Hand surgery

The below information is to enlighten briefly the most commonly encountered hand problems in plastic surgery.

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

The carpal tunnel is the tunnel from which the most important 3 nerves that enable us the use of our hands

Increased pressure in this tunnel occurs during pregnancy, romatoid artrit, trauma, the frequent use of the wrists, or continuously repeating the same movements causes this. The pressure causes the median nerve to squeeze and loss of feeling, pain, extreme sensitivity, loss of strength or numbness may occur.

In some cases, the casting of the hand, and the use of anti inflammatory medication may reduce the symptoms, but the permanent solution is surgery.

The operation can be done with general anesthesia or by the arms local anesthesia. The procedure is done by an incision from the palm to the wrist, and the tunnels top closure is cut, to release the pressure and the nerve. The wrist must rest with the assistance of an atel for about 2 weeks. As the incision is done following the curves on the skin, it will disappear in time. The patient may resume his or her daily life immediately after the operation, and start using their hand within 2 weeks.

DUPUYTREN’S CONTRACTURE

Dupuytren’s Contracture is a skin disorder of the hand and lower tissues. Thick, scar tissue like skin forms towards the fingers, pulling them towards the palm and limits the use of the fingers. It starts occurring in the middle age and the reason is unknown.

Operation is the only solution, but removal of the thickened tissue to release movement of the tendons. This operation must be done with extreme care to ensure the veins and nerve preservation. The operation can be done with general anesthesia or by the arms local anesthesia. Early intervention is highly recommended. Healing is complete within 2 weeks of the operation.

CONGENITAL DEFECTS

Sindaktil is the most common birth defect where two or more fingers are not separated; the only corrective method is surgical operation, where skin an soft tissue is carefully separated. In cases where bones need separation, the procedure is more complicated. Post operation, patients usually have full use of their hands. Other deformities may be short or unformed fingers, or not having any function. Appropriate procedures are applied.