OVERVIEW
Hand and foot surgery encompasses various surgical procedures aimed at treating injuries, deformities, and conditions affecting the hand, wrist, foot, and ankle. These surgeries are performed by specialized surgeons, often orthopedic or plastic surgeons, who are trained to address a range of musculoskeletal issues.
What is Hand and Foot Microsurgery?
Hand and foot microsurgery is a specialized surgical technique that involves using a microscope or magnifying instruments to perform intricate procedures on the hands and feet. This type of surgery focuses on repairing or reconstructing damaged tissues, nerves, tendons, blood vessels, and bones in these extremities. Microsurgery allows surgeons to perform delicate operations with high precision, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues and improving healing outcomes.
Common Conditions Treated
Hand Surgery:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A condition caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness.
- Tendon Injuries: Damage to the tendons in the hand or fingers, often requiring repair or reconstruction.
- Fractures: Broken bones in the hand or wrist, needing stabilization through surgical intervention.
- Trigger Finger: A condition where a finger gets stuck in a bent position, often treated by releasing the affected tendon.
- Dupuytren’s Contracture: Thickening of the tissue under the skin of the palm, leading to finger contractures that may require surgical release.
Foot Surgery:
- Bunion Surgery: Corrective surgery for bunions, which are bony protrusions at the base of the big toe.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Surgery to relieve chronic heel pain caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia.
- Ankle Instability: Repair of ligaments to stabilize the ankle joint after recurrent sprains.
- Foot Fractures: Surgical treatment of broken bones in the foot, including stabilization with plates or screws.
- Flatfoot Reconstruction: Surgery to restore the normal arch of the foot in individuals with flatfoot deformities.
Types of Procedures
- Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive surgery using small incisions and a camera to treat joint problems.
- Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): Surgical procedure to realign and stabilize broken bones using plates, screws, or pins.
- Tendon Repair: Surgical intervention to mend torn or damaged tendons in the hand or foot.
- Osteotomy: Reshaping of bones to correct deformities or alignment issues in the foot or hand.
- Fusion Surgery: Joining two or more bones together to stabilize a joint.