Hand, Wrist, and Elbow Surgery
Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis can restrict mobility in your hands, wrists, and arms and keep you from many activities.
At Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin, our orthopedic surgeons can help you find lasting relief.
Learn how surgery performed by a specialist at our Austin, TX, office can help you enjoy life to the fullest...
Personalized Treatment Options
Whether you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, broken bones, arthritis, or trigger finger, we have a procedure for you. Our treatment options range from minimally invasive, non-surgical therapies to surgical intervention. If your musculoskeletal issue lies in another part of the body, we can direct you to a corresponding specialist on our team.
Care from a Specialist
Our orthopaedic surgeons are all fellowship-trained and board-certified in their specialties. Our team can provide the most specialized and advanced care possible.
Long-Term or Permanent Relief
Whether you undergo a non-surgical initial treatment or a surgical procedure, treating your condition can immensely relieve your discomfort and improve your quality of life. Treating conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and wrist pain can increase your mobility and vitality, allowing you to improve your performance in your personal and professional life.These Types of Complaints Are Very Common
Common Conditions Treated by Our Orthopaedic Surgeon
Broken Arms
These result from trauma, such as falling on an outstretched hand, and are usually accompanied by a loud cracking at the moment of impact. They take several weeks to heal, and surgery is not always needed.Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
This condition is caused by compression of the median nerve at the wrist. Common symptoms include numbness and tingling in the hand, especially at night. If medication or splinting is unsuccessful, endoscopic or traditional carpal tunnel surgery may be done at our practice.
Elbow Bursitis
If the bursa is inflamed from trauma, prolonged pressure, or infection, the skin may not be able to move freely over the underlying elbow bone. Surgery is needed when medication proves ineffective.
Elbow Fractures
Also known as olecranon fractures for the tip of the elbow, breaking may occur from direct impact. These are extremely painful, and may be healed with either a sling or surgery.
Forearm Fractures in Children
A broken forearm is extremely painful, and yields the appearance of a bent arm. Fortunately, a child’s bones heal quickly with the help of prompt medical treatment, such as a cast, splint, or alignment surgery.
Ganglion Cysts
This is the most common mass found on the hand or wrist. These are fluid-filled sacs that arise from irritated tendon sheaths or joint linings. They commonly will resolve on their own or wax and wane in size, so surgery is rarely required.
Golfer's Elbow
This involves inflammation of the tendons on the inside of the elbow. Weight training, computer use, and other actions involving repetitive motions can result in a case of golfer's elbow.
Hand Fractures
Hand fractures can occur in the small or long bones of the fingers, respectively known as the phalanges and metacarpals. When a cast, splint, or brace are not viable, stabilizing surgery may be needed.
Radial Head Fractures
This refers to a break in the small bone, or radius, located in the forearm. Depending on the degree or type of fracture, surgery may be needed.
Tennis Elbow
Resulting from overuse, this condition of the elbow is characterized by a painful sensation in the outer elbow and lessened ability to grip. Changing equipment, rest, therapy, wearing a brace, or medication may be necessary. In some cases, repair can only be achieved through open or arthroscopic surgery.
Trigger Finger
An irritated sheath that surrounds the flexor tendon can pinch the flexor tendon when attempting to flex the finger, causing a locking sensation of the tendon. Nonsurgical treatment is typically recommended. However, it is possible to undergo surgery in severe cases.
Wrist (or Colles) Fractures
A fracture of the larger of the two forearm bones—the radius—occurs when the area near the wrist breaks. When correction cannot be achieved with a cast, surgery may be required.Wrist Arthritis
The two main types of wrist arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. This condition involves swelling and limited strength and motion, making it difficult to perform many tasks. If medicine is ineffective, surgery may be required.
Ulnar Nerve Entrapment
The ulnar nerve, one of three main nerves in the arm, may become compressed. It is usually called the funny bone; entrapment usually occurs behind the elbow. Anti-inflammatory medicine or steroid injections are recommended, but surgery is sometimes needed.
The Solution is at Your Fingertips
Your hands are complex, made up of many small bones called carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges. The two bones of the lower arm, the radius and ulna, meet at the hand to form the wrist. The median and ulnar nerves are responsible for the movement of, as well as strength and sensation in, the hand. In addition, many flexor and extensor tendons cross the wrist and hand, serving to move the wrist and digits. As for the elbow, it is more than a hinge joint; the steady use of the hands rests on stable, painless elbow joints.
About Hand, Wrist, and Elbow Surgery
Our orthopedic specialists treat simple and complex disorders of the upper extremities. In addition to preventive measures, medication, and therapy, the doctor rounds out our services by providing a range of treatments and hand, wrist, and elbow surgery for Austin patients, including:
- Endoscopic carpal tunnel release
- Congenital and pediatric hand surgery
- Complex reconstruction and joint replacement
- Rheumatic disease of the hand and wrist, such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Athletic injuries of the hand, wrist and elbow
- Complex traumatic injuries to the upper extremity
"Thank you. I also wanted to complement your staff at my last visit. The X-ray technician was very pleasant and gentle with her instructions and your office staff was very friendly. I already raved about your PA who stated she just had a baby four weeks ago, wow that’s dedication to her job."
