Injuries

Hand injuries vary from minor lacerations and bruises to major crush injuries, amputations and burns. Prompt transportation to an appropriately equipped facility and proper surgical management afford the best chances for satisfactory results.

At the Tampa Bay Hand Center, severed hands and digits can be successfully reattached. Injuries to nerves in the upper extremity can be repaired using nerve grafts from the leg.

Arthritis

Arthritis and related disorders of the hand and wrist can be extremely disabling.

Modern reconstructive surgery at the Tampa Bay Hand Center using prosthetic implants and other techniques has revolutionized the management of this common problem and many arthritis patients have benefited tremendously. Pain is alleviated and range of motion is improved.

Tendinitis

Tendinitis is inflammation of the tendons and surrounding structures and usually results from excessive use of the hand at work or play. In the fingers, this can give rise to 'locking' - (trigger finger). In the wrist, tendinitis causes compression of the median nerve which results in numbness of the fingers and thumb, (carpal tunnel syndrome). In the forearm, tendinitis can also cause pain and swelling - "DeQuervain's tenosynovitis".

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a disorder of the hand caused by pinching or compression of the median nerve at the wrist. The nerve compression is usually secondary to thickening of the lining or synovium surrounding the nine tendons that travel through the carpal tunnel alongside the median nerve.

This common problem can often be treated conservatively by the use of splints, rest, steroid injections, and anti-inflammatory tablets. If conservative measures fail, surgery may be required to provide lasting relief.

Dupuytren's Contracture

This disorder is quite common and usually develops at age forty or fifty. There is a strong hereditary factor. Chronic inflammation in the palm causes puckering of the overlying skin and flexion deformity of the fingers. If the deformity is significant, surgery may be required to remove the diseased tissue and restore normal form and function to the hand.

Birth Defects

Many birth defects in the hand can be surgically corrected. Early correction of these problems is important to prevent physical and psychological problems.