Some hand conditions can be treated with hand surgery. Carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, and Dupuytren’s disease are common pathologies.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition characterized by numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and wrist. It is often caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel, located at the wrist. Carpal tunnel surgery involves releasing the median nerve by enlarging the carpal tunnel, relieving symptoms and restoring normal sensation in the hand and fingers.
Trigger Finger
Trigger finger is a condition in which a finger gets stuck in a bent position and suddenly releases with a sudden movement, often accompanied by pain. This condition is usually caused by inflammation of the flexor tendon in the tendon sheath. Trigger finger surgery involves enlarging the tendon sheath to allow smoother movement of the tendon and finger, thus relieving pain and restoring finger functionality.
Dupuytren’s Disease
Dupuytren’s disease is a condition that causes thickening and shortening of the subcutaneous tissues of the palm, leading to the formation of nodules and cords of fibrous tissue. These cords can gradually cause abnormal bending of the fingers, affecting the patient’s ability to use their hand normally. Dupuytren’s disease surgery involves removing the fibrous tissue cords, allowing the fingers to straighten and restoring hand functionality.
Outcome of Hand Surgery
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be temporarily relieved by wearing a wrist extension splint at night, but its definitive treatment is often surgery. Although recovery depends on the degree of nerve involvement causing symptoms of pain and numbness, it is generally excellent in the majority of cases.
Trigger finger can be improved by cortisone injection, but its definitive treatment is often surgery. Surgery resolves the sticking and pain issues experienced in the affected finger.
Dupuytren’s disease can also be treated surgically, but there is a risk of recurrence after treatment. Pre-evaluation is necessary to determine if surgery is the best treatment option.
Procedure of Hand Surgery in Montreal
These hand surgeries are performed under local anesthesia in the surgery room located at La Clinique GG. They typically last between 10 and 30 minutes depending on the condition treated. A dressing will be applied, and a follow-up appointment will be scheduled, along with occupational therapy follow-up if deemed necessary.
Step 1 – Appointment Scheduling Appointments can be made by calling directly at 514-543-0455 for aesthetic surgery. You can also contact us by clicking on this link and filling out the form, and our staff will be happy to contact you promptly.
Step 2 – Meeting with Dr. Gaudreau The meeting with Dr. Gaudreau will begin with a brief period of questions to understand the nature of the desired care. A physical examination will then take place, accompanied by explanations and suggestions of appropriate treatments. You will then have the opportunity to ask and obtain answers to all your questions.
Step 3 – Surgery Planning Once your meeting with Dr. Gaudreau is over, the costs of the surgery will be provided to you by Dr. Gaudreau’s assistant secretary. She will explain the possible payment methods and may offer you a surgery date if you wish. Once you have confirmed the date of your surgery, you will receive an information package including pre and post-operative advice.
Step 4 – Surgery The day before surgery, you will receive a call from the surgery center to know the time and place where you will need to be the next day. On the day of your surgery, you must fast from midnight the day before. You will then be guided to the pre-surgery waiting room. You will then see Dr. Gaudreau who will probably draw on you and summarize previous discussions to confirm the desired surgery. You will then be directed to the operating room where you will meet the team for anesthesia and surgery.
Step 5 – Follow-up You will receive a call the day after surgery to check on your progress. You will see Dr. Gaudreau for your first follow-up visit 3 to 7 days after surgery. Your dressings will then be removed, and showering may be allowed. Subsequent visits will be on a weekly or monthly basis and as needed thereafter.
FAQ on Hand Surgery in Montreal
What are the post-operative care instructions for hand surgery?
A dressing will be in place after surgery, and it is recommended to keep it dry for a period of 5 days. It will be important, in the case of carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger, to continue moving the fingers to maintain good mobility and prevent stiffness. Pain medication will be prescribed, and we recommend keeping the hand elevated and applying ice to reduce swelling and pain.
What is the recovery process for hand surgery?
The surgical site will be sore for the first few days, but desk work will be possible soon. However, it will be recommended not to exert force with the operated hand for a few weeks and to mobilize the fingers well to avoid the development of stiffness. The scar may remain sensitive for a few weeks, but you will be taught massages, and sensitivity will decrease over time. Occupational therapy follow-up can be very beneficial, especially in the case of trigger finger treatment and Dupuytren’s disease.
Will numbness disappear quickly after surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel decompression surgery offers in most cases a significant improvement or even complete resolution of numbness in the thumb, index, middle finger, and half of the ring finger within a few days. The complete resolution of symptoms depends, among other factors, on the duration and severity of the median nerve involvement. Thus, some people will continue to experience numbness despite decompression if their nerve involvement is severe and long-standing. In others, surgery will magically eliminate the discomfort and numbness present.
