Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery
Do you have trouble picking up a fork, signing your name or even zipping your coat due to hand pain or injury? Loss of hand functionality, whether due to arthritis, a hand tendon injury, or a fracture, can be highly disruptive to everyday life. But there is hope for increased mobility and less pain. The orthopedic surgeons at WMCHealth provide cutting-edge hand injury treatment to make daily challenges simple again. Our team’s expertise in advanced techniques, including minimally invasive surgical procedures, can help you regain function. Westchester Medical Center is home to the only hand replant center between Albany and New York City. Westchester Medical Center is home to the only hand replant center between Albany and New York City.
When Is Hand or Upper Extremity Surgery Needed?
Hand or upper extremity surgery may be needed when non-surgical treatments are not enough for relieving pain, restoring function, or correcting deformities. Some conditions that often require surgical intervention may include:
- Fractures and dislocations: Severe or unstable fractures and joint dislocations may need surgical repair to ensure proper healing and alignment.
- Tendon and nerve injuries: Injuries such as lacerations, ruptures, or compressions (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome) often require surgery to improve function.
- Arthritis: Advanced arthritis that causes significant pain and impairs daily activities might benefit from surgical options like joint reconstruction or replacement.
- Chronic pain: Persistent pain unresponsive to other treatments, such as from trigger finger or de Quervain's tenosynovitis, may be alleviated through surgery.
- Congenital deformities: Birth defects affecting the hand or arm often require surgical correction to improve function and appearance.
If you're experiencing any of these hand or arm issues, our orthopedic team can provide expert evaluation and recommend the best treatment options for you.
Types of Hand and Upper Extremity Surgeries
Our hand and upper extremity surgeons bring expertise in a wide range of surgical procedures designed to address various hand and arm conditions and injuries. Some of the most common types of surgeries done at our facilities include:
- Carpal Tunnel Release: This procedure relieves pressure on the median nerve in the wrist, alleviating numbness and tingling due to carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Tendon repair: Surgery to repair torn or damaged tendons, often necessary after acute injuries or due to chronic conditions.
- Fracture Fixation: Stabilizing broken bones in the hand, wrist, or arm using plates, screws, or pins to ensure proper alignment and healing.
- Joint replacement: Replacing damaged joints, particularly in the wrist or fingers, with artificial implants to restore function and reduce pain from arthritis.
- Nerve repair and decompression: Addressing injuries or compressions of nerves, such as ulnar nerve decompression at the elbow.
- Trigger finger release: Relieving the condition where a finger gets stuck in a bent position by releasing the constricted tendon sheath.
- Dupuytren’s Contracture Release: Removing or breaking apart the thickened tissue in the palm that prevents fingers from fully straightening.
- Hand replantation: Reattaching a severed hand or fingers, which involves microsurgical techniques to repair bones, blood vessels, nerves, and tendons to restore function as much as possible.
Our skilled surgeons utilize the latest techniques and technology to perform these and other procedures with the goal of minimizing pain, reducing recovery time, and improving outcomes.
What to Expect During Hand or Upper Extremity Surgery
During hand or upper extremity surgery at WMCHealth, you can expect a thorough preoperative evaluation, including imaging and physical exams. The procedure will be performed under local, regional, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity. Our skilled surgeons will use advanced techniques to ensure precise, personalized treatment and a minimal recovery time.
Post-surgery, you'll receive detailed care instructions and may require physical therapy to regain strength and mobility. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure optimal healing.
Why Choose WMCHealth?
The hand surgeons at WMCHealth are experts in treating routine issues, as well as complex and delicate procedures. Our team’s access to the most advanced care and techniques in the area means that you can have complicated procedures close to home. Westchester Medical Center is the only hand replantation center between Albany and New York City.
Hand or Upper Extremity Recovery
Recovery from hand or upper extremity surgery involves a personalized rehabilitation plan tailored to your specific procedure and needs. Initially, you may experience swelling and discomfort, which will be managed with medications and proper care. Occupational or physical therapy is often essential to restore strength, flexibility, and function. Adhering to your surgeon's instructions and attending follow-up appointments are crucial for a successful recovery. Full recovery times vary, but our team is committed to supporting you throughout the healing process to achieve the best possible outcome.
What to Do Next
If you or a loved one has a hand, arm, or joint condition or has experienced a hand or arm injury, the orthopedic surgeons at WMCHealth are here to provide comprehensive care, from diagnosis through rehabilitation and recovery. Our focus on excellence ensures you receive advanced care close to home.
Our Providers
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Orthopaedic Surgery, Hand Surgery
Richard Magill, MD
Chief of Hand and Upper Extremity, Microvascular Surgery, Orthopaedic Hand and Upper Extremity
- Orthopaedic Surgery, Hand Surgery
- Orthopaedic Surgery