Hand & Wrist

Our hands and wrists are essential for performing everyday tasks, and when they are injured or in pain, even the most routine activities can become challenging. At Golden State Orthopedics & Spine (GSOS), we recognize the impact that hand and wrist issues can have on your quality of life. Our approach to treating these conditions is multi-faceted, incorporating both non-surgical and surgical treatments to ensure you receive the most effective care.

Expertise in Hand & Wrist Care

Our physicians specializing in upper extremity and hand surgery have undergone rigorous training, including a minimum of five years of residency and additional fellowship training. This extensive education equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to address a wide range of conditions affecting the hand and wrist, from common injuries to complex surgical cases. Our orthopedic surgeons and their physician assistants are uniquely qualified to provide personalized treatment plans based on individual needs, ensuring that each patient receives the highest standard of care.

Initial Consultation and Customized Treatment Plans

The first step in your treatment journey is a comprehensive consultation with one of our expert orthopedists. During this consultation, our specialists will conduct a thorough examination and discuss your symptoms and medical history to accurately diagnose your condition. We believe in a patient-centered approach, which means we take the time to listen to your concerns and answer any questions you may have about your diagnosis and treatment options.

Based on the findings, our physicians will develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This plan may include non-surgical methods to manage and alleviate symptoms or, if necessary, surgical interventions to address more severe conditions.

Common Hand & Wrist Conditions We Treat

At GSOS, we treat a wide range of hand and wrist conditions, including:

  • Arthritis: Inflammation of the joints that can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling.
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the median nerve in the wrist leading to numbness and tingling.
  • Dupuytren’s Contracture: A condition where the fingers bend towards the palm due to thickening of the palmar fascia.
  • Finger or Wrist Dislocation: Displacement of bones in the finger or wrist joint.
  • Fractures: Breaks or cracks in the bones of the hand or wrist.
  • Ganglion and Mucous Cysts: Fluid-filled lumps that can develop on the wrist or hand.
  • Kienbock’s Disease: A condition where the blood supply to a bone in the wrist is disrupted, leading to bone death.
  • Mallet/Baseball Finger: An injury where the tip of the finger is forced into a bent position.
  • Nerve Injury: Damage to the nerves in the hand or wrist, often resulting in loss of sensation or function.
  • Repetitive Motion/Stress Syndrome: Conditions caused by repetitive movements that strain the hand or wrist.
  • Sprains and Strains: Injuries to the ligaments or muscles/tendons in the hand or wrist.
  • Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons, often due to repetitive use or strain.
  • Trauma: Injuries resulting from accidents or impacts.
  • Trigger Finger (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): A condition where a finger gets stuck in a bent position due to inflammation of the tendon sheath.
  • Writer’s Cramp: A form of dystonia affecting the hand muscles, causing involuntary contractions and difficulty writing.

Immobilization & Bracing

To promote healing and prevent further injury, immobilization through splints, casts, or braces may be recommended. This approach stabilizes the affected area, allowing it to rest and recover. Proper immobilization can also help reduce pain and prevent additional damage. Our orthopedists will advise on the appropriate type of immobilization based on your specific condition and ensure that any over-the-counter medications taken during this period are suitable and safe.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is an integral part of the rehabilitation process, particularly for patients experiencing swelling, stiffness, or pain. Our physical therapists design customized exercise programs to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion. These exercises can alleviate symptoms and enhance overall function. Physical therapy is also crucial post-surgery, aiding in the recovery of movement and restoring normal function to the hand or wrist.

Injections

Corticosteroid injections are a common treatment for reducing inflammation and pain associated with conditions such as tendonitis, trigger finger, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, and arthritis. These injections can provide significant relief and are often used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to manage symptoms effectively.

When non-surgical treatments are insufficient or when a condition is severe, surgical intervention may be necessary. At GSOS, we prioritize minimally invasive techniques wherever possible, offering numerous benefits including reduced recovery times, less scarring, and lower risk of complications. Here are some of the most common surgical procedures we perform:

Carpal Tunnel Release

Carpal tunnel release surgery is performed to relieve pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. This procedure involves cutting the transverse carpal ligament to alleviate symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and pain. Carpal tunnel release can be performed using open surgery or endoscopic techniques, depending on the severity of the condition and patient needs.

Dupuytren’s Contracture Fasciectomy

For Dupuytren’s contracture, which causes the fingers to bend towards the palm due to thickening of the palmar fascia, a fasciectomy is performed. This surgery involves removing the affected tissue to restore normal finger movement and improve hand function.

Ganglion Cyst/Mass Excision

Ganglion cysts and other soft tissue masses can be painful and interfere with joint movement. Surgical excision is performed to remove these cysts and any associated tissue, providing relief and improving hand function.

Fracture Repair

Fracture repair is necessary when bones in the hand or wrist are broken and misaligned. Internal fixation methods, such as plates, screws, or pins, are used to realign and stabilize the bones, ensuring proper healing and restoring function.

Nerve Repair

Nerve repair surgery is often required after traumatic injuries or lacerations that result in loss of sensation or function in the hand or fingers. The procedure involves reconnecting severed nerve ends to restore nerve function and sensation.

Tendon Repair

Tendon repair surgery addresses injuries that affect the tendons in the hand, wrist, or fingers. This procedure is typically needed following lacerations, fractures, or arthritis. The goal is to repair the damaged tendons and restore their function to improve hand and wrist movement.

Basilar Joint Reconstruction

This procedure is used to treat arthritis at the base of the thumb. The surgery involves removing the arthritic bone and reconstructing the joint with a tendon graft to reduce pain and enhance thumb function.

Surgical Treatment of Tendonitis

For severe cases of tendonitis, including tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, surgical intervention may be required when conservative treatments fail. The procedure typically involves removing inflamed tissue and repairing any damaged tendons.

Shoulder, Elbow, and Wrist Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat joint issues. It involves inserting a small camera and specialized instruments through tiny incisions, allowing for precise treatment with reduced recovery times.

Trigger Finger Release

Surgical release of trigger finger involves cutting the tendon sheath to relieve the locking or catching sensation in the finger. This procedure helps restore normal finger movement and alleviate pain.

Wrist Fusion

Wrist fusion, or arthrodesis, is performed to treat severe wrist arthritis. The procedure involves fusing the bones in the wrist joint to eliminate painful movement and stabilize the joint, providing significant relief from arthritis symptoms.

Scheduling Your Consultation

We encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled hand surgeons to discuss your condition and explore the treatment options that best meet your needs. At GSOS, we are committed to providing comprehensive care to help you achieve optimal outcomes and improve your quality of life.