The human hand is one of the most complex human body structures. Every person needs his hand to perform optimally. However, certain traumatic events, accidents, injuries, infection, arthritis or even certain pathological processes may hinder the optimal functioning of the hand. This is when visiting an orthopaedic hand surgeon Like Dr. David Graham at John Flynn Hospital Gold Coast, or Pindara Hospital Gold Coast can prove to be a lifesaver.
There are many alternative kinds of surgeries that may be performed on the hand, counting on the underlying reason behind the problem. The following is a brief summary of a number of the categories of surgery that may be performed:
Closed reduction and fixation:
This technique could also be used once there's a fracture in part of the hand, as well as the fingers. This type of surgery tries to align the broken bone then immobilize the area during the healing phase. Immobilization will be done with internal fixtures, like with wires, rods, splints, and casts.
Tendon repair:
Repair of connective tissues remains a surgical challenge owing to the structure of the tendon. Tendon injuries can occur because of infection, trauma, or spontaneous rupture. Repair of connective tissue is also classified as primary, delayed primary, or secondary. Primary repair of an acute injury is sometimes completed within twenty-four hours of the injury. Delayed primary repair is sometimes performed a couple of days after the injury while there is still an opening in the skin from the wound. Secondary repairs might occur 2 to 5 weeks or longer after the injury. Primary repairs sometimes involve direct surgical correction of the injury whereas secondary repairs might embody connective tissue grafts (inserting tendons from different areas of the body in place of the damaged tendon) or other more complex procedures.
Nerve repairs:
There are 3 main nerves that innervate the hand, together with the ulnar nerve, the median nerve, and the radial nerve. Damage to those nerves from injury might lead to reduced ability to manoeuvre the hand and experience feeling. Some nerve injuries might heal on their own while others require surgery. Overall, about 3 to 6 weeks after the injury is the best time for nerve repairs that are associated with different, more complicated, injuries. Surgery to analyze a broken nerve that's not complicated by alternative injuries is sometimes performed early after the trauma, to increase the chance of a full recovery.
Surgical drainage and/or debridement:
Our hands are perpetually in danger of injury and infection. Infections of the hand are a typical reason individuals ask for treatment. The treatment for infections to the hand may include rest, use of heat, elevation, antibiotics, and surgery. Surgical emptying could also be used if there's a symptom in the hand of gathering of pus. Debridement, or cleansing of a wound to stop more infection and assist promote healing could also be used if the infection or wound is severe.
Dr. David Graham is an orthopaedic hand surgeon who also specializes in wrist surgery and hand and microsurgery. His expertise at John Flynn Hospital Gold Coast and Pindara Hospital Gold Coast provides streamlined and optimized care for any hand condition with a promise for a substantial recovery and a healthy future.
