What is Reconstructive Hand Surgery?

From repairing traumatic injuries to correcting congenital anomalies, reconstructive hand surgery improves dexterity and appearance. The specialists at the Hand and Wrist Institute in Dallas and Southlake, Texas, have extensive experience performing a wide range of innovative procedures for reconstructing the hand. Dr. Knight, a fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic surgeon, has over 25 years of experience treating complex hand and wrist cases. This includes tendon repair and nerve reattachment.

In this article, we explore what reconstructive hand surgery is and the different procedures and techniques. We take a closer look at what the benefits are and what you can expect for the recovery process post-surgery.

What Is Reconstructive Hand Surgery?

Hand reconstruction surgery is a complex procedure that can help correct a wide range of functional and cosmetic problems affecting the hand, wrist, and forearm. This specialized branch of surgical procedures aims to restore functionality, mobility, and aesthetics. This intricate field combines advanced surgical techniques with a deep understanding of hand anatomy to address a wide range of issues, including fractures, nerve damage, arthritis, tendon injuries, and deformities.

Procedures and Techniques

There are many procedures that fall under the umbrella of reconstructive hand surgery, such as:

• Tendon repair: Surgical intervention to mend damaged tendons. This enables proper movement and functionality of the fingers or wrist.
• Nerve reconstruction: Procedures that repair injured or severed nerves. The aim is to restore sensation and motor function in the hand.
• Closed reduction: A non-invasive procedure to realign and set fractured or dislocated bones back into their normal position.
• Fixation: Procedures that repair broken or fractured bones or joints. This promotes proper healing and alignment.
• Tissue transfer: Procedures involving the transfer of tissue from the patient’s body or a donor to close large wounds.
• Joint replacement (arthroplasty): Surgeries to reconstruct or replace damaged or arthritic joints in the hand. This enhances mobility and reduces pain.
• Soft tissue reconstruction: Techniques to repair complex wounds or injuries. This includes skin grafts, flaps, or microsurgical procedures.
• Congenital anomaly correction: Corrective surgeries to address congenital hand deformities or anomalies present from birth. This aims to enhance function and appearance.
• Microvascular surgery: Precise surgical techniques involving special microscopic instruments to repair intricate structures such as nerves and blood vessels. Surgeons often use this in complex reconstructions.

Purpose of Reconstructive Hand Surgery

Reconstructive hand surgery involves a range of procedures performed with meticulous precision. The goal is to optimize hand function, enhance grip strength, improve flexibility, and restore the natural appearance of the hand. This helps patients perform daily tasks with increased comfort and proficiency. While often essential for restoring function and improving self-image, reconstructive hand surgery can also relieve pain. This is especially true in the case of treating carpal tunnel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and Dupuytren’s contracture. It can also correct congenital birth abnormalities of the fingers and hands.

Benefits of Reconstructive Hand Surgery

Here are the main benefits of reconstructive hand surgery:

• Restored functionality: Reconstructive hand surgery restores lost or impaired hand function due to injuries, nerve damage, arthritis, or congenital deformities. It helps regain grip strength, dexterity, and mobility essential for daily tasks.
• Aesthetic improvement: Surgery addresses cosmetic concerns resulting from trauma, deformities, or congenital conditions. Enhancing the hand’s appearance and symmetry can significantly improve a patient’s self-esteem and confidence.
• Pain relief: Corrective surgeries alleviate chronic pain associated with injuries, arthritis, or nerve damage. This contributes to improved comfort and quality of life.
• Promotion of healing: Surgery helps treat fractures, tendon injuries, nerve damage, or soft tissue wounds. This reduces the risk of complications and promotes quicker recovery.
• Improved independence: Restoring hand function helps patients perform daily activities independently. This includes writing, eating, dressing, and working.
• Prevention of further damage: Prompt intervention can prevent further deterioration or complications. This helps to preserve hand function and prevent long-term disabilities.

Reconstructive hand surgery aims to restore the physical aspects as well as the functional and psychological well-being of patients. Surgery helps them lead more fulfilling and productive lives.

Recovering From Reconstructive Hand Surgery

Recovering from reconstructive hand surgery can take patience and diligence. You may need to wear a splint or cast for several weeks to protect the surgical site while it heals. You may also need to undergo physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in your hand. Here are a few other guidelines to consider to ensure a smooth recovery:

• Pain management: Take prescribed pain medications as directed to manage pain and discomfort. If you’re experiencing any unusual or severe pain, contact us immediately.
• Wound care: Keep the surgical site clean and dry. Follow Dr. Knight’s instructions regarding dressing changes and caring for wounds to prevent infection.
• Physical therapy: Focus on physical therapy exercises to regain strength, flexibility, and functionality in your hand. These exercises are crucial for a successful recovery.
• Rest and elevation: Rest is vital for your body to heal. Elevating your hand above heart level when possible can help reduce swelling.
• Nutrition and hydration: Eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated helps your body heal. Make sure that you’re consuming enough nutrients to support tissue repair.
• Activity restriction: Avoid heavy lifting or straining your hand until we give you the green light.
• Follow-up appointments: Keep all scheduled follow-up appointments. These are crucial for monitoring your progress and making necessary adjustments to your recovery plan.
• Patience: Remember that healing takes time, so be patient with yourself. Don’t rush into activities that could affect your recovery progress or cause re-injury.

Everyone’s healing process is unique, and how long it takes you to recover from reconstructive hand surgery depends on various factors. This includes the type of surgery you’ve had, your overall health, and how well you follow your doctor’s recommendations.

Promote a Full Recovery With The Hand and Wrist Institute

If you have any concerns about the health of your hand, schedule an appointment with our specialists in one of our two clinics in Dallas or Southlake, Texas. Having performed over 20,000 procedures, Dr. Knight and our team can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan and guide you every step of the way on your road to recovery.

two human palms  by Milada Vigerova is licensed with Unsplash License

Dr. John Knight

Dr. Knight is a renowned hand, wrist and upper extremity surgeon with over 25 years of experience. Dr. Knight is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon and Fellowship trained. Dr Knight has appeared on CNN, The Doctors TV, Good Morning America, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Forbes, The Huffington Post, Entrepreneur, Oxygen network and more.