Introduction

We use our hands for many purposes in our daily lives such as eating, dressing, writing and typing. We also use our hand to feel, explore and perform many complex tasks which require manipulation skills. All our hand movements involve different combinations of motions of the joints, tendons and muscles of the hand.

Hand surgeons use surgical & non-surgical methods to treat different conditions and problems that may occur anywhere from the fingertips to the shoulder. Some such conditions include old/existing injuries, birth defects, growth abnormalities, tumours, nerve compression and arthritic joints. Hand surgeons employ microsurgical techniques in re-attachment of amputated limbs and in some hand reconstructions.

Post Surgery Care

1. Activity

• Continue with the exercise regime taught by your hand occupational therapist.
• Use the hand splint as instructed.
• Always keep your hand elevated when standing, walking, sitting and sleeping. Look at Figure 1-3.
• Avoid activity that will cause harm/stress to your hand (e.g. lifting heavy objects).

2. Diet

• Eat a well-balanced diet.
• Drink lots of water.

3. Medication

• Take your medication as prescribed.

4. Wound care

• Keep your dressing dry and clean
• Do not remove any bandage
• Wash and dry your splint everyday
• Retrun for change of dressing or removal of stitches as advised upon discharge

5. Special instructions

• Monitor any change in colour and temperature of your hand/finger. Always compare with other fingers of the your hand.
• Check your hand regularly for blisters or marks.

6. Contact your doctor when you notice:

• A sudden change in colour or temperature of your hand/finger.
• Discharges from the wound.
• Any swelling or redness on your hand/finger.
• A fever of >38 C with chills and rigors.
• A sudden increase in pain (ie: different from the usual pain.)
• Contact number, call 67795555 and ask for the on-call Hand Surgeon

7. Follow-up appointment:

• Continue follow-up appointments with your doctor and hand therapist on the date and time given

Hand Therapy

Hand therapy uses specially-designed exercises and activities to help you resume normal use of your hand after undergoing treatment.

Therapy sessions are important as they track your recovery and enable your therapist to recommend any changes to your programme when necessary.

To achieve maximum recovery, you are encouraged to cooperate with your surgeon and therapist to understand your therapy programme and practise it at home.
more details

Patient Education

Some common hand conditions:

Carpal Tunnel syndrome more details

Ganglions more details

Trigger digits more details

deQuervain's Tenosynovits more details

Hand Infections more details