Hand Surgery Geelong
Amazing and complex in its function, the hand is often underestimated, until function is affected.
When hand function is less than optimal it can impact significantly on day-to-day life. Our aim is to improve function and reduce pain.
Plastic and reconstructive surgeons treat a range of conditions affecting the hands including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Dupuytren’s Contracture, Ganglion Cyst, trigger fingers, arthritis and trauma injuries.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition where pressure on the median nerve at the level of the wrist causes pain, numbness and weakness of the hand, sometimes radiating into the forearm. It can be brought on by activities such as driving, but often is more noticeable at night, with the individual waking with painful numb hands.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed by history, examination and nerve conduction studies, which help localise any nerve compression.
Management can include addressing any underlying medical conditions, ergonomic considerations at work, splinting, steroid injections or surgery.
Dupuytren’s contracture, or Dupuytren’s disease is a condition where scar-like bands form in the palm of the hand extending into the fingers. It progressively thickens and causes the affected fingers to bend, so that they are no longer able to be straightened. It mainly affects the little and rings fingers.
Sometimes called “The Viking disease” it is believed to be more prevalent in those with Northern European ancestry.
Surgery followed by hand therapy is the main treatment for this condition. Unfortunately recurrence of the condition can happen.
Trigger fingers occur when the tendon that bends the finger becomes inflamed and a nodule or bump forms. As it passes through narrowings within the tendon sheath called pulleys, these nodules catch causing pain, clicking and sometimes locking of the finger. The most common site is at the pulley at the base of the fingers or thumb.
Rest, splinting and steroid injections can sometimes help. A minor procedure, where the pulley is released is sometimes required.
Skin cancer is also prevalent on the hand as a result of sun exposure. Basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas and melanomas can all occur on the hand.
Melanoma can present as pigmented areas or streaks under the nail, and as non-pigmented lesions on the palm of the hand (or sole of the foot). Melanoma of the hand, nail bed or palm require specialist management which will be discussed at consultation.
The most common surgical procedures performed in hand surgery are those to repair injuries to tendons, ligaments, nerves, joints and bones. These may be from a variety of causes including sporting injuries or workplace accidents.
Depending on the nature of the injury some may require surgery, some splinting alone. Supervised therapy and mobilisation after a hand injury under the guidance of an experienced hand therapist is often an important part of the post surgery recovery.
The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons is the peak body for Plastic Surgeons in Australia
Their website provides further detailed information about surgical procedures.
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