Pain or stiffness in the hands and wrist might be easy enough to ignore at first, but when you start dealing with a loss of function, it can affect nearly every facet of life, from working and driving to cooking and exercising. Conservative care options are a good place to start, but sometimes, they’re not enough on their own.
Here, we’ll explore hand and wrist surgery options in Dallas, TX, discuss what conditions may require surgery, and explain what you can expect from the process.
Understanding Hand and Wrist Surgery: When Is It Necessary?
Oftentimes, hand and wrist surgery is recommended only after non-surgical treatments have failed to provide adequate relief. Many conditions will resolve on their own with rest, activity modification, splinting, physical therapy, or steroid injections.
When symptoms continue to get worse, interfere with daily tasks, or begin to affect nerve function, surgery may be needed to alleviate pain or prevent long-term damage. In some cases, such as severe fractures, tendon ruptures, or advanced arthritis, surgery is required to restore stability and function. The goal of surgical care isn’t just to alleviate pain but also to preserve strength, movement, and overall function and longevity.
Common Hand and Wrist Conditions Requiring Surgery
Dr. Knight treats a wide range of conditions affecting patients of all ages. Some of the most common hand and wrist conditions requiring surgery include:
- Carpal tunnel syndromeCompression of the median nerve, causing numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand.
- Trigger finger or thumbA tendon issue that causes fingers to catch or lock.
- Arthritis in the hand or wristMay include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or basal thumb arthritis.
- FracturesCan affect the wrists, hands, or metacarpals.
- Tendon or ligament injuriesIncludes flexor or tensor injuries and ligament tears.
- Dupuytren’s contractureThickened tissue in the palm causing fingers to bend inward.
- Nerve injuries and hand numbnessNerve compression causing numbness, tingling, or weakness.
- Trauma-related injuriesAcute or repetitive injuries affecting bones, tendons, ligaments, or nerves.
- Tumors or cystsAbnormal growths that may cause pain, pressure, or functional limitations.
Types of Hand and Wrist Surgery Procedures Available in Dallas
The Hand and Wrist Institute offers a full spectrum of advanced surgical procedures, many of which can be performed safely in the office. This convenient approach may significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for many patients.
Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
Carpal tunnel release surgery relieves pressure on the median nerve, which runs through a narrow passageway in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. During the procedure, the surgeon carefully releases the tight ligament pressing on the nerve, creating more space and restoring normal nerve function. The goal is symptom relief, improved hand strength and function, and prevention of permanent nerve damage.
Trigger Finger Release
This procedure is minimally invasive and used to treat fingers or thumbs that catch, lock, or become painful during movement. The surgeon will make a small cut at the base of the finger to release the tight portion of the tendon sheath, allowing the tendon to move freely again. Improvements can be seen within a few weeks.
Joint Reconstruction and Replacement
Joint reconstruction or replacement surgery may be recommended for patients with advanced arthritis or severe joint damage in the hand or wrist. Over time, worn or damaged joints can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of grip strength. These procedures are meant to restore joint alignment, reduce inflammation, and improve movement. Depending on the specific condition, surgery may involve repairing damaged structures or replacing the joint with an implant. The goal is to provide long-term pain relief and improved hand function.
Fracture Repair and Fixation
Fracture repair and fixation surgery may be used when broken bones in the hand or wrist can’t properly heal with casting alone. In this procedure, the surgeon carefully realigns the fractured bone and stabilizes it using pins, plates, or screws. This internal support holds the bone in the correct position while it heals, helping restore normal anatomy and movement. Surgical fixation may be needed in cases of complex or unstable fractures.
Tendon and Ligament Repair
Tendon and ligament repair surgery restores stability and movement when soft tissues in the hand or wrist are injured. The surgeon will carefully reattach or reconstruct the damaged tendon or ligament using sutures or anchors to re-secure it to the bone. This allows the tissue to heal in proper alignment while helping restore strength, coordination, and range of motion.
What To Expect: The Hand Surgery Process
While the exact process depends on your specific condition and recommended procedure, most surgical experiences at The Hand and Wrist Institute follow a similar structure designed around your safety and comfort:
- Comprehensive evaluationYour care begins with a detailed consultation, including a physical exam and imaging tests when needed to confirm the diagnosis and plan the surgery.
- Personalized treatment planYour surgeon will review all of your treatment options with you and recommend surgery only when it offers the best path to recovery.
- Advanced surgical careMany procedures can be safely performed in-office using modern, minimally invasive techniques to reduce discomfort and downtime.
- Recovery and rehabilitationAfter surgery, many patients are able to return home on the same day. You’ll receive personalized instructions that may include guided exercises or hand therapy.
- Follow-up and ongoing careRegular follow-up visits will be scheduled to ensure proper healing and long-term success. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to reach out to your provider.
If you have questions at any point, your surgeon and care team are always available to provide explanations and guide you through each step of the process.
Schedule Your Hand Surgery Consultation in Dallas
Dr. Knight at The Hand and Wrist Institute provides a personal evaluation and, where surgery is needed, the procedure the condition calls for. Contact our Dallas-area team today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward restored comfort and function.