Hand & Upper Extremity

Restoring Function and Dexterity

The intricate anatomy and function of the hand and upper extremity demand specialized expertise. This category covers a wide range of conditions, from carpal tunnel syndrome and Dupuytren’s contracture to complex fractures, tendon injuries, and nerve compressions. We’ll explore the latest surgical techniques, analyze the effectiveness of various treatment options, and discuss the critical role of hand therapy. This section provides surgeons with the knowledge and skills to restore function and dexterity to the hand and upper extremity.

The Role of Occupational Therapy in Hand and Upper Extremity Rehabilitation

Occupational Therapy for Hand Rehabilitation

The Role of Occupational Therapy in Hand and Upper Extremity Rehabilitation Occupational therapy (OT) plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation of patients with hand and upper extremity injuries and conditions. It focuses on helping individuals…
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Diagnosis and Treatment

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Diagnosis, Treatment

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Diagnosis and Treatment Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that affects the hand and wrist. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes compressed…
Clavicle Fracture Management

Clavicle Fracture Management and Complications

Clavicle Fracture Management Clavicle fractures are a common injury, accounting for 2% to 10% of all fractures1. They are one of the most fractured bones in the body3. Symptoms of a broken clavicle include severe pain and swelling at the…
Congenital Hand Differences: A Review of Diagnosis and Treatment

Congenital Hand Differences Review

Congenital Hand Differences: A Review of Diagnosis and Treatment Congenital hand differences encompass a spectrum of limb malformations present at birth. These differences can significantly impact hand function and aesthetics, necessitating…
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis: A Comprehensive Review of Diagnosis and Treatment

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: Diagnosis, Treatment

De Quervain's Tenosynovitis: A Comprehensive Review of Diagnosis and Treatment De Quervain's tenosynovitis, with a prevalence of 0.5% in men and 1.3% in women 1, is a common condition characterized by pain and inflammation of the tendons…
Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture Repair: A Comparative Analysis of Surgical Techniques and Postoperative Management

Distal Biceps Repair Techniques

Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture Repair: A Comparative Analysis of Surgical Techniques and Postoperative Management Ruptures of the distal biceps tendon are often characterized by a sudden "pop" in the elbow, followed by pain, bruising, and…
Distal Humerus Fractures: Surgical Management and Post-Operative Rehabilitation

Distal humerus fracture management

Distal Humerus Fractures: Surgical Management and Post-Operative Rehabilitation Distal humerus fractures, breaks in the lower end of the upper arm bone (humerus), are a complex injury that can significantly impact elbow joint function. These…
Distal Radius Fracture Management

Distal radius fracture management

Distal Radius Fracture Management Distal radius fractures are prevalent orthopedic injuries, often resulting from falls onto an outstretched hand. They affect individuals of all ages, with a higher incidence in children and older adults1.…
Dupuytren's Contracture: A Comprehensive Review of Management Options

Dupuytren’s Contracture Treatment Options

Dupuytren's Contracture: A Comprehensive Review of Management Options Dupuytren's contracture is a hand condition that affects the fascia, the layer of fibrous tissue beneath the skin of the palm and fingers 1. It causes the fascia to thicken…
Elbow Arthroscopy: A Comprehensive Review of Indications, Outcomes, and Comparison to Open Surgery

Elbow Arthroscopy: Indications and Outcomes

Elbow Arthroscopy: A Comprehensive Review of Indications, Outcomes, and Comparison to Open Surgery Elbow arthroscopy has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a primarily diagnostic tool in the 1980s to a widely accepted method…
Tendon Injuries of the Hand and Upper Extremity: A Review of Repair and Rehabilitation

Hand and Upper Extremity Tendon Injuries

Tendon Injuries of the Hand and Upper Extremity: A Review of Repair and Rehabilitation Tendon injuries in the hand and upper extremity are common, often resulting from lacerations or trauma. These injuries can significantly impact hand function…
Management Options for Arthritis of the Hand and Wrist

Hand and Wrist Arthritis Treatment

Management Options for Arthritis of the Hand and Wrist Arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide 1. It is characterized by pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. Arthritis can affect any joint in the…
Common Hand Infections: A Review of Diagnosis and Treatment

Hand Infection Diagnosis and Treatment

Common Hand Infections: A Review of Diagnosis and Treatment Hand infections are a common presentation in both primary care and emergency settings1. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent serious complications, such as tendon…
Surgical Reconstruction of Massive Rotator Cuff Tears

Massive rotator cuff tear repair

Surgical Reconstruction of Massive Rotator Cuff Tears The rotator cuff, a group of four muscles and their tendons, plays a vital role in shoulder function. These muscles and tendons help stabilize the shoulder, rotate and lift the arm, and…
Microsurgery in Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery

Microsurgery in Hand and Upper Extremity

Microsurgery in Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery Microsurgery has revolutionized the field of hand and upper extremity surgery, enabling surgeons to perform intricate procedures with improved precision and outcomes. This article explores…
Wrist Ligament Injuries: Diagnosis and Management

Wrist Ligament Injuries: Diagnosis, Management

Wrist Ligament Injuries: Diagnosis and Management Wrist ligament injuries are common, often resulting from falls, sports injuries, or repetitive strain. These injuries can range from minor sprains to complete ligament tears, leading to pain,…
Pectoralis Major Ruptures: Optimal Timing for Surgical Repair, Techniques, and Outcomes

Pectoralis Major Rupture: Surgical Repair

Pectoralis Major Ruptures: Optimal Timing for Surgical Repair, Techniques, and Outcomes Pectoralis major ruptures are uncommon injuries that typically occur in young, active men 1. These injuries involve a tear of the pectoralis major tendon,…
Management of Proximal Humerus Fractures

Proximal Humerus Fracture Management

Management of Proximal Humerus Fractures Proximal humerus fractures (PHF) are a common injury, representing the third most frequent fracture in older adults, and are often associated with osteoporosis 1. They occur in a bimodal distribution,…
Surgical Management and Post-Operative Rehabilitation of Radial Head Fractures

Radial head fracture management review

Surgical Management and Post-Operative Rehabilitation of Radial Head Fractures Radial head fractures are a common injury, representing a significant portion (approximately 33%) of all elbow fractures in adults 1. The estimated incidence…
Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for Pseudo Paralysis: Outcomes and Influencing Factors

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty Outcomes

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for Pseudo Paralysis: Outcomes and Influencing Factors Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is a surgical procedure used to treat various shoulder conditions, including rotator cuff tear arthropathy (CTA), proximal…
Rotator Cuff Tears: Diagnosis and Arthroscopic Repair

Rotator Cuff Tear Diagnosis & Repair

Rotator Cuff Tears: Diagnosis and Arthroscopic Repair Rotator cuff tears are a common source of shoulder pain and disability, affecting individuals of all ages, though they are more frequent in those over 40 years of age and those engaging…
Scaphoid Fracture: Diagnosis, Management, and the Importance of Prompt Treatment

Scaphoid Fracture Diagnosis and Management

Scaphoid Fracture: Diagnosis, Management, and the Importance of Prompt Treatment Scaphoid fractures are the most common carpal bone fractures, representing 60-70% of all carpal bone fractures and 2-7% of all fractures1. In the United States,…
Shoulder Arthroplasty Implants: An Analysis of Types, Indications, and Selection Factors

Shoulder Arthroplasty Implant Selection

Shoulder Arthroplasty Implants: An Analysis of Types, Indications, and Selection Factors Shoulder arthroplasty, commonly known as shoulder replacement, is a surgical procedure that involves replacing the damaged parts of the shoulder joint…
Shoulder Instability: A Comprehensive Review of Arthroscopic and Open Surgical Techniques

Shoulder Instability: Arthroscopic vs. Open Surgery

Shoulder Instability: A Comprehensive Review of Arthroscopic and Open Surgical Techniques Shoulder instability, often caused by traumatic events or repetitive overhead motions, can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. When…
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review of Diagnosis and Management

Thoracic outlet syndrome diagnosis, management

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review of Diagnosis and Management Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a complex condition involving the compression of nerves, arteries, or veins in the space between the collarbone and first rib,…
Total Elbow Arthroplasty: A Comprehensive Review

Total Elbow Arthroplasty Review

Total Elbow Arthroplasty: A Comprehensive Review Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is a surgical procedure in which a surgeon replaces damaged portions of the elbow joint with an artificial joint. This procedure is a treatment option for patients…
Trigger Finger: Diagnosis and Treatment

Trigger finger: diagnosis and treatment

Trigger Finger: Diagnosis and Treatment Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a common condition affecting the tendons in the fingers and thumb. It causes the affected finger or thumb to get stuck in a bent position,…
Peripheral Nerve Entrapment Syndromes in the Upper Extremity: Diagnosis and Management

Upper Extremity Nerve Entrapment Syndromes

Peripheral Nerve Entrapment Syndromes in the Upper Extremity: Diagnosis and Management Peripheral nerve entrapment syndromes are a common cause of upper extremity pain and dysfunction 1. These syndromes occur when peripheral nerves are compressed…
Common Nerve Injuries of the Upper Extremity: Diagnosis and Repair

Upper Extremity Nerve Injuries

Common Nerve Injuries of the Upper Extremity: Diagnosis and Repair Peripheral nerve injuries of the upper extremity are common, often resulting from trauma or compression1. These injuries can cause significant pain, weakness, and functional…