Hand and wrist problems can significantly impact everyday activities, from typing and writing to lifting objects and driving. In many cases, conservative treatments such as splinting or physiotherapy are sufficient. However, when these measures fail to provide relief, hand surgery may be recommended to restore function, reduce pain and prevent further complications.
Understanding the different types of hand surgery operations can help you better appreciate the tailored solutions available for a range of conditions. At UK Hand and Wrist Surgery, a comprehensive selection of procedures is offered to address both common injuries and more complex hand and wrist disorders.
Understanding Hand Surgery
Hand surgery is a specialised area of medicine focused on diagnosing, treating and repairing issues affecting the hand, fingers, wrist and forearm. It may involve correcting injuries, repairing tendons or nerves, treating arthritis, or removing growths such as cysts.
Given the intricate structure of the hand and wrist, surgical precision is crucial to achieving the best outcomes. To put it into context, the hand and wrist together normally have 29 articulating bones, 34 muscles, a minimum of 127 named ligaments, 3 main sensorimotor nerves, 2 major arteries, etc. Surgery needs to be precise and meticulous, in order to avoid upsetting the delicate balance of the hand and wrist mechanisms, excessive scarring or iatrogenic damage. The use of magnifying loupes is recommended, and where microsurgery is involved, the use of special microscopes is necessary. Many hand surgery procedures today are designed to be minimally invasive, where possible, aiming to support faster recovery while preserving hand strength, flexibility and function.
What Are the Most Common Types of Hand Surgery Operations?
Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most frequent conditions requiring surgical intervention. It occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the wrist, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling and hand weakness.
Carpal tunnel release surgery involves relieving pressure on the nerve by cutting the transverse carpal ligament, the roof of the carpal tunnel. This procedure can often be performed using minimally invasive techniques, depending on the severity of the condition.
Trigger Finger Release Surgery
Trigger finger (or trigger thumb) results from a narrowing of the tendon sheath, which can cause the finger to become stuck in a bent position before suddenly releasing. Trigger finger release surgery works by widening the tunnel through which the tendon passes, allowing smoother finger movement and eliminating the painful clicking or locking sensation.
Dupuytren’s Contracture Surgery
Dupuytren’s contracture is a progressive condition where abnormally thickened tissue in the palm leads to the fingers curling inward. In more advanced cases, surgery becomes necessary to restore hand function. Dupuytren’s fasciectomy involves carefully removing the thickened cords of tissue to improve hand mobility and prevent further contracture. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a tendon issue.
Ganglion Cyst Removal Surgery
Ganglion cysts are noncancerous lumps that commonly develop along the tendons or joints of the wrists or hands. While some cysts resolve without treatment, others may cause discomfort or interfere with movement. Ganglion cyst removal surgery may be recommended if the cyst is painful, limits motion, or persists despite conservative management.
Tendon Repair Surgery
Tendon injuries in the hand can result from trauma such as lacerations or sports injuries. Prompt surgical repair is often essential to restore function and prevent long-term stiffness or weakness. Tendon repair surgery aims to carefully reattach or reconstruct the damaged tendon, allowing normal movement of the fingers or thumb to be regained over time. Post-operative physiotherapy is an essential part of the treatment.
Nerve Repair Surgery
Nerves in the hand can become damaged through injury or prolonged compression, leading to numbness, weakness, or loss of fine motor skills. Nerve repair surgery focuses on reconnecting or grafting nerves to restore sensation and movement. In some cases, early surgical intervention can significantly improve functional outcomes. In late presentations, the microsurgical technique of nerve transfer may be useful, and also tendon transfers, to restore function.
Hand and Wrist Fracture Surgery
Fractures of the hand or wrist are common, particularly following falls, sporting accidents, or direct trauma. When bones are displaced or unstable, surgical intervention is often required to realign and stabilise the fracture.
Hand fracture surgery and wrist fracture fixation may involve the use of small plates, screws, or wires to hold the bones in the correct position during healing. Specific fractures, such as a scaphoid fracture, may require targeted surgical techniques to support proper bone union and prevent long-term complications.
Arthritis Surgery of the Hand
Arthritis can affect the small joints of the hand, leading to pain, stiffness and deformity. When non-surgical treatments are no longer effective, surgery can help improve comfort and restore hand function.
Depending on the joints involved and the severity of arthritis, denervation (removing nerves signalling pain), prosthetic arthroplasty (artificial joint replacements), fusion (fusing painful joints) or even excision arthroplasty (removing arthritic bones) may be recommended. In select cases, the option of microsurgical transplantation of a toe joint to replace a finger joint, may need to be considered as a solution. Joint replacement surgery has the advantage of preserving or restoring movement. The decision to undergo which type of surgery can be complicated and needs to be weighed up with the potential benefits and negatives, as well as the patient’s needs and expectations. Arthritis surgery is carefully tailored to each individual’s needs to help preserve hand mobility as much as possible.
When is Hand Surgery Recommended?
While many hand and wrist problems respond well to non-surgical treatments, surgery may be considered when:
- Symptoms significantly impact daily activities
- There is persistent pain or numbness
- Hand or wrist deformity is present
- Conservative treatments have failed
- There is a need to repair traumatic injuries, such as fractures, tendon ruptures, or nerve damage
Seeking timely advice from a specialist ensures that the most appropriate hand surgery options are explored to maximise recovery and long-term function.
Conclusion
Hand and wrist conditions can greatly affect daily life, but with the right surgical intervention, many individuals regain comfort, strength and full function. Understanding the common types of hand surgery operations available provides valuable insight into the tailored solutions that exist for different injuries and conditions.
At UK Hand and Wrist Surgery, a wide range of procedures are performed with a focus on restoring movement and reducing pain. If you are experiencing persistent hand or wrist symptoms, a consultation with a specialist like Mr Goon can help determine the most suitable course of treatment to support your recovery.
Book an Appointment with Mr Goon
If you are suffering from a hand or wrist problem, please use the online form to contact us and arrange an appointment with Mr Goon. Alternatively, you can call us on 07355 571488.
FAQs
What are the different types of hand surgery?
Hand surgery includes procedures such as carpal tunnel release, trigger finger release, tendon repair, nerve repair, fracture fixation, ganglion cyst removal and joint replacement surgery. The type of operation recommended depends on the condition affecting the hand or wrist.
When is hand surgery necessary?
Hand surgery may be necessary when non-surgical treatments have failed, when pain, numbness, or weakness persist, or when injuries such as fractures, tendon damage, or nerve injuries require surgical repair to restore full function.
What conditions can be treated with hand surgery?
Common conditions treated with hand surgery include arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, Dupuytren’s contracture, tendon injuries, nerve injuries, wrist fractures and ganglion cysts. A specialist assessment can help determine the best surgical approach.
How long does recovery take after hand surgery?
Recovery after hand surgery varies depending on the procedure performed and individual healing rates. Some clients may resume light activities within a few weeks, while full recovery for more complex surgeries may take several months with rehabilitation support.
What surgical options are available for wrist and hand fractures?
Surgical options for fractures may include fixation using plates, screws, or wires to stabilise the bones during healing. Procedures such as wrist fracture fixation and scaphoid surgery are commonly performed to support proper bone alignment and function. Where possible, the use of percutaneous minimal access fixation is preferred, as less scarring is generated. Also, early active mobilisation of the finger/hand/wrist is the preferred method of rehabilitation.
