Hand surgery (microsurgery)
Microsurgery is an invasive method of repair that deals with incidents related to the hand, such as injuries and natural lesions of the hand. The hand is made up of tendons, ligaments, nerves, blood vessels, bones and joints that stimulate hand movement and the sense of touch. But the malfunction or injury of one of them implies the creation of adverse diseases. Some diseases, acquired or congenital, are the following:
Carpal tunnel syndrome:
this is a condition that currently afflicts a large part of the population mainly due to the practice of a manual profession. This is the high pressure to which the median nerve in the carpal tunnel is compressed. The median nerve mobilizes the muscles of the hand allowing them to flex the fingers and offers a sense of contact with other objects. However, the pressure exerted centrally at the height of the palm creates numbness and tingling in the thumb, the index finger, the middle finger and the middle of the ring finger. When the pain is unbearable and there is an inability to hold objects, then the condition requires surgery to decompress the median nerve by making an incision in the transverse ligament.
Dupuytren’s disease:
this is an inherited condition that occurs in middle-aged people. It is the formation of a lump (nodule) in the area of the palm that causes the palmar aponeurosis contraction and therefore the gradual flexion of the fingers inwards of the palm. When the sclerosis has spread and there is an inability to extend the fingers that makes everyday life difficult, then it is necessary to perform the surgery by making an incision in the scar tissue. Many times, a skin transplant is performed at the same time which will replace the affected tissues of the palm.
Trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis):
this is a condition that causes stiffness and a feeling of the finger locking during its bending or extension. It essentially affects the inner membrane of the flexor tendon sheath, so that they cannot slip through the synovial lining. When conservatory treatment is not effective and there is permanent stiffness or loss of function of the finger, surgery is advisable with a small incision in the palm to release the A1 pulley that will stimulate its resumption of function.
- Are the surgeries painful?
During the postoperative period, pain is observed, which can be mild to severe, depending on the type of surgery. In each case, antibiotics and special painkillers are given that can relieve the patient of discomfort and encourage a shorter recovery.
- What complications may occur?
Most surgeries involve risks that, thanks to the modernization of medical instruments and the experience of the Plastic Surgeon and their team, can be overcome. The most common complications are infection, delayed recovery, loss of sensation or movement of the fingers, and blood clots.
- After surgery
The recovery period after a hand surgery can often significantly affect and determine the recovery and reactivation of the hand. It largely depends on the type of surgery performed and the cause that led to this condition. For a certain period of time, a bandage or splint is applied to the hand to immobilize it and speed up the healing rate. To restore the optimal function of the hand, physiotherapy treatment is also recommended. It is important to follow all instructions given postoperatively by the doctor and other specialists involved in the treatment.