Patient Education

Matthew's Hand Surgery Center would like to be your partner in health care. Feel free to ask your questions and share your concerns with us. We will work with you to develop a wellness program for the care and treatment you need.

We welcome you to our practice and look forward to caring for you.

Matthew's Hand Surgery Center provides a full range of medical services including the following:

Broken Finger Surgery

There are 14 bones in total in the fingers (phalanges) of one hand. A break (fracture) in one or more of them that is left untreated can lead to permanent stiffness and pain. A severe finger fracture may require open reduction surgery, which repositions any displaced bones, allowing the finger to function properly once it has healed. When a broken bone can be aligned with a cast or splint alone, it is referred to as "closed reduction." ...

Basal Joint Surgery

Basal joint arthritis occurs when the cartilage of the thumb joint (carpometacarpal joint) wears away from the bone, and can no longer act as a cushion. The resulting friction between joint and bone causes pain, swelling, decreased strength and limited range of motion. Basal joint arthritis is commonly caused by inflammation in the lining of the joint, which can lead to difficulty in performing simple tasks such as turning a doorknob, opening a jar, and pinching or gripping an item. Although it can be successfully treated with conservative measures such as medications, severe cases of basal joint arthritis usually need surgery. ...

Broken Thumb Repair

Repairing a broken (fractured) thumb can be done nonsurgically or surgically. Which method is chosen depends on a number of factors, including the location of the break and how much displacement (movement) of bone has occurred. The thumb comprises two bones: the distal phalange and the proximal phalange. The distal phalange runs from the tip of the thumb to the knuckle; the proximal phalange runs from the knuckle to the base of the thumb. Typical causes of a broken thumb include falling on an outstretched hand, and playing sports that involve either twisting or contracting the muscles of the thumb. ...

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The carpal tunnel is a narrow, fibrous passage in the wrist that protects the median nerve, which runs down the length of arm and through the wrist into the hand. It controls some hand movement, and sensation in the thumb, index and middle fingers, and half of the ring finger. Irritation or compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel can cause tingling and numbness in the fingers, a condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). ...

Colles' Fracture

A Colles' fracture is a break in the distal radius, which is the larger of the two bones in the forearm. Because the distal radius usually breaks approximately 1 inch from its end, which is close to where it connects to the bones of the hand near the thumb, the injury is usually referred to as a "broken wrist." In the United States, Colles' fractures account for approximately 70 percent of all forearm fractures, and are typically the result of landing on a hand that has been extended to break a fall, or of a sports-related injury. In addition, the elderly are prone to Colles' fractures (as are those who have osteoporosis) because of the fragility of their bones. ...

De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

De Quervain's tenosynovitis is an inflammation of the two tendons that run from the back of thumb and down the side of the wrist. The causes of De Quervain's tenosynovitis are unknown, but it has been linked to wrist injury, overuse/repetitive motion, pregnancy and inflammatory arthritis. It is much more common in women than in men, and in people who have diabetes or arthritis. The disease was first identified in 1895 by Fritz de Quervain, after whom it is named. ...

Dupuytren's Contracture

Dupuytren's contracture is a rare hand disorder caused by a thickening of the layer of fibrous tissue beneath the skin of the palm and the finger(s). This thickening causes tendons to tighten (contract), which makes the finger difficult to extend. As a result, the finger is continually "curled up." Although more common in men than women, the cause of Dupuytren's contracture is unknown. However, people who get the condition tend to drink significant amounts of alcohol; have diabetes; smoke; or have seizures similar to those from epilepsy. ...

Finger Fracture

A fractured (broken) finger is usually the result of a trauma, such as a fall on an outstretched hand, a punch, or slamming the finger in a door. There are 14 bones in total in the fingers (phalanges) of each hand, each of which is susceptible to fracture. A broken finger typically results in pain, swelling, tenderness and bruising. Moving the injured finger may be difficult, and it may look deformed. These symptoms usually develop immediately at the time of the injury. ...

Flexor Tendon Tear

When muscles contract, tendons pull on the bones, allowing movement to occur. In the hand, the muscles that move the fingers and thumb are found in the forearm. Tendons run from the forearm's muscles through the wrist and into the hand, where they attach to the small bones of the fingers and thumb. The hand has tendons on both its top and bottom (palm). The ones on top, the extensor tendons, straighten the fingers. The ones on the bottom, the flexor tendons, bend the fingers. Each finger has two flexor tendons; the thumb has one. Because they are stretched tightly as they connect muscle to bone, tears or cuts to flexor tendons can cause them to completely separate, making it impossible to bend the affected fingers. ...

Ganglion Cyst

A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled sac that usually forms on top of a tendon or the covering of a joint in the wrist or hand. It is the most common type of soft-tissue growth in the wrist or hand, and can develop suddenly or over time. Although usually benign and harmless, it can put pressure on nearby nerves, potentially causing pain, weakness or numbness. The cause of a ganglion cyst is unknown, although it tends to occur in people who have osteoarthritis, and in women between the ages of 25 and 45. They often develop when the soft sheath around a tendon or joint swells and fills with mucus. ...

Guyon's Canal Syndrome

Guyon's canal syndrome (handlebar palsy) is caused by the entrapment of the ulnar nerve within a tunnel-like structure in the wrist known as Guyon's canal. The Guyon's canal is formed by two bones and the ligament that connects them. The ulnar nerve runs down from the neck, through the arm and into the hand, and supplies feeling to the ring and pinky fingers. It also supports the muscles of the palm and thumb. When the ulnar nerve becomes damaged or compressed within the Guyon's canal, it can cause pain, pressure, weakness and numbness in the hand, wrist and fingers. ...

Hand Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that causes pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints. Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative arthritis, is the most common form of arthritis and it commonly affects the hands because of their frequent use. Patients can also suffer from an autoimmune condition known as rheumatoid arthritis which causes many of the same symptoms as osteoarthritis in the hand, but has other causes and other systemic effects. ...

Hand Therapy

The hands are a particularly common site for traumatic injuries, including those from falls, automobile accidents and sports activity. The hands are also prone to certain degenerative conditions, such as arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome, that may be related to wear and tear, or repetitive motion. Hand therapy is a discipline that treats injuries and conditions affecting the hands, elbows and wrists. ...

Mallet Finger

Mallet finger, also known as baseball finger, involves a tear in the finger's extensor tendon, the tendon that allows the finger to straighten. A finger with this injury droops at its tip. Whenever a fingertip is jammed or forcefully bent down during any activity, the extensor tendon can tear. Because this injury is often caused by a direct blow to the finger from a ball or similar object, baseball and basketball players are especially susceptible. At times, during a mallet finger injury, a piece of bone is torn away with the tendon. This is known as an avulsion fracture. ...

Metacarpophalangeal Joint Arthroplasty

The metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints are located within the knuckles of the fingers. Metacarpophalangeal joint arthroplasty is a procedure performed to treat rheumatoid arthritis of the MCP joints. Also known as joint replacement, arthroplasty involves removing the damaged joints and tissue, and replacing them with synthetic materials or artificial implants. Although MCP joint arthroplasty is a complex procedure often used as a last resort for treating rheumatoid arthritis, it is often very successful, with results lasting for several years. ...

Mucoid Cysts

Mucoid cysts are fluid-filled sacs that usually develop on or near the joints of the fingers, although the toes can be affected. Typically benign, they feel like firm, rubbery lumps, and are usually not painful unless they grow large enough to put pressure on nerves. Mucoid cysts are also referred to as mucous cysts, ganglion cysts, myxoid cysts, synovial cysts, periarticular fibromas and mucinous pseudocysts. ...

Rehabilitation for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The carpal tunnel is a narrow, fibrous passage in the wrist that protects the median nerve, which runs down the length of arm and through the wrist into the hand. The median nerve controls some hand movement, and sensation in the thumb, index and middle fingers, and half of the ring finger. Irritation or compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel can cause tingling and numbness in the fingers, a condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). ...

Rehabilitation for Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is a common and painful disorder of a finger's flexor tendon that causes the finger to "catch" or "lock" when bent or released (if the thumb is affected, the condition is called "trigger thumb"). Trigger finger can be caused by repetitive motion of the finger, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and gout. Grasping something for an extended period of time can also result in trigger finger. ...

Scaphoid Fracture

The scaphoid is a small bone located on the thumb side of the wrist, in the area where the wrist bends. The scaphoid bone is located at the base of the hand, below the thumb tendons. The scaphoid is the most common bone to break or fracture from a wrist injury. A scaphoid fracture is commonly caused by a fall on an outstretched hand, with significant weight landing on the palm. Pain or tenderness in this area can be a sign that the scaphoid has been injured. ...

Tendon Transfer in the Hand

Tendons connect muscles to bones, allowing muscles to function. When there is damage to the tendon that helps a particular muscle to function, the muscle is essentially paralyzed and can no longer be used. Tendon transfer is a surgical procedure that takes a healthy tendon from one area of the body and attaches it in an area that is no longer functioning. In the hand, tendon transfer is often used to treat tendon damage that has been caused by nerve injury, muscle rupture or nervous-system injury. ...

Thumb Arthritis

Arthritis is commonly caused by inflammation in the lining of the joints, which in addition to pain, may result in stiffness, swelling and loss of movement in the affected joints. Arthritis of the thumb, also known as basal joint arthritis, occurs when the cartilage of the thumb joint (carpometacarpal joint) wears away from the bone. This cartilage normally acts as a cushion between the bone and the joint, and when it is worn away, the direct contact and friction between the bones causes pain, swelling, decreased strength and range of motion. Arthritis of the thumb may cause difficulty in performing simple tasks such as turning doorknobs, opening jars, and pinching or gripping items. ...

Total Wrist Replacement

Total wrist replacement (wrist arthroplasty) is performed when arthritis pain is severe, and has not responded to other treatments. Both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis cause pain, and both can affect finger and hand strength, making it difficult to pinch or grip. The primary candidate for wrist replacement has severe arthritis, but does not place significant stress on the wrist. ...

Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is a common and painful disorder of a finger's flexor tendon that causes the finger to "catch" or "lock" when bent or released (if the thumb is affected, the condition is called "trigger thumb"). Trigger finger can be caused by repetitive motion of the finger, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and gout. Grasping something for an extended period of time can also result in trigger finger. ...

Ulnar Neuropathy

Ulnar neuropathy, also known as ulnar nerve dysfunction or cubital tunnel syndrome, is an inflammation of the ulnar nerve, the nerve that runs from the shoulder to the hand and affects the forearm, wrist and fingers. When this nerve is damaged, often at the wrist or elbow, patients may experience pain, numbness, weakness and restricted thumb movement. Risk factors for the disorder include prior fractures or dislocations of the elbow, bone spurs, cysts or inflammation of the joint, and prolonged or repetitive use of the elbow in a flexed position. ...

Wrist Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that can be used both to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions that affect joints. In the wrist, arthroscopy is used to treat ligaments, tendons and other types of tissue that become damaged as a result of degeneration, trauma, or disease. ...

Wrist Sprain

A sprain is a common type of injury that involves a stretching or tearing of ligaments, the strong bands of tissue that connect bones to one another. A wrist sprain is often caused by falling onto an outstretched hand or by bending the wrist backward. Although anyone can sprain a wrist, athletes, including gymnasts, baseball and basketball players, skiers, skaters and skateboarders, are particularly susceptible. Protective splints or braces can offer some protection from injury for those at greatest risk. ...

Amputation

Amputation is the removal of a limb or extremity: arm, leg, hand, foot, finger or toe. A treatment of last resort, it is performed only after all other forms of treatment have failed. It is used to treat severe infection, disease progression, removal of a tumor on a bone or muscle, or persistent pain. Before undergoing an amputation, a thorough physical examination is performed to verify that amputation is the only feasible option. The most common type of amputation is removal, either above or below the knee, of the leg. ...