Hand Surgery Overview
Hand surgery is a specialized procedure by Ashburn, VA plastic surgeon Dr. Timothy Mountcastle, that treats conditions (visible deformities or impaired function) of the fingers, wrist, and hand.
A hand reconstruction may be necessary to help save damaged tissues. This surgery can also improve a disfigurement, resulting from a hand injury or birth defect. It is important to find an experienced board-certified cosmetic hand surgeon, who understands the biomechanics of hand function, as well as know-how to surgically restore it to a normal appearance.
Hand Surgery Before and After*
See More ResultsSurgical Technique
The surgical approach taken will depend on the condition or injury being treated. Hand injuries that include tendon trauma may require a tendon repair, which involves treating the torn tendon and reconnecting it to the original anatomical site. Certain birth defects, such as syndactyly, may require a bone fusion, whereas trauma-related injuries may need to be addressed with microsurgery, a bone or skin graft, a tissue transfer, or z-plasty. The goal is to eliminate pain, restore function, and produce a normal appearance.
Conditions Treated
There are numerous conditions of the hand that may require surgery. In each case, the surgery is a specialized procedure performed to help restore function and a normal appearance. Some common hand conditions include:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Birth Defects
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Dupuytren’s Contracture
- Fractures and Malunions
- Tumors, Cysts, and Cancers of the Hand
- Traumatic and Crush Injuries
- Open Wounds, Scars, and Burns
During/After Surgery
Hand surgery is performed in an accredited surgical facility as an outpatient procedure. The condition or injury being treated will dictate the surgical technique used and will vary by case. The recovery period will also vary. However, physical therapy could be prescribed to help patients regain strength, function, and mobility. An experienced hand surgeon will be able to apply progressive reconstructive approaches to help patients overcome even the most traumatic hand injuries, allowing them to resume a normal life.
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Hand Surgery FAQs
What Is microsurgery?
Microsurgery is a common component of hand surgery when severe trauma has occurred. It involves high magnification to assist and repair severed tendons and nerves. It is almost always used when severed fingers require reattachment.
For hand surgery, should I go to a plastic or an orthopedic surgeon?
Hand surgery, by nature, has always been a part of plastic surgery. A skilled plastic surgeon will understand both the dynamics of hand functions, as well as the technique needed to restore aesthetics. However, some injuries may, in fact, be better suited for an orthopedic surgeon. Orthopedic doctors specialize in the joints of the human body. During the initial consultation, after a full assessment has been provided, this will be discussed in greater detail.
What are the most common injuries that require hand surgery?
The most common hand surgeries performed by plastic surgeons often revolve around a hand injury. This can include fractured bones, cuts, burns, severed fingers, and trauma injuries that damage internal tendons, nerves, and blood vessels. Modern techniques such as grafting, transplantation, and flap surgeries have greatly improved the surgeon’s ability to restore normal hand function and a natural appearance.
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