Surgery for Congenital Defects of the Hand

The most common surgical procedures for the hand are those done to repair injured hands. Reconstructive surgery is an important part of the experience and training of plastic surgeons. The intricate anatomy of the bones, muscles, arteries, nerves, tendons, ligaments, etc. makes hand surgery a complex array or procedures. This complexity is very similar to the attention to detail and complexity seen in cosmetic surgery.

Many cosmetic surgeons additionally specialize in hand surgery treatments, cross-utilizing their expertise in grafting and flap surgery.

The primary reason to seek hand surgery is due to injury. Common injuries for which hand surgery can prove beneficial are:

  • Damage to the tendons, reducing movement
  • Nerve damage, which has made some movements impossible
  • Abnormal blood vessels
  • Joint damage resulting in unnatural stiffness
  • Fractured bones

Additionally, certain hand surgeries may be able to aid with severe carpal tunnel, rheumatoid arthritis, and congenital deformities.

The basic question to ask yourself is whether your hands are functioning correctly. If not, Dr. Maddali may be able to restore your hand with an eye toward making it appear natural as well.

Methods for hand surgery

Repairing the hand can involve multiple techniques and procedures, suited to fit the needs of the individual and develop the optimal plan for repair. These include:

  • Grafting: Transferring skin, bones, and/or cartilage from other parts of the body to repair the injured hand.
  • Flap Surgery: Making an incision and sculpting the interior beneath into proper alignment.
  • Replantation/Transplantation: A delicate surgery performed under a microscope to reattach a fingertip, or finger.

While techniques in hand surgery are improving every day, it is important to know that there is no instant cure. Even the most precise surgery will need to rely on the body to adapt.

Recovering from hand surgery

Your post-operative plan will typically involve intensive hand therapy in an effort to retrain it into proper functionality. This is as important an aspect as the surgery itself, as your body will need to retrain itself. Dr. Maddali will enlist a certified hand therapist in your recovery and rehabilitation.

Mild to severe pain may be experienced following surgery, depending on the individual and procedure. Dr. Maddali will prescribe pain medication to alleviate any pain or discomfort.

Recovery varies according to the procedure and individual healing time. In some cases, it may take months or even a year before the body adjusts fully and most functionality returns to the hand.

To learn more about congenital hand defect surgery in San Francisco, contact the plastic surgery office of Sirish Maddali MD.