Hand injuries and conditions affect millions of people every year, making simple daily tasks nearly impossible. A specialist in hand surgery offers advanced treatments that can restore function and reduce pain. These doctors have special training beyond regular medical school to treat complex hand problems.
In this article, we will talk about hand surgery specialists and the advanced surgical techniques they use for hand procedures.
What Makes a Hand Surgery Specialist Different
A specialist in hand surgery completes years of extra training after medical school. These doctors study orthopedic surgery first. Then they complete a fellowship specifically focused on hand and wrist problems. This extra training typically lasts one year and covers complex procedures.
Hand surgery specialists treat conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and forearm. They understand the intricate anatomy of these areas. The hand contains 27 bones, 29 joints, and over 30 muscles. Multiple tendons, ligaments, and nerves also run through this small space. Only a specialist has the detailed knowledge needed to treat these complex structures safely.
These specialists also stay current with the latest research and techniques. They attend specialized conferences and training programs throughout their careers. This ongoing education helps them offer the most advanced treatments available.
Common Conditions Treated by Hand Specialists
Hand surgery specialists treat a wide range of conditions. Some of the most common problems include carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, and fractures. Each condition requires different treatment approaches.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome affects the median nerve in the wrist. This nerve controls feeling in the thumb and first three fingers. When the nerve gets compressed, patients feel numbness, tingling, and pain. The condition often gets worse at night or during repetitive activities.
Specialists in hand surgery can now treat carpal tunnel syndrome with minimally invasive techniques. Endoscopic carpal tunnel release uses a tiny camera and special tools. This approach creates smaller incisions than traditional surgery. Patients often return to work faster with less scarring.
Arthritis in the Hands
Arthritis causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling in the hands. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common types. These conditions can make gripping objects difficult and cause significant pain.
Hand specialists offer both surgical and non-surgical treatments for arthritis. Joint replacement surgery has improved greatly in recent years. New artificial joints last longer and move more naturally. Some specialists also use advanced treatments like platelet-rich plasma injections.
Hand and Wrist Fractures
Broken bones in the hand and wrist need expert care to heal properly. Poor healing can cause permanent stiffness or weakness. Specialists use advanced imaging to see exactly how bones are broken. This helps them choose the best treatment approach.
Modern fracture repair often uses small plates and screws made from titanium. These materials are strong but lightweight. They also integrate well with natural bone tissue.
Some fractures can now be fixed through tiny incisions using specialized instruments.
Advanced Surgical Techniques Available
Today’s hand surgery specialists have access to many advanced techniques. These methods often provide better outcomes with less recovery time. Minimally invasive surgery is one of the biggest advances in recent years.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
Minimally invasive surgery uses smaller incisions than traditional methods. Specialists use tiny cameras called endoscopes to see inside the body. Special instruments allow them to work through these small openings. This approach causes less tissue damage and reduces scarring.
Patients who have minimally invasive surgery often experience less pain afterward. They also return to normal activities sooner. The risk of infection is lower, because the incisions are smaller. However, not all conditions can be treated with these techniques.
Microsurgery
Microsurgery allows specialists to work on very small structures like nerves and blood vessels. They use special microscopes that magnify the surgical area up to 40 times. Tiny instruments help them perform precise repairs on structures less than one millimeter wide.
Nerve repair surgery has benefited greatly from microsurgery advances. Specialists can now reconnect severed nerves with much better success rates. Finger reattachment surgery is also more successful thanks to these techniques. Blood vessels as small as one millimeter can be reconnected.
Computer-Assisted Surgery
Some hand specialists now use computer technology to plan and perform surgery. Three-dimensional imaging helps them see exactly what needs to be repaired. Computer navigation systems guide instruments during surgery for greater precision.
Virtual reality systems allow surgeons to practice complex procedures before operating. This technology helps them prepare for challenging cases. Robot-assisted surgery is also being developed for certain hand procedures. These systems may provide even greater precision in the future.
Specialist in Hand Surgery in Bismarck, ND
Hand problems can significantly impact your quality of life. The good news is that today’s hand surgery specialists have more treatment options than ever before. Advanced techniques offer better outcomes with faster recovery times.
If you are experiencing hand pain, numbness, or difficulty with daily activities, do not wait. Contact us here at The Bone & Joint Center. We have a team of board-certified specialists in hand surgery who can evaluate your condition and recommend the best treatment approach for your specific needs. Whether you need minimally invasive procedures, hand therapy, or reconstructive surgery, we have the expertise and technology to provide exceptional care.
Contact a qualified hand surgery specialist today at (800) 424-2663 or (701) 946-7400 or fill out our online request form to find out your treatment options. Your hands deserve expert care from a trained specialist who understands the latest advances in treatment.
