Hand Surgery Procedures
Carpal Tunnel Surgery
This procedure is often performed to release tension or pressure on the median nerve at the wrist. When carpal tunnel syndrome occurs, the fingers often experience numbness, tingling sensations, or pain. An EMG is performed prior to surgery to diagnose and show the compression and its effects on the median nerve.
What to expect: During the office consultation you will discuss all aspects of the procedure with Dr. Scott in order to establish a thorough and well-informed plan. Your procedure will begin after consulting with Dr. Scott and your anesthesiologist or anesthetist about the anesthesia that is safest for you. Typical incisions are placed near the junction of the palm and wrist.
The recovery: Your postoperative course is monitored by Dr. Scott and the staff. Local anesthetic and pain medication are often used to manage any discomfort you might have after the operation. A gentle wrist wrap is placed after surgery. Early motion and use is allowed while lifting or rigorous activity is not recommended for 2 weeks.
Some of the unlikely complications: Rarely, the nerves can be damaged. Bleeding or infection are also unusual, but possible complications. Occasionally, delayed or no relief occurs due to longstanding or severe compression on the median nerve.
Trigger Finger
This procedure is often performed to help release tension or pressure on the flexor tendon (the tendon that helps flex your fingers or thumb). The condition and symptoms involves "catching" or triggering of the fingers, which are stuck in a flexed position.
What to expect: During the office consultation you will discuss all aspects of the procedure with Dr. Scott in order to establish a thorough and well-informed plan. Your procedure will begin after consulting with Dr. Scott and your anesthesiologist or anesthetist about the anesthesia that is safest for you. Typical incisions are placed at the distal palm. In some cases, Dr. Scott may recommend an injection to help relieve symptoms before recommending surgery.
The recovery: Your postoperative course is monitored by Dr. Scott and the staff. Local anesthetic and pain medication are often used to manage any discomfort you might have after the operation. A gentle dressing is placed after surgery.
Some of the unlikely complications: Rarely, the nerves can be damaged. Bleeding or infection are also unusual, but possible complications.
Carpometacarpal Joint (CMC) Arthroplasty
This procedure is often performed to relieve pain at the wrist, near the base of the thumb. When pain due to degenerative osteoarthritis occurs in this area, reconstruction and/or resurfacing of the CMC joint may help to relieve symptoms.
What to expect: During the office consultation you will discuss all aspects of the procedure with Dr. Scott in order to establish a thorough and well-informed plan. Your procedure will begin after consulting with Dr. Scott and your anesthesiologist or anesthetist about the anesthesia that is safest for you. Typical incisions are placed near the base of the thumb at the wrist.
The recovery: Your postoperative course is monitored by Dr. Scott and the staff. There is a 2 to 4 week period of splinting which holds the thumb in a safe, healing position. This is often followed by hand therapy. Local anesthetic and pain medication are often used to manage any discomfort you might have after the operation.
Some of the unlikely complications: Rarely, the nerves can be damaged. Recurrence or persistence of pain, bleeding or infection are also unusual, but possible complications.
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