Hand Surgery

What is Hand Surgery?

Hand surgery is a branch of medicine that involves surgical interventions to protect and repair the anatomical structure, functions and aesthetics of the hand, wrist and forearm. Hand surgery covers the treatment of various conditions such as traumas, congenital anomalies, chronic diseases and tumors. This surgical branch aims to restore patients’ hand functions, relieve pain and improve their quality of life.

Scope of Hand Surgery

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition, which occurs as a result of nerve compression in the wrist, is treated by surgically releasing the nerve. This operation is usually performed with minimally invasive methods and helps the patient regain their hand functions.
• Trigger Finger: This condition, which makes it difficult to bend the fingers and causes pain, is treated with trigger finger surgery. Surgical intervention allows the finger tendons to be released and the fingers to regain normal mobility.
• Dupuytren’s Contracture: Characterized by thickening and hardening of the tissue inside the hand, this condition is corrected with surgical intervention. This operation helps the patient regain hand functions and perform daily activities comfortably.
• Hand Injuries: Hand injuries such as cuts, fractures, burns and bruises may require surgical repair. Hand surgery uses various methods such as stitching, bone fixation or skin grafting, depending on the type and severity of the injury.
• Congenital Anomalies: Congenital anomalies such as polydactyly (extra fingers) and syndactyly (fingers fused) are treated with surgical intervention. These operations help children regain normal functions of their hands and improve their aesthetic appearance.
• Arthritis and Degenerative Diseases: Inflammation and wear in joints can be treated with hand surgery. Such surgeries are performed to reduce pain, increase joint mobility and improve quality of life.
• Tumors and Masses: Tumors and masses that form in the hands can be surgically removed. These interventions are used to treat both cancerous and non-cancerous masses and aim to protect the health of the patient’s hand.

The Importance of Hand Surgery

Hand surgery aims to restore hand functions, which play an important role in patients’ daily lives. Hand functionality is critical for individuals to maintain their independence and increase their quality of life. Hand surgery aims to improve not only physical recovery but also the psychological and social status of patients.

Technologies Used in Hand Surgery

• Microsurgery: Microsurgical techniques, which are frequently used in hand surgery, use special microscopes and precision instruments to repair very small structures.  This method is ideal for delicate procedures such as nerve and vascular repairs.
• Minimally Invasive Surgery: Minimally invasive surgery is an operation performed with smaller incisions. This technique offers advantages such as less pain, faster recovery and fewer scars.
• Robotic Surgery: Robotic surgery allows surgeons to perform more precise and controlled operations. Robotic systems perform procedures by converting the surgeon’s hand movements into smaller and more precise movements.

Rehabilitation After Hand Surgery

Rehabilitation after hand surgery is an important part of the recovery process. Rehabilitation includes physical therapy and exercise programs to maximize hand function. In addition, special splints and supports may be used to help patients return to their daily activities.