Hand Procedures

Arthritis of the Hand

An estimated 20 percent of Americans has at least one joint with symptoms of arthritis. These symptoms fall on a spectrum, and the cases of severe arthritis seriously affect quality of life. In fact, arthritis, caused by a variety of things, is the leading cause of disability in our country.

Dupuytren's Contracture

More common in men than women, Dupuytren’s contracture is when the tough tissue underneath the skin of the palm and fingers thickens abnormally. This can cause the fingers to curl. The cause of the problem is unknown, but treatments are available.

Flexor Tendon Injuries

Tendons are tissues that connect muscles to bone. When muscles contract, tendons pull on bones. This is what causes some parts of the body to move. The muscles that move the fingers and thumb (the flexor muscles) are located in the forearm, above the wrist. Most often the flexor tendons are damaged by a cut. Additionally, athletic injuries are also commonly contribute to flexor tendon injuries.

Fracture of the Finger

An improperly treated or untreated fractured finger can cause serious problems. The small bones of the hand align precisely and intricately to allow us to handle small objects with dexterity, and a finger fracture can throw the entire hand out of alignment. Furthermore, you’ll probably be dealing with stiffness and pain unless the issue is resolved.

Hand Fractures

Fractures of the hand can occur in either the small bones of the fingers (phalanges) or the long bones (metacarpals). They can result from a twisting injury, a fall, a crush injury, or direct contact in sports. Signs and symptoms of a broken bone in the hand include: swelling, tenderness, deformity, inability to move the finger, shortened finger, finger crosses over its neighbor when making a partial fist, or depressed knuckle.

Thumb Fractures

A broken thumb is a serious problem. It affects the ability to grasp items. A broken thumb can increase the risk of arthritis later in life. Although a break can occur in any of these bones, the most serious breaks happen near the joints. This is particularly true when the fracture occurs at the base of the thumb near the wrist.

Trigger Finger

A trigger finger, more common in women than men, occurs when the motion of the tendon that opens and closes the finger is limited, causing the finger to lock or catch as the finger is extended. The cause is not always known, and it occurs most frequently in people who are between the ages of 40 and 60 years of age. Trigger fingers are more common in people with certain medical problems, such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.