Hand Conditions

1. Fractures. A break in one or more bones in the hand.

2. Dislocations. A joint in the hand is forced out of its normal position.

3. Sprains. Soft tissue injuries of Ligaments or Tendons.

Chronic orthopedic conditions of the hand include:

Our hands are Essential to work and do everyday things that most of us take for granted. Ignoring or avoiding early treatment or management can result in Permanant damage and loss of function of our hands.

1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is extremely common. There is compression of the Median Nerve as it passes through the wrist, which results in Numbness, Tingling, and Weakness in the hand.
2. De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis. There is inflammation of the Tendons in the thumb, resulting in Pain and Swelling on the side of the wrist.
3. Trigger Finger. There is Stiffness and Pain in the affected finger when attempting to straighten it, caused by a thickening of the Tendon Sheath in the hand.
4. Osteoarthritis. This is a Degenerative Joint Disease, that is characterized by the breakdown of joint Cartilage, causing Pain, Stiffness, and decreased Mobility.
5. Rheumatoid Arthritis. This is an Autoimmune disorder that causes joint Destruction and Inflammation. This leads to Pain, Swelling, and Joint damage.
6. Dupuytren’s Contracture. In this condition, the tissue beneath the skin of the Palm thickens and tightens, resulting in the fingers to bend towards the palm and making it difficult to straighten them.
7. Ganglion Cysts. These are Fluid-Filled lumps that develop near the joints and tendons of the hand and wrist.
8. Tendinopathy. There is Chronic damage to the tendons in the hand, which is generally caused by Overuse or Repetitive movements, this leads to Pain, Weakness, and Loss of function.
9. Tenosynovitis: There is inflammation of the tendon Sheath, which results in Pain and Swelling.
10. Tendinitis. This is inflammation of the tendons in the hand, generally caused by Overuse or Repetitive movements.

Orthopaedic symptoms of the hand can include:

1. Pain in the hand, fingers, or wrist that can be Sharp or Dull and is often worse with movement of the hand.

2. Swelling due to fluid Buildup or Inflammation.

3. Stiffness, a decreased range of motion in the wrist, hand or fingers.

4. Weakness, a decreased strength and ability to grip objects.

5. Numbness or Tingling. A loss of sensation or the presence of a tingling sensation in the wrist, hand or fingers.

6. Deformity of the hand.

7. Instability, a feeling of ‘giving way’ at the joints.

Diagnosis

In order to assess Shoulder Pathology properly. A detailed History, Examination and Imaging are required. Generally a X-ray, MRI or Ultrasound are needed to identify the underlying cause.

Treatment

These symptoms can be Progressive and Worsen over time if the underlying condition is not treated. It is important to see Dr NM van der Berg, an Orthopaedic Surgeon, if you experience any of these symptoms.  He will create a Customized Treatment Plan based on your Specific Needs as his patient. Treatment options vary depending on the Cause and the Severity of the condition. It can range from a Steroid Injection into the joint, Oral Medication and Physiotherapy, or Surgery for severe cases.

Surgeries Dr NM van der Berg performs on the Hands for Chronic Conditions

It is important to note that Dr NM van der Berg, Orthopaedic Surgeon, will treat with Non-Surgical procedures and will only perform Surgery if deemed necessary.

1. Joint Fusion

2. Joint Replacement

3. Ligament Repair

4. Nerve Decompression

5. Tendon Repair

6. Trigger Finger Release

7. Ganglion Cyst Removal

These surgeries can help to relieve pain, improve function, and restore mobility in the hand. The type of surgery recommended will depend on the specific condition and its severity, as well as other factors such as the patient’s age, overall health, and goals for recovery.