Often used to address carpal tunnel syndrome, endoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive method that involves small incisions in the hand and wrist. A tiny camera is put through the incision, allowing our surgeons to see the ligaments, nerves, or tendons they're working on.
Arthroscopic
A specific form of endoscopic surgery, arthroscopic surgery uses a small camera to treat a joint. This form of surgery is often used for a wrist or elbow.
Open
Large incisions are made on the hand, allowing surgeons to access bones, tendons, and nerves. This type of surgery causes the most scarring and has the longest recovery time.
Benefits of Endoscopic Hand Surgery
Less Pain
Endoscopic surgery reaches the nerves and tendons within your hand through a small incision. This smaller incision and precise operation reduce the pain following surgery because of decreased tissue damage.
Quicker Recovery
The smaller incision with endoscopic hand surgery also lends to a faster recovery, and your hand post-surgery remains virtually unchanged except for a small scar from the incision.
Faster Results
Patients may feel the benefits of endoscopic surgery faster than open hand surgery patients because the pain from the operation subsides much faster. Once the pain subsides, patients can feel the benefits of surgery.
Fewer Appointments
Patients undergoing open hand surgery have a higher risk of complications post-surgery that can stall the healing process and require follow-up visits. No physical therapy or stitches are needed with endoscopic hand surgery.
Healing From Hand Surgery
Bandages
To help minimize swelling after surgery, our Austin-area doctors may instruct you to wrap your hand in bandages.
Stretching
Your hands will generally be kept immobile so they heal as quickly as possible. However, it is important that you stretch your hands and wrists so they remain mobile.
Splint
A splint will keep your hand in place, helping it heal faster. As you progress through the healing period, your doctor will let you know when you can wear the splint less and use your hand more.
Follow-up Appointments
It is important to attend your follow-up appointments at our Texas offices so our doctors can ensure your hand is healing correctly. This is also a time to discuss any questions or concerns about your hand.