Does It Require Surgery? Three Orthopaedic Hand and Wrist Issues

Before treatment can begin, you’ll need an official diagnosis. At your first appointment with OrthoNC, we’ll discuss your medical history and any symptoms you are experiencing. This discussion will be followed with a full physical examination and any diagnostic or imaging tests that are needed.

Does your injury or orthopaedic issue require surgery? The specific surgical operation or treatment regimen that is prescribed will depend upon the nature of your diagnosis. Listed below are three of the most common hand and wrist conditions that OrthoNC specializes in treating. We will give a brief overview of each issue and then provide an answer to the question that’s likely at the forefront of your mind: does it need surgery?

1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition caused by compression of the nerves in the wrist and hand. It can cause symptoms of weakness, tingling, and numbness in the hand and wrist. Surgery is very effective at treating CTS and will be advised in advanced cases or cases where conservative care has proven insufficient.

2. Finger Dislocations

Did your finger get bent back severely during a traumatic accident? If the finger bones are moved apart or sideways and out of normal alignment within the finger joint, you’ve likely experienced a dislocation. Fortunately, surgery is rarely needed for finger dislocation; a closed reduction (physical repositioning and realignment) of the affected finger will be performed instead. Surgery is only needed if the joint is unstable following this procedure or if the finger cannot be straightened.

3. Hand Fractures

The metacarpal bones of the hand are highly susceptible to breaks; in fact, the hand bones account for one third of all fractures. If the bones of the hand are in relative alignment following a hand fracture, closed realignment and casting can enable full healing without the need for surgery. If the bone fragments are badly misaligned or have penetrated the skin, hand fracture surgery will be needed.