Patients present with pain and triggering at the base of their fingers (trigger finger) or pain over the base of the thumb near the wrist (deQuervain tendonitis).

These conditions result from inflammation of the tendon sheath making movement of the finger/ thumb painful and interfering with activities of daily living.

Typically, a diagnosis can be made by clinical examination. Patients usually respond well to non-surgical treatment measures that include rest, pain-killers, a splint and local injection of a steroid. Patients with persistent or recurrent symptoms may benefit from surgical release of the tendon sheath.

Hand Infections are another common problem we see in our practice. These can be simple superficial infections of the nail fold (paronychia) or an abscess of the pulp (felon).

They can also include more serious conditions affecting deeper tissue like flexor tenosynovitis (inflammation of the tendon sheath), deep space infections and life threatening conditions like necrotizing fasciitis (bacterial infection that spreads quickly in the body).

Most hand infections require emergent surgical treatment, although infrequently in the very early stages they may respond to antibiotic therapy.

Hand & Upper Extremity Trauma is very common and result in sprains, dislocation of joints and fractures.

These include fractures of the distal radius and scaphoid. They also include injuries to the scapholunate(SL) ligament and triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC).

These conditions need a thorough clinical examination, radiological assessment using x-rays, computerized tomographic scans (CT scan) and/ or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

The injuries may then need non-surgical treatment with rest and splint or operative intervention. This is usually followed by a period of occupational therapy to regain motion and strength.

These usually result from non-union or the malunion of a fracture in the hand or wrist as a result of inadequate or poor initial treatment of acute traumatic injuries.

These patients typically present with reduced range of motion, persistent pain, decreased grip strength and/or deviation or scissoring of their fingers on making a fist.

After appropriate imaging, corrective surgery may be required to improve the alignment of the fingers and overall function of the hand.

Our hand surgeons can also manage and treat other uncommon conditions. These include hand reconstructive microsurgery, nerve and brachial plexus surgery, among others.

Our team can provide a comprehensive assessment of your upper limb issues and advise you on how best to proceed.

If your condition is best treated by operative procedures, you can read more about what to expect below.

Before your surgery, you should refrain from consuming any food or drink (including water) for 8 hours prior to the scheduled time.

You should also refrain from bringing along too many valuables and avoid wearing nail polish or cosmetics for your surgery.

If there are any relevant information such as MRI films or CT scans, please remember to bring them along for your appointment.

You can also expect a discussion with your surgical team regarding your options for anaesthesia. The types of anaesthesia include local, regional and general anesthesia.

This would depend on several factors. The nature and duration of the surgery can narrow down the options. For example, for a minimally invasive surgery, local anaesthesia may suffice. The patient’s health and any medical conditions, and preferences of the patient, surgeon, and anaesthesiologist.

After your surgery, you should not drive or operate machinery until 24 hours after your surgery. This is due to residual effects of anaesthesia. It is advisable to bring along a responsible adult who can accompany you home after surgery.

You should also be prepared to stay overnight in case you do not feel well after your surgery.

Our clinic also provides comprehensive post-surgery care. Your hand surgeon may advise you to take up hand therapy with an occupational therapist.

This may aid in your recovery, especially for conditions affecting the hand and hand function. Following general surgery, or other hand surgeries such as microsurgical reconstruction, you may benefit from some sessions with a therapist.

Our occupational therapist may run through several exercises to build strength, mobility and movement in the affected area.

Our occupational therapist may also assist you in learning better ways to perform daily living activities after your surgery.

Hand surgery encompasses multiple treatment options offered to patients with a variety of upper limb conditions. A discussion with your Hand Surgeon can help determine if hand surgery is a suitable option for you.

You can also talk to your doctor to find out more about other treatment options. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you have any!