Hand Injuries

What are Hand Injuries?

The structure of hand is quite intricate and complicated. Injuries sustained to any of the tissues of the hand i.e. bones, nerves, arteries, veins, muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments, and joint cartilage comprise Hand Injuries.

Where can I get surgical repair of Hand Injuries?

Country	Cost with MedSolution
India	$1,293 - minor  (inquire)
India	$2,043 - major  (inquire)

All prices are in US dollars and include the cost of the procedure and minimum hospital stay. Estimates and minimum hospital stay will vary depending upon individual needs and requirements.

What are some common Hand Injuries?

The hand is a strong and flexible part of the body which can perform many fine movements and fucntions. Hand comprises of fingers, palm and the wrist joint. Common Hand Injuries can be divided into:

• Sudden or Acute Hand Injuries - Sudden or Acute Hand Injuries are caused by direct blow, a penetrating injury, a fall, or from twisting, jerking, jamming, or bending your hand in an abnormal way.
  • Bruises - Bruise is a bluish discoloration of skin due to rupture of small blood vessels under the skin in the subcutaneous tissue. After a wrist or hand injury, bruising may extend to the fingers from the effects of gravity.
  • Injuries to:
    • Ligaments - e.g. torn thumb ligament
    • Tendons - torn tendon e.g. mallet finger
    • Joints - e.g. dislocation or sprain of finger or thumb joint.
    • Muscle - e.g. muscle strain
    • Fracture of a hand bone
    • Injury to blood vessels in the hand
    • Crushing injury - crushing of soft tissues of hand
  • Amputation
  • Infection
  • Burns
  • Cuts and lacerations
  • Nail injuries
• Overuse Hand Injuries - Overuse Hand Injuries may be caused by performing repetitive movements that cause strain on the joints and muscles.
  • Carpel Tunnel Syndrome - This is caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist.
  • Tendinosis - This type of injury may be caused by several small tears in the tendons and the surrounding tissues.
  • Tendinitis or Tenosynovitis - In this condition the wrist may be swollen due to inflammation of the tendons.

Who is an ideal candidate for surgical repair of Hand Injuries?

Hand Injuries can be very debilitating and can hinder your daily activities. If you are suffering from any of the Hand Injuries listed above and would like to improve the appearance and function of your hand, then you are an ideal candidate for surgical repair of Hand Injuries.

What does surgical repair of Hand Injuries involve?

Hand Injuries can most commonly be repaired by a surgical procedure on an outpatient basis requiring local anesthesia. Depending on the problem, your surgeon will repair the Hand Injuries accordingly. In many cases hand surgery can restore the normal feeling and function of the hand. Some of the surgical repair techniques commonly used for Hand Injuries include:

• Repairing of deep cuts and lacerations to the internal structure and tendons can be corrected by a specialist experienced in reconstructive surgery of the hand.
• Hand Injuries resulting from injury to the ligament may result in dislocation. Dislocated bones may be put back into place by a technique called reduction either by external manipulation (closed reduction) or by a surgical method (open reduction).
• Hand Injuries due to fractures or accidental amputation are fairly common and require surgical correction. A surgeon may attempt replantation of an amputated thumb or amputation of multiple fingers or the entire hand.
• Contractures and Burn Deformities of the hand due to electrical burn, chemical burn and cold injury are fairly common and can be corrected surgically.
• Grafting - This technique is used to transfer of skin, bone, nerves, or other tissue from a healthy part of the body to repair Hand Injuries.
• Flap surgery - In this technique the skin along with its underlying fat, blood vessels, and muscle from a healthy part of the body is moved to repair Hand Injuries.

How do I prepare pre-operatively for surgical repair of Hand Injuries?

Hand Injuries are most commonly repaired under local anesthesia with sedation however, in some cases general anesthesia may be used for procedures that might require manipulation of deeper tissues. A pre-operative consultation may comprise of a thorough examination and assessment of the Hand Injuries. Please make sure to inform your surgeon about your health condition, any prescription or non-prescription medication including vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements that you might be taking. Make arrangement for someone to help you around the house after your surgery to repair Hand Injuries until you can resume your daily activities.

What to expect during the post-operative period following surgical repair of Hand Injuries?

There might be moderate degree of pain after your surgery for Hand Injuries. Your hand may be immobilized in a sling or a splint for a few weeks. In order to regain full range of movement and function, your surgeon might recommend physical and rehabilitation therapy. Your regimen of therapy may include hand exercises, heat and massage therapy, electrical nerve stimulation, splinting, traction, and special wrappings to control swelling. Do not over use your hand or perform strenuous activities following surgical repair of Hand Injuries. Make sure you keep your dressing clean and dry. Vigilant post-operative care is very critical for speedy recovery and restoration of normal function of your hands.

What is the outcome of surgical repair of Hand Injuries?

The outcome of surgical repair of Hand Injuries is pretty good. Most of the patients are quite satisfied and can regain 98% of the movement and function of their hand. Like most cosmetic and re-constructive procedures, surgeries to repair Hand Injuries have a good success rate when performed by experienced and qualified surgeons.

B . R . A . N . D . of surgical repair of Hand Injuries

Benefits of surgical repair of Hand Injuries

• Appropriate evaluation and timely treatment of Hand Injuries can successfully restore the anatomical structure, normal appearance, movement and function of your hand without leaving behind any tell tale marks.

Risks of surgical repair of Hand Injuries

• Infection
• Excessive bleeding
• Hematoma formation
• Allergic reaction to anesthesia (if general anesthesia used)
• Poor or delayed healing
• Loss of feeling
• Limitation of movement

Alternatives to surgical repair of Hand Injuries

• There are no alternative treatment options available to treat Hand Injuries. However, immediate treatment when Hand Injuries are sustained include:
  • Rest
  • Immobilization - place it in a splint
  • Ice
  • Keep the area dry and clean.
  • Tetanus shot in case of cuts, lacerations and soft tissue injury
  • Pain medication

Now or Never

• Re-constructive surgery is being used worldwide to restore the normal anatomy, function and to enhance appearance of your body. With rapid and accurate evaluation and timely treatment, you can rid yourself easily of serous handicap caused by Hand Injuries. With the availability of sophisticated techniques and expertise, it is possible to get back your independence in just a few easy steps.

Decision to have surgical repair of Hand Injuries

• The hand is a very sensitive yet a very critical part of the body. Loss or limitation of function from Hand Injuries can be significantly devastating. With the advent of modern reconstructive surgical techniques, your hand can again be as good as new in no time with minimum scars from your surgical incisions.