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Hand, Wrist, and Elbow Surgery Austin

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.

Whether you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, broken bones, arthritis, or trigger finger, the hand, wrist, and elbow surgery expert at Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin, Dr. Gregg Vagner, is prepared to diagnose, treat, and cure your condition. If your musculoskeletal issue lies in another part of the body, we can direct you to a corresponding-area specialist on our team.

About Hand, Wrist, and Elbow Surgery

Dr. Vagner treats 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

Common Hand, Wrist, and Elbow Conditions

• Broken arm: This results from trauma, such as falling on an outstretched hand, and is usually accompanied by a loud cracking at the moment of impact. It takes several weeks to heal, and surgery is not always needed.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: 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 Fracture in Kids: 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 Cyst: 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.
• Hand Fracture: These breaks 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 Fracture: 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) Fracture: 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.

More about Hand, Wrist, and Elbow Surgery

Dr. Vagner would be happy to meet with you to discuss treatment of the upper extremities, including hand, wrist, and elbow surgery, at our Austin facilities. If you reside in Travis County or Central Texas and are in need of orthopedic care, please contact our practice today.