Hand surgery typically involves repair of injured joints or tendons, joint fusion, removal of diseased tissue, or joint replacement. To restore the natural appearance of the hand, cosmetic surgery may also be performed. A rehabilitation program usually follows the surgery to enable the patient to re-use their hand in the normal way.
At the time of pre-op consultation, the surgeon will educate the patient about the steps involved in the procedure.
Patients often feel more confident once they know what to expect during the surgery. Dr. Bram Kaufman is a board certified plastic surgeon providing hand surgery and other procedures to patients in Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and other towns and cities in this part of Northern Ohio.
Anesthesia
Hand surgery or hand related cosmetic surgery may sometimes be performed using general anesthesia. This will be done by an anesthesiologist or a nurse anesthetist who will remain present in the surgery room throughout. Some patients may only require regional anesthetic in which a local anesthetic injection is administered to numb the hand and arm. The surgical procedure can last for about one to two hours.
Surgery
Once the patient is under anesthesia, the surgeon will begin the hand surgery procedure. Synovectomy procedure may be performed at the wrist if the patient requires removal of diseased tissue. If the bones have been partially destroyed due to arthritis, these may also be removed. If the wrist tendons are ruptured, the procedure may be performed in conjunction with tendon transfer surgery.
If the patient suffers from a painful joint, it may require joint replacement surgery of the hand. An artificial joint, usually made of a synthetic material, will be used to replace the damaged joint. Another treatment option available in some cases is joint fusion. This involves removal of the joint and causing stimulation of the bones to grow and build a solid bone segment. This technique will involve autologous bone grafting with tissue from another site along with pins or metal plates.
Hospital Stay
Hospital stay may not be required for minor hand surgeries, and patients can go back home the same day. In more complex cases, overnight stay at the hospital may be necessary because the patient will receive IV fluids to stay hydrated and will receive analgesic medication adjusted to their pain level.
Hospital Discharge
The patient is likely to be discharged with a plaster splint that will cause motion restrictions. To mitigate the swelling, they should keep the hand in a raised position. Once the patient is ready for discharge, they will be given oral medications and a follow-up appointment will be scheduled. This may be followed by five to six weeks of outpatient therapy for complete rehabilitation.
Physical Therapy
The patient may need physical therapy once or twice a week for up to six weeks following the hand surgery. Therapy should begin in about one to two weeks after the surgery as the swelling subsides. Stellar and salient plastic surgeon Dr. Kaufman receives patients from Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and nearby areas for hand surgery and various other procedures.
To learn more about cosmetic treatment and procedures or to schedule a consultation by Cleveland Ohio area plastic surgeon, Dr. Bram Kaufman, please contact us at 1-216-778-2245 or click here.