Hand Surgery: A Specialty Unto Itself

Common Hand Problems
What is Hand Surgery	Arthritis of the Hand
Arthritis of the Base of the Thumb	Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
DeQuervain's Tenosynovitis	Extensor Tendon Injuries
Flexor Tendon Injuries	Ganglion Cysts
Hand Fractures	Nerve Injuries
Trigger Fingers	Wrist Arthroscopy
Wrist Sprains

Hand surgery is a specialty unto itself. The intricate anatomy and complex functional aspects of the hand present many challenges to even the most well-trained surgeons in plastic, orthopedic, or general surgery. Those who seek an additional year of subspecialty training in surgery of the hand hope to better their patients’ outcomes with a greater knowledge of understanding hand and wrist injuries.

Dr. Sharma brings a unique perspective to hand surgery. With his combined training in plastic surgery and orthopedic surgery, he comes with specific proficiency in open and endoscopic carpal tunnel release, wrist arthroscopy, distal radius fractures, and arthritis management, especially basal thumb joint disease. A non-exhaustive list of other treatable entities would include wrist pain, nerve compression syndromes, trigger fingers, masses and ganglions, and Dupuytren’s contracture. Furthermore, he could offer his services for any complex hand or wrist injuries, congenital hand surgery, or upper extremity trauma reconstructions you may have or need. Furthermore, Dr. Sharma only utilizes certified hand therapists for post-operative hand and wrist rehabilitation.

Hand and Wrist Pain

Pain in and around the wrist and hand has many causes. If numbness or tingling in the fingertips occurs with increasing frequency and inhibits normal everyday activities, you may have signs of carpal tunnel syndrome; a treatable condition cared for by hand surgeons. An open or endoscopic surgical technique is possible—talk to Dr. Sharma to find out which is best for you.

Pain in the thumb joint can be due to tendonitis or basal join arthritis, both of which can be initially treated with splinting, anti-inflammatory medicine and occasionally steroid injections. Surgery can improve these conditions as well. For advanced arthritis of the wrist or finger joints, fusions can bring a great deal of pain relief with the sacrifice of joint motion. In some cases, small joint replacement with pyrocarbon artificial joints can restore joint mobility. Other complex wrist pain may have ligament, cartilage, nerve or bone involvement and may require wrist arthroscopy. Dr. Sharma can discuss these options with you at consultation.