What Conditions Can An Orthopaedic Hand Surgeon Or Specialist Treat?

What Conditions Can An Orthopaedic Hand Surgeon Or Specialist Treat?

Orthopedic Hand

Orthopedic hand surgeon specialize in treating diseases and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, which consists of nerves, joints, ligaments and tendons, muscles, and bones.

Orthopedic hand specialist Dallas specializes in hand surgeries. Researchers have devoted significant time to studying, examining, and treating musculoskeletal issues related to the hand.

They have extensive experience treating virtually all types of musculoskeletal injuries, conditions, and surgical procedures related to the hands.

What types of conditions do orthopedic hand doctors treat?

  • Arthritis

Hand arthritis is a common disease that affects the joints in the body, especially those in the hands. An arthritic joint can be painful, swollen, stiff, and immobile.

  • Tendonitis

The condition of tendonitis, an inflammation of the tendons, is treated frequently by orthopedic hand surgeons. Overuse, injuries, and diseases such as arthritis and diabetes are common causes of tendonitis in hand.

  • Dislocations

Similar to dislocations in the shoulder and other joints, bones in the hand can also become dislocated – this means they become dislocated from their proper position. Orthopedic hand surgeons commonly treat a dislocated bone or joint in hand.

  • Fractures

All bones in the body are susceptible to fracture, including the bones in the hands and fingers. Usually, orthopedic hand surgeons treat fractures with casts, but surgery may be necessary in severe cases to reassemble the bones to heal properly.

  • Sports Injuries

Hand surgeons examine and treat sports injuries, including wrist injuries, broken bones around the hand, sprains, strains, and finger injuries.

  • Infections

Hand infections can occur when an injury or a surgical incision causes an opening in hand. An orthopedic hand surgeon examines and treats hand infections by prescribing antibiotics and other medications and performing surgery if necessary.

What types of procedures do they do?

For the conditions they treat, orthopedic doctors recommend various treatments and procedures.

Non-surgical treatments

Conservative treatments are also known as these types of treatments. Before recommending surgery, orthopedic doctors will often recommend non-surgical treatments first.

Treatments that do not require surgery include:

  • Exercises: 

Your orthopedic hand doctor may recommend specific exercises or stretches to help maintain your strength, flexibility, and range of motion.

  • Immobilization: 

By preventing additional strain on an area, it may be able to heal faster. Braces, splints, and casts are examples of immobilization techniques.

  • Medications: 

Your orthopedic hand doctor may recommend certain medications to relieve symptoms such as pain and swelling. Ibuprofen and aspirin are two examples of over-the-counter medications. They may also prescribe certain prescription drugs, such as corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory medications.

  • Lifestyle changes: 

You may also be able to make lifestyle changes with the help of your orthopedic doctor. You can modify physical activity, diet, and exercise to prevent aggravation of an injury or condition.

Surgical treatments

  • Joint replacement

In joint replacement surgery, a joint’s damaged or diseased parts are replaced. It is typically done due to arthritis. Knee replacements and hip replacements are two examples.

  • Internal fixation: 

Pins, screws, plates, and rods are used to hold broken bones in place while they heal.

  • Fusion: 

A fusion is joining two bones using bone graft material and internal fixation. The bones fuse as they heal. Fusions are typically performed in spine and neck surgeries.

  • Osteotomy:  

An osteotomy involves cutting a bone and then repositioning it. You can sometimes treat arthritis with this type of surgery.

Summary

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