Hand surgery
Hand surgery includes surgical procedures for treating conditions affecting the nerves, tendons, ligaments and soft tissues of the hand, fingers, wrist, forearm and elbow. It may help reduce tingling and pain in the hands and fingers, finger locking, contractures, muscle wasting and various lumps or growths in the hand area.
What is hand surgery?
Hand surgery is a specialised field of surgery that helps restore the function of the hand, fingers and arm, reduce pain and improve everyday quality of life.
Problems affecting the hand and arm may be associated with nerve compression, inflammation of the tendons or ligaments, changes in connective tissue, benign growths or restricted movement.
Hand surgery is performed to treat various conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome, ganglion cysts, Dupuytren’s disease, stenosing tenosynovitis, De Quervain’s disease, cubital tunnel syndrome and pronator syndrome.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome develops when the median nerve is compressed in the wrist area. It may cause tingling in the hands and fingers, particularly at night, pain in the hand or arm, weakness and, in long-standing cases, muscle wasting.
During surgery, the ligament is divided to reduce pressure within the carpal tunnel and release the nerve.
The aim of the operation is to reduce tingling and pain in the hands and fingers and prevent the consequences of nerve compression.
The operation is performed under local anaesthesia and takes approximately 30 minutes.
When is carpal tunnel surgery required?
Carpal tunnel surgery may be required when tingling, pain or weakness persists, becomes worse at night or interferes with everyday activities.
During the consultation, the doctor assesses the symptoms, hand function and any necessary examinations to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
Ganglion cysts
A ganglion cyst is a lump that develops in the hand or wrist area and may cause aesthetic concerns, a feeling of pressure, restricted movement or pain. Ganglion cysts are also commonly referred to as wrist lumps.
During surgery, the growth is removed and sent for histological examination.
The operation is performed under local anaesthesia and takes approximately 30 minutes.
Why is histological examination required after removing a ganglion cyst?
Histological examination helps determine the nature of the removed growth.
It is important for confirming the diagnosis and planning any further treatment or monitoring.
Dupuytren’s disease
Dupuytren’s disease is a connective tissue condition in which firm nodules and tightened bands of tissue develop in the palm.
These changes may gradually restrict the ability to straighten the fingers and cause a contracture. The fingers remain in a bent position and become difficult to straighten fully.
During surgery, the connective tissue causing the firm nodules and tightening of the fingers is removed.
The aim of the operation is to release the contracture and straighten the fingers.
The operation is performed under general or local anaesthesia and takes approximately one to one and a half hours.
What are the symptoms of Dupuytren’s disease?
Small areas of thickening or nodules may initially appear in the palm.
Over time, they may form tight bands that pull the fingers towards the palm.
A specialist should be consulted if it becomes difficult to straighten the fingers.
Stenosing tenosynovitis, or trigger finger
Stenosing tenosynovitis is a condition in which the finger tendon cannot move freely. The finger may lock, become painful or click when it is bent and straightened.
During surgery, the ligament above the tendon is divided to release the tendon and restore its movement.
The aim of the operation is to eliminate finger locking and pain.
The operation is performed under local anaesthesia and takes approximately 30 minutes.
When should a specialist be consulted?
A specialist consultation is recommended if the finger regularly catches, clicks or hurts, or if it is difficult to straighten fully in the morning.
A timely consultation helps determine whether surgery is required or whether another treatment approach may be suitable.
De Quervain’s disease
De Quervain’s disease, or De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, affects the tendon sheaths on the thumb side of the wrist. It may cause pain in the thumb, wrist or forearm.
The pain often becomes worse when gripping objects, lifting a child, turning the wrist or moving the thumb.
During surgery, the ligament over the tendon in the forearm is divided to reduce pressure and allow the tendon to move more freely.
The aim of the operation is to relieve pain in the thumb and wrist.
The operation is performed under local anaesthesia and takes approximately 30 minutes.
What symptoms are associated with De Quervain’s disease?
Common symptoms include pain at the base of the thumb, pain on the thumb side of the wrist, restricted movement and discomfort during everyday gripping movements.
The exact diagnosis is made by the doctor during a consultation.
Cubital tunnel syndrome
Cubital tunnel syndrome develops when the ulnar nerve is compressed in the elbow area.
It may cause tingling in the fingers, particularly the little finger and ring finger, as well as weakness of the hand and, in long-standing cases, muscle wasting.
During surgery, the ligament in the elbow area is divided and the ulnar nerve is released.
The aim of the operation is to reduce tingling in the fingers and prevent the consequences of nerve compression.
The operation is performed under general anaesthesia and takes approximately one hour.
Why should cubital tunnel syndrome not be ignored?
Long-term nerve compression may affect hand strength, finger sensation and muscle condition.
If tingling or weakness persists, it is important to consult a specialist without delay.
Pronator syndrome
In pronator syndrome, the median nerve is compressed in the forearm.
The symptoms may resemble those of carpal tunnel syndrome and can include tingling in the hands and fingers, particularly at night, pain in the arm and muscle weakness or wasting.
During surgery, the ligament in the forearm is divided and the median nerve is released.
The aim of the operation is to reduce tingling in the hands and fingers, relieve arm pain and reduce the risk of muscle wasting.
The operation is performed under general anaesthesia and takes approximately one hour.
How can pronator syndrome be distinguished from carpal tunnel syndrome?
Both conditions may cause tingling and pain in the arm, but the location of the nerve compression is different.
The exact diagnosis is made by a specialist after assessing the symptoms, hand function and any necessary examinations.
Preparing for hand surgery
A medical consultation is required before surgery.
During the consultation, the doctor assesses the symptoms, hand function, duration of the condition, any necessary examinations and the patient’s general health.
The doctor explains how the operation is performed, the type of anaesthesia, potential risks and the recovery period.
Each case is individual, so detailed information about the operation, recovery time and postoperative restrictions is provided during the consultation.
Recovery after hand surgery
The duration of recovery depends on the type of operation, the severity of the condition, tissue healing and the patient’s everyday activities.
Sensitivity, swelling, bruising or temporary discomfort may occur in the operated area after surgery.
It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions, protect the operated hand, avoid overloading it and attend follow-up appointments.
In some cases, hand exercises or rehabilitation may be recommended to restore movement and strength.
Common myths about hand surgery
Myth: Tingling in the hands always goes away on its own.
Tingling in the hands and fingers may be temporary, but it can also indicate nerve compression. A specialist should be consulted if the tingling occurs regularly, becomes worse at night or is accompanied by pain and weakness.
Myth: Hand surgery is always lengthy and complicated.
Many hand surgery procedures are performed under local anaesthesia and take approximately 30 minutes. The extent of the operation and the type of anaesthesia depend on the specific diagnosis.
Myth: Surgery is never required for trigger finger.
In some cases, trigger finger can be treated without surgery. However, if symptoms persist or interfere with everyday activities, surgical release of the ligament may be required. The doctor determines the most appropriate treatment.
