1 doctor in India — verified profiles, ratings, fees and clinic or online consultation.
MBBS, MS Orthopedics
General Physician
Dr. Mahitha is a qualified Orthopaedic Surgeon with an MS in Orthopaedics, dedicated to providing comprehensive care for bone, joint, and spine disorders. He…
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Hand surgery is a specialized surgical treatment focused on conditions that affect the hand, wrist, and forearm. These areas are complex, made up of many bones, joints, muscles, nerves, tendons, and ligaments that work together to allow fine movement and strength. When injury, disease, or congenital problems impair this function, causing pain, weakness, stiffness, or loss of normal movement, hand surgery may be recommended to restore comfort and usability.
Hand surgery can treat traumatic injuries, chronic conditions, deformities, nerve entrapment, and issues related to arthritis or repetitive use. The goal is not only to relieve symptoms but also to improve function, strength, and quality of life. These procedures are performed by trained orthopedic or plastic surgeons who specialize in the intricate anatomy of the hand and upper limb. Hand surgery can range from minimally invasive techniques to more involved procedures, depending on the severity and type of problem.
Hand surgery may be recommended for people who:
● Suffer traumatic injuries (fractures, severe cuts, crush injuries)
● Have carpal tunnel syndrome with nerve-compression symptoms
● Develop trigger finger that locks or catches
● Have arthritis causing pain and loss of motion
● Have tendon injuries or ruptures
● Experience Dupuytren’s contracture (thickening of palm tissue)
● Have ganglion cysts that cause persistent pain or limitations
● Have deformities or issues from congenital conditions
● Need reconstruction after burns, trauma, or tumor removal
Your doctor evaluates symptoms, physical exams, imaging tests (like X-rays or MRI), and the impact on daily activities before recommending surgery.
There are many types of hand surgery depending on the condition being treated:
1. Fracture Repair
Fixing broken bones in the hand or wrist using plates, screws, or pins.
2. Nerve Decompression
Relieving pressure on nerves such as the median nerve in carpal tunnel release to reduce pain, numbness, and weakness.
3. Tendon Repair or Transfer
Repairing torn or ruptured tendons or moving tendons to improve movement.
4. Trigger Finger Release
Freeing a trapped tendon so the finger can bend and straighten smoothly.
5. Arthritis Surgery
Smoothing joints, removing bone spurs, joint replacement, or fusion to improve pain and function.
6. Ganglion Cyst Removal
Removing fluid-filled cysts that cause pain or limit motion.
7. Reconstruction and Microsurgery
Complex repair of nerves, blood vessels, or tissue after severe injury.
Each procedure is tailored to the individual’s anatomy, goals, and severity of the condition.
Hand surgery is performed in a hospital or surgical Centre under appropriate anesthesia, which may be local, regional, or general, depending on the procedure:
1. Preoperative Evaluation
Your surgeon reviews your medical history, examines the hand, and orders imaging to understand the problem.
2. Anesthesia
Anesthetic choice varies by procedure. Local anesthesia numbs only the surgical area; regional blocks numb the entire arm; general anesthesia makes you fully asleep.
3. Surgical Access
A precise incision is made over the affected area to expose underlying tissues.
4. Repair or Reconstruction
The surgeon repairs fractures, releases trapped structures, removes diseased tissue, or reconstructs nerves/tendons as needed.
5. Closure
Sutures or staples close the incision, and a sterile dressing or cast is applied.
6. Immediate Aftercare
Splints, braces, or dressings help protect the repair and support early healing.
The length of surgery varies widely; some procedures take 30 minutes, while complex reconstructions may take several hours.
Recovery after hand surgery depends on the type of operation:
● Pain & Swelling: Mild to moderate pain and swelling are common and managed with prescribed medication and elevation.
● Splints & Dressings: These help protect the surgical site and are worn as advised.
● Therapy & Exercises: Hand and occupational therapy often begin soon after surgery to improve strength, motion, and function.
● Activity Restrictions: Avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting until your surgeon clears you.
● Follow-Up Visits: Scheduled appointments track healing, adjust dressings, and assess progress.
Full recovery can range from weeks to several months, based on procedure complexity and rehabilitation.
Hand surgery is generally safe when done by experienced specialists, but risks can include:
● Infection at the surgical site
● Bleeding or bruising
● Nerve or tendon irritation or injury
● Stiffness or limited motion
● Scar tissue formation
● Need for revision surgery
Your surgeon explains specific risks for your procedure and provides guidance to minimize complications.
Hand surgery is an operation to fix problems of the hand, wrist, or forearm, such as fractures, nerve compression, or tendon injuries, to relieve pain and restore function.
Anesthesia prevents pain during surgery. Afterward, mild discomfort is normal and controllable with prescribed pain medications.
Recovery varies by surgery type. Simple procedures may heal in a few weeks, while complex repairs may take several months with therapy.
Often, yes. Hand and occupational therapy help restore strength, motion, and function.
Yes, but incisions are made carefully to minimize scarring. Scars usually fade over time.
Early use depends on your surgeon’s guidance. Protected movement may begin soon, but strenuous activity is limited until healing progresses.
Most people can safely undergo hand surgery, but your surgeon considers age, overall health, and specific conditions before recommending treatment.
