HAND SURGERY

Hand surgery encapsulates a range of treatments designed to restore the function and appearance of the hand.  When hand function is less than optimal it can significantly impact day-to-day life. The surgery deals with hand injuries, degenerative disorders, and birth defects of the hand.

Hand surgery can treat diseases that cause pain and impair the strength, function and flexibility of your wrist and fingers. 

Dr Kirstin Miteff treats the following:

• CARPAL TUNNEL RELEASE 

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a relatively common condition that causes a tingling sensation, numbness and sometimes pain in the hand and fingers. Carpal tunnel release surgery is an operation to relieve these severe symptoms and involves dividing a ligament in your wrist to relieve pressure on a nerve.

Surgery may be required if non-surgical treatments fail to relieve the symptoms. An incision will be made near the base of your palm and your carpal ligament will then be divided to relieve pressure on the median nerve. The cut will then be closed with stitches.

It usually takes about 6-8 weeks to make a full recovery from carpal tunnel release surgery but you should be able to drive and do activities that involve light lifting and gripping soon after your operation.

• DUPUYTREN’S CONTRACTURE 

The palm of the hand contains a deep layer of tissue called the palmar fascia, which extends across the palm to the fingers. Dupuytren’s contracture is a thickening and shortening of this web of fascia that gradually causes clawing of the fingers as they are pulled towards the palm. The ring and little finger are usually targeted, but any finger can be affected.

The diseased tissue is removed by making incisions in the palm of the hand.  After surgery, you will be required to wear a splint at night to maintain the straightening of the fingers. You will also need to see a hand therapist. 

Depending on which hand was operated on and what your job involves, you will usually be able to return to work within a few weeks of surgery.

• TRIGGER FINGER 

A trigger finger is a finger that becomes ‘locked’ after it has been bent and is difficult to straighten out. 

An operation is performed under local anaesthetic. During the procedure, a small cut is usually made at the base of the finger and the tightening over the tendon is released. After surgery, you will see a hand therapist to optimise your result.

• GANGLION/HAND TUMOURS

Ganglions are noncancerous lumps/tumours that commonly develop along the tendons or joints of your hand and wrist. They provide no real threat to the function of the limb but may interfere with joint movement. They are typically round or oval and are filled with a jelly-like fluid. In most cases, ganglions will form a large lump which is highly visible on the wrist. 

Surgical removal of ganglions of the hand is a safe and effective treatment option. This form of hand surgery can be performed under local or possibly general anaesthesia.

Dr Miteff performs these surgeries within the public and private systems, at the following hospitals:

Private

• Lingard Private Hospital
• Warners Bay Private Hospital

Public

• Belmont District Hospital
• John Hunter Hospital