Surgical Treatment for Hand, Wrist, & Elbow

​​Tendon repair surgery addresses torn or injured tendons by making an incision in your wrist, hand, or finger to access the torn ends of the tendon and stitch them together. A tendon graft may be necessary in cases of severe rupture where tendon rupture cannot be reconnected. It involves using a piece of tendon from another part of the body or an artificial tendon to join the ruptured tendon.

Carpal tunnel surgery is performed to relieve pressure on the median nerve in the wrist, which causes symptoms like numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. The surgeon cuts the ligament pressing on the nerve during the procedure to relieve pressure. 

Carpal tunnel surgery can be performed through two types of procedures:

• Open carpal tunnel surgery: An incision is made at the base of the palm of the hand, allowing your surgeon to see the carpal ligament. After the ligament is cut, the skin is closed with stitches. The gap where the ligament was cut is left alone and eventually fills up with scar tissue.
• Endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery: This is a minimally invasive procedure and uses a flexible, narrow tube with a lighted camera. The camera provides greater visibility of the surgical site, allowing for a smaller incision, less scarring, and faster recovery times.
• Ultrasound-guided surgery: The surgeon uses ultrasound to see the nerve, tendons, arteries, and ligament during ultrasound-guided surgery. Then, they cut the ligament with a small knife or a braided wire inserted into the wrist through a needle.

In cases of severe arthritis or elbow damage, joint replacement surgery may be recommended to relieve pain and improve joint function.

Orthopedic and plastic, reconstruction and hand surgeons perform nerve decompression surgeries to relieve pressure on nerves in the hand, wrist, and elbow. These procedures can include carpal tunnel release or cubital tunnel release to alleviate symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness.

In cubital tunnel surgery, surgeons make an incision over the medial epicondyle, the bony bump on the inside of the elbow. The cubital tunnel is cut open through the soft tissue, and then the forearm or flexor muscles are cut and detached from the epicondyle.

In a tumor excision, the surgeon removes tumors or cysts that develop in the bones or soft tissues of the hand, wrist, or elbow. This may involve excision of the tumor and reconstruction of the affected area as needed.

In cases of severe trauma or congenital deformities affecting the hand, wrist, or elbow, our expert plastic, reconstructive and hand surgeon, Dr. Wyatt, may perform reconstructive surgery to restore function and appearance. It can involve techniques such as tissue grafts, joint reconstruction, or tendon transfers.

Before surgery, you will undergo a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination, a review of your medical history, imaging tests (such as X-rays or MRI scans), and blood tests to assess your overall health and determine the most appropriate surgical approach.

You may be asked to remove jewelry or other accessories on the day of surgery. Depending on the type of surgery and your medical condition, you may receive medications or anesthesia. Surgery may be performed using:

• Local anesthesia: It numbs the surgical area.
• Regional anesthesia: It numbs affected and surrounding areas.
• General anesthesia: It makes you unconscious.

Your surgeon will perform the planned surgical procedure according to the predetermined plan. During the surgery, your vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, will be closely monitored to ensure your safety. 

After the surgery is complete, you will be closely monitored for the effects of anesthesia. Depending on the type of surgery and your condition, you may stay in the hospital or go home the same day.

You may also undergo a period of rehabilitation and recovery involving physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other interventions to help restore function, strength, and range of motion in the affected area. 

We are also most likely to schedule follow-up appointments to assess your condition and treatment progress over the next few weeks.