Hand Surgery

Our hands are marvels of engineering, allowing us to perform countless tasks with remarkable dexterity. But due to their intricate structure and constant use, they’re also susceptible to a variety of injuries and conditions. When nonsurgical treatments fail to provide relief, hand surgery becomes an option. Consequently, the Kopec Law Firm provides this webpage to look at some of the most common hand surgeries, and the conditions they address. Unfortunately, hand surgery is not always successful and sometime the result in medical malpractice. If you have had a hand surgery that has left you with an injury, then you may be the victim of surgical error. You should consult with the Maryland hand surgery lawyer.

Maryland Hand Surgery Lawyer: Types of Surgery

Carpal Tunnel Release

• Condition: Carpal tunnel syndrome arises when the median nerve, responsible for feeling and movement in the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger, gets compressed within the carpal tunnel, a narrow passage in the wrist.
• Symptoms: Numbness, tingling, or burning sensation in the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger, especially at night. Weakness and difficulty gripping objects may also occur.
• Doctor: Orthopaedic hand surgeon.
• Surgery: An outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia with sedation. The surgeon specifically makes a small incision in the palm to release the ligament compressing the median nerve.
• Outcomes: Most patients generally experience significant improvement in symptoms within a few weeks. Risks include infection, bleeding, and nerve injury.

Tendon Repair

• Condition: A tendon connects muscle to bone and allows for movement. Tendon injuries can occur due to cuts, lacerations, or overuse.
• Symptoms: Pain, weakness, difficulty gripping, and also visible deformity or inability to move a finger are common signs.
• Doctor: Orthopaedic hand surgeon
• Surgery: The complexity depends on the severity of the injury. Surgery usually involves stitching the torn ends of the tendon back together. Anesthesia type varies depending on the extent of repair needed.
• Outcomes: Early diagnosis and surgery lead to better outcomes. Recovery involves splinting and hand therapy to regain strength and mobility. Risks include infection, stiffness, and incomplete healing.

Dupuytren’s Contracture Release

• Condition: Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition that causes a thickening of the palmar fascia, the tissue under the skin in the palm, which can pull the fingers inward, making it difficult to straighten them.
• Symptoms: Thickening of the palm, progressive contracture (curving) of one or more fingers, and difficulty flattening the hand.
• Doctor: Orthopaedic hand surgeon
• Surgery: Depending on the severity, surgery might involve a needle technique (fasciotomy) to break up the tight bands. Another option is an open surgery to remove the thickened fascia.
• Outcomes: Surgery can improve finger extension, but recurrence is somewhat common. Risks include infection, nerve injury, and incomplete correction of the contracture.

Trigger Finger Release

• Condition: Trigger finger occurs when a tendon sheath in the finger becomes inflamed, causing the finger to get stuck in a bent position.
• Symptoms: Sudden catching or locking of a finger, often accompanied by a snapping sensation. Pain and tenderness at the base of the finger are also common.
• Doctor: Orthopaedic hand surgeon
• Surgery: A minor outpatient procedure. The surgeon makes a small incision to release the constriction around the tendon.
• Outcomes: Most patients experience immediate relief from the triggering. Risks include infection, bleeding, and incomplete release.

Joint Replacement Surgery (Arthroplasty) – Maryland Hand Surgery Lawyer

• Condition: Severe arthritis can damage the cartilage in the hand joints, causing pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility.
• Symptoms: Pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty performing daily activities due to limited joint movement.
• Doctor: Orthopaedic hand surgeon
• Surgery: The surgeon replaces the damaged joint with an artificial one made of metal, plastic, or a combination of materials. The type of replacement and surgical approach vary depending on the joint involved.
• Outcomes: Joint replacement can significantly improve pain and function. Risks include infection, bleeding, loosening of the implant, and nerve injury.

Fracture Repair (Closed Reduction and Internal Fixation)

• Condition: A fracture refers to a broken bone. Hand fractures can occur due to falls, direct blows, or repetitive stress.
• Symptoms: Pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, and difficulty moving the affected finger(s).
• Doctor: Orthopaedic hand surgeon
• Surgery: For some fractures, closed reduction (realigning the bones without an incision) followed by internal fixation (using pins, wires, or screws to hold the bones in place) might be sufficient. However, in some cases, an open reduction with internal fixation involving an incision may be necessary.
• Outcomes: Most fractures generally heal well with proper immobilization and hand therapy

Next Step: Contact the Maryland Hand Surgery Lawyer

If you have had a hand surgery that has left you with an injury, visit the free consultation page or video. Then contact the Kopec Law Firm at 800-604-0704 to speak directly with Attorney Mark Kopec. He is a top-rated Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer. The Kopec Law Firm is in Baltimore and pursues cases throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C.