Hand

Carpal tunnel is a condition caused by a pinched nerve at your wrist. Surgery may be required to relieve symptoms, which can include pain, weakness in the hands and tingling or numbness of the fingers. It is usually an outpatient surgery–not requiring an overnight stay.

Carpal tunnel syndrome may be caused by repetitive motion or overuse, fluid retention during pregnancy, injury to the nerve in the carpal tunnel or rheumatoid arthritis.

Cubital tunnel syndrome is caused by a compression of the ulnar nerve usually at the elbow. Symptoms include pain and/or a tingling or pins and needles feeling in the fingers. If conservative measures are unsuccessful, then surgery is considered. Cubital tunnel surgery is usually an outpatient surgery–not requiring an overnight stay.

What does carpal tunnel surgery involve? Prior to carpal tunnel surgery, you’ll be given a numbing medication for the affected arm and usually a small amount of IV sedation. Sutures are placed at the incision site, and a soft splint is applied after the procedure which typically can be removed in 48 hours. A follow-up appointment in the clinic is usually 10 to 14 days after the procedure for suture removal and evaluate post-operative course.

What does cubital tunnel surgery involve? Prior to cubital tunnel surgery, you’ll be given a numbing medication for the affected arm and usually a small amount of IV sedation. Sutures are placed along the elbow and forearm and an ortho glass (hard) splint is applied to the area. This is kept in place until your follow up appointment in the clinic, usually in 10 to 14 days.

Hand surgery may be necessary to treat injuries and diseases that cause pain and impair the strength, function and flexibility of your hands, wrists and fingers.

Hand, finger and wrist injuries can be caused by a sports-related trauma, by catching yourself on an outstretched arm during a mishap at home, or by an industrial accident. Whatever the cause, the full range of hand and wrist fractures can be evaluated, treated and repaired right here at Winona Health. In addition, even in the case of multiple fractures of the hand or wrist due to a crushing force trauma, experts at Winona Health can perform surgery and manage, treat and provide rehabilitative therapy for hand injuries of all types.

Ganglion cysts are the most common type of mass or lump in the wrist. These fluid-filled cysts are not cancerous and, in most cases, are harmless. Ganglion cysts may occur in various locations, but most frequently develop on the back of the wrist. They can quickly appear, change size and even disappear without treatment. However, if the cyst is painful, interferes with function, or you find their appearance unacceptable, there are several treatment options.

There are many types of lesions (abnormal region of tissue) and tumors (abnormal growth of tissue) that can occur on the hand. Most are benign, but some can be cancerous. It’s important to individually evaluate each lesion or tumor. In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to determine what the lesion or tumor is and whether it is cancerous. After the pathology (lab) report has been reviewed, your doctor can determine how best to treat or remove the lesion or tumor.

If you’ve lacerated your finger resulting in numbness and cold sensitivity, repair may be possible with plastic microsurgery.

Microsurgery is a general term for surgery performed with magnification using an operating microscope which allows surgeons to perform intricate repairs on tiny arteries, vessels, and nerves, such as those in a finger. This type of surgery has a major impact on restoring circulation, feeling and function to fingers and hands.

Neurovascular injuries involve nerves and blood vessels. The nerves and blood vessels in the hand are tiny and delicate. Surgical repair often involves microsurgical expertise. Even if a nerve is repaired, there is no guarantee that normal sensation will return, but it may take many months to experience the final outcome.

Tendons are the soft and flexible tissue that attach muscle to bone. Extensor tendons are just under the skin, next to the bone on the back of the hands and fingers and straighten the wrist, fingers and thumb. They can be injured by a cut or by jamming a finger causing the thin tendons to tear way from the bone. If not treated, it may be become difficult to straighten the affected joints.

*Photos for representational purposes only.