Hand surgery encompasses a range of specialised procedures designed to address and resolve conditions affecting the hands and wrists. From treating carpal tunnel syndrome and repairing fractures to correcting deformities caused by arthritis or injuries, these medical procedures play a critical role in enhancing patients’ lives.
The primary goals of most hand surgeries are to relieve pain, restore functionality, and improve the overall appearance of the hands. Individuals that undergo successful hand surgeries typically regain the ability to perform daily tasks without discomfort.
While the prospect of undergoing hand surgery can seem daunting, it’s important to recognise its potentially transformative impact for patients facing hand-related challenges. Fortunately, when it comes to hand surgery, Singapore is home to a wealth of skilled medical practitioners who are well-equipped both to perform these procedures and to support their patients appropriately throughout the entire process.
All in all, the confluence of technological advancements in medicine and the wide availability of qualified surgeons provides patients with strong assurance that they can expect to receive the highest quality of care possible.
This article aims to outline some of the most common types of hand surgery, so that patients with hand and wrist problems could have a clearer insight about potential treatments and make more informed decisions for their wellbeing.
Carpal Tunnel Release
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a medical condition in which the median nerve gets compressed within the carpal tunnel of the wrist. This condition manifests through a distinct set of symptoms including numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and arm. Carpal tunnel release surgery offers a resolution by severing the transverse carpal ligament to relieve the pressure on the median nerve. This procedure alleviates discomfort and also halts the progression of nerve damage in the wrist, resulting in restored hand function and improved quality of life.
Trigger Finger Release
The condition hand trigger finger is characterised by a finger or thumb that locks in a bent position before snapping straight. It stems from the inflammation of tendons controlling finger movement, disrupting the smooth motion of the hand’s tendons within their sheaths.
One of the available treatments for this condition is corrective trigger finger release surgery. It involves making a small incision at the base of the affected finger to widen the tendon sheath and facilitate unimpeded movement. This procedure effectively restores functionality and relieves the discomfort associated with the condition.
Dupuytren’s Contracture Fasciectomy
Dupuytren’s contracture refers to the gradual, abnormal thickening and tightening of the tissues in the palm known as the palmar fascia. This condition eventually leads to the fingers being drawn into an unnatural bent position.
Fasciectomy surgery directly addresses this issue by removing or releasing the diseased tissue to help the fingers move more freely. The amount of tissue a surgeon removes generally depends on the severity of the contracture. Dupuytren’s contracture fasciectomy enhances hand appearance and significantly improves functional capabilities, thereby offering patients a chance at a more normal life.
Fracture Repair
Hand fractures can vary from simple cracks to complex breaks involving multiple bones. Especially severe fractures necessitate precise surgical intervention to ensure proper alignment and healing.
Fracture repair surgery employs an array of techniques, including the use of pins, screws, plates, or wires, to stabilise the broken bones. This tailored approach facilitates optimal bone healing and aims to restore the hand’s functionality and range of motion.
Tendon Repair
Tendons, the robust fibres connecting muscle to bone, can be compromised through lacerations or ruptures. Over time, this leads to a loss of hand function.
Tendon repair surgery is a delicate procedure that aims to rejoin the severed ends of the tendon or reattach them to the bone. The ultimate goal is to repair the damaged tendons in such a way that allows full movement while ensuring that each part of the hand still functions harmoniously with the rest. Due to the hand’s complex structure—with its many bones, tendons and nerves working in close coordination—tendon repair surgery requires extreme precision. This precision is crucial to successfully restore hand functions, such as gripping and fine manipulation.
Nerve Repair
Nerve injuries in the hand, whether through trauma or medical conditions, can severely impact hand function and sensation. Nerve repair surgery seeks to mend these delicate neural pathways, either by direct suturing of the severed ends or by grafting nerve segments to bridge gaps. This procedure is critical for restoring sensation and muscle function in the hand.
Reconstructive Surgery for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can wreak havoc on the joints of the hand, leading to pain, deformity, and functional impairment. Reconstructive surgery for RA involves a variety of procedures tailored to the individual’s needs, such as joint replacements, tendon repairs, and removal of inflamed tissue. These surgeries aim to relieve pain, correct deformities, and improve hand function—all of which make it easier for patients to manage this chronic condition.
Hand surgeries provide a lifeline back to normalcy and independence for those suffering from injuries, diseases, and other conditions affecting the hands and wrists. In Singapore’s robust healthcare landscape, the dominance of advanced surgical techniques and the wide availability of quality care makes a strong case for the transfo
