What is hand surgery?
Hand surgery is performed for several reasons, for an infection in the hand, for an injury to the hand, or to correct conditions that may affect the hand in the long term. Surgery can be performed on different areas of the hand, and it is advisable to correct the bones or soft tissues of the hand. Hand surgery is usually performed by a general surgeon, orthopedic surgeon or plastic surgeon.
Why is hand surgery performed?
Hand surgery is often performed to correct the following conditions:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Trigger or trigger finger
- Hand injuries and trauma
- Tendon repair
- Joint replacement
- Congenital defects
- Inflammatory arthritis
- Dupuytren’s contracture
- A bone deformity or additional growth (such as the formation of metacarpal protrusions).
There are different reasons why a patient may be determined to undergo
hand surgery
What is hand surgery?
Hand surgery varies depending on the type of condition you are trying to correct. Many surgeries are performed as minor surgeries, which means that the patient can leave the hospital the same day the operation is performed. Some operations are performed under local anesthesia, which means the patient is awake. Daytime operations are generally preferred, as they allow for a faster healing time.
What is the postoperative care after surgery?
Surgery may also be accompanied by physical therapy or visits to a specialist who will show the patient how to strengthen his or her hand and control movement and functionality. Depending on the surgery, a splint may also be recommended to help throughout the healing process. Health care professionals will schedule follow-up appointments to check on progress. In some cases, stitches may need to be removed. Depending on the surgery, it may take a month or more before it heals completely and everything is back to normal.
How to prepare for hand surgery?
Before undergoing any type of surgery, talk to your surgeon about the procedure and its possible risks. Any type of surgery, even minimally invasive surgery, carries risks, and it is important to be aware of what could happen. Ask your doctor, surgeon or health care professional to explain anything you don’t understand before the day of surgery. He or she will also check your general health to make sure you will not have any problems under general anesthesia, in case it is used during the procedure.
Before you have surgery, plan your visit to the hospital, since you will have to do things one-handed afterwards. Think about the clothes you will wear, the route you will take, and whether you need a friend to help you with transportation. Talk to your surgeon so you are clear about the procedure and understand what is expected of you that day.