Hand Surgery Expertise in Northwest Montana

Hand surgery is an orthopedic specialty that includes treatment of hand, wrist, and forearm conditions. Due to anatomical complexity, diagnosing and correcting damage to these areas requires expert training and advanced surgical approaches. The team at Flathead Orthopedics will determine the type and severity of damage present, as well as if the injury requires additional attention to the shoulder and/or elbow joints.

Hand Anatomy

The hand and wrist are made of 27 and 8 bones respectively, and are held together by a complex system of tendons and ligaments. Within healthy hands, cartilage cushions the joints during movement, while the synovium provide friction-reducing lubrication. In addition, nerve and sheath components enable a highly attuned sense of touch, which benefits both basic and reactionary movements.

While some conditions, such as arthritis, may result in overarching pain, other damage forms may impact a specific area of the hand. However, due to the compact nature of the hand’s anatomy, injury to any portion can result in more widespread discomfort and disability.

Conditions for Treatment

There are numerous illness and injury types that can influence hand and wrist function. They include, but are not limited to:

• Arthritis (Osteo-, Rheumatoid, and Traumatic)
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Tendinitis
• Flexor Tendon Injuries
• Fractures and Dislocations

While different in type and origin, all of the above conditions may result in significant pain and loss of hand function. In diagnosing the specific damage present, the team at Flathead Orthopedics will likely employ a battery of basic strength and flexibility tests, as well as an x-ray or other technology-based diagnostic technique.

Surgery and Rehabilitation

Prior to prescribing surgical intervention, the team at Flathead Orthopedics will likely suggest a period of non-invasive treatment. Efforts may include, but not be limited to:

• Use of Anti-Inflammatory and Pain Medications
• Bracing
• Flexing and Strengthening Exercises

If non-invasive techniques do not provide the necessary level of relief, more comprehensive intervention may be required. Due to the structural complexity of the hand and wrist, arthroscopy and other minimally invasive techniques are usually required for successful treatment. Arthroscopy involves the placement of minimal incisions, through which a small camera and tools are placed for purposes of damage diagnosis and correction.

Minimally invasive hand surgery reduces the amount of cutting as much as possible, resulting in lower levels of operative blood loss and expedited recovery times. However, as with any operation, special efforts should be taken to avoid over-exerting the treated hand, as such can result in delayed recovery or re-injury.

Following hand surgery, a combination of pain medications and physical therapy will likely be required to rebuild joint function, enabling a return to usual physical activities. Prior to resuming any specific hand or wrist-related behaviors, clearance should be sought from the medical team. While the risks associated with hand surgery are minimal, any concerns should be reported to the Flathead Orthopedics team immediately.

To learn more about the hand and wrist care offered at Flathead Orthopedics, contact either the Kalispell, MT office at (406) 752-7900, or the Whitefish, MT office at (406) 862-8045.