Hand and Wrist Surgery in Northwest Montana

Containing a total of 35 bones, including 27 bones in the hand and 8 bones in the wrist, the hand and wrist are one of the most complex parts of the human body. A complex system of ligaments and tendons connect the bones together, while cartilage covers the remaining areas of the bones, acting as a cushion between joints during movement. It is necessary that all the components of the hand and wrist work simultaneously in order to complete even the simplest tasks.

Hand surgery is an orthopedic specialty that focuses on treating problems in the fingers, hand, wrist, and forearm. The most common causes of hand and wrist pain include:

• Fractures
• Arthritis
• Tendonitis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

Due to the complex anatomy of the hand and wrist, expert training and advanced treatments are required in the treatment of hand and wrist joint damage.

Hand Surgery for Factures

The hand is comprised of two types of bones: phalanges (small bones) and metacarpals (long bones). Fractures to the hand occur when one or more of the bones are twisted beyond their normal range, such as during baseball, or from trauma, often found in boxing. Depending on the severity of the injury, patients will experience swelling, tenderness, deformity, and inability to move a particular finger.

In order to correct the facture, the bones must be realigned either surgically or non-surgically. In many cases the bones can be realigned with the use of a cast, splint, or brace. For most hand factures caused by trauma, and those in which the bone breaks through the skin, surgical treatment is required. During the procedure, wires, screws, or plates will be implanted into the bones in order to fix the bones in place.

Arthritis of the Hand and Wrist

The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease in which the protective cartilage diminishes, exposing the bones. When the bones rub against one another, patients will experience both pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis of the hands and wrist is most common in older patients, and usually affects only one side of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the joint lining inflames, causing deterioration of the bones and tissue. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect patient of any age, but is more common in women and those with a family history. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis typically affects both sides of the body.

Several factors will be considered when recommending surgical treatment for arthritis of the hand or wrist including how many joints are damaged, the patient’s age and activity level, the severity of the disease, and whether or not the dominant hand is affected. If the disease is in the early stages and does not affect daily activities, a combination of medications and splinting is commonly suggested. For patients who are unable to complete even basic tasks due to pain, joint fusion or joint replacement surgery is usually recommended.

Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery

The carpal tunnel is a narrow, tunnel-like structure in the wrist that surrounds the median nerve and the tendons of the thumb and fingers. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tissues surrounding the carpal tunnel swell, pressing the tendons against the median nerve. As the pressure put on the median nerve increases, patients will begin to experience numbness, tingling, and pain. Patients will often feel an electric shock in their fingers and pain throughout their arm and shoulder. Carpal tunnel syndrome is most common in older women, patients with a family history of the disease, and patients with constant hand use due to occupation (such as typing).

For patients who experience constant numbness, a decrease in amount of muscle tissue in the thumb, or do not benefit from nonsurgical treatments such as bracing or medications a more invasive approach is recommended. During an endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery, a small camera (endoscope) is inserted into a small incision. The ligaments are divided, creating a larger space and releasing the pressure placed on the tendons and nerve.

Hand and Wrist Surgery in Northwest Montana

Flathead Orthopedics provides high quality, state-of-the-art care to patients in the surrounding areas of Kalispell and Whitefish Montana. Flathead Orthopedics specializes in the treatment of spine, hand and wrist, and foot and ankle problems. To learn more about hand and wrist surgery, schedule an appointment at their main office in Kalispell, MT at (406) 752-900 or their office in Whitefish, MT at (306) 862-8045.