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Month: May 2016

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General Hands

Need to Know Information About Hand Joint Replacement

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Patients who are suffering from debilitating cases of arthritis, and who are unable to find relief through other types of treatment, turn to surgery for help. One of the procedures that can help these sufferers is joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty. They actually replace the small joints in the hand, including the knuckles.

Why Do People Need Joint Replacement Surgery for the Hand?

The hands undergo a substantial amount of stress each day, and it can take a toll on the joints. For those who are typing all day, for example, the joints can start to swell and cause a lot of pain. The joints become stiff and achy, and it can limit the mobility of the hand and fingers. Ultimately, this becomes a quality of life issue. People are in near constant pain, and it is difficult for them to do normal daily tasks.

When resting and using medications no longer helps, the doctor will consider different types of surgery to find the procedure that will help the patient the best. They may consider fusing the joint as well as removing cartilage growth and bone spurs from the area. Those who are older and who have a lower level of activity will often be good candidates for the joint replacement surgery. It can relieve pain and improve mobility. However, older patients are not the only ones who can benefit. You can discuss with your surgeon which option could help you the most.

What Types of Joint Replacement Options Exist?

Your doctor will be able to replace nearly any of the joints in your hand. A DIP join, which is the joint that is the closest to the tip of your finger, can be a very difficult joint replacement, simply because the bones are so small. The most common joint replacement is a PIP replacement, which replaces the second joint from the tip of the finger. The most common fingers to receive these new joints are the little finger and the ring finger. The MCP joint is the third joint from the tip of the finger, and the thumb basal joint is where the thumb connects to the wrist.

When you have your consultation with the surgeon, you can discuss whether your hand condition makes you a good candidate for this type of surgery, or if you might benefit from a different procedure. All surgeries in the hand are complex, and they take a very skilled surgeon.

When you are choosing a hand surgeon, make sure that you vet them to ensure they are capable of providing you with the quality surgery and care that you need. You will also want to evaluate the team that works with them, so you can be sure you are getting the best overall treatment. Make sure that you discuss the pros and the cons, as well as what to expect during and after the procedure, including your recovery time. While joint replacement might not be the solution for all arthritis sufferers, it is something that you and the doctor can discuss.

If you have any questions about hand joint replacement surgery, please call or visit our hand surgeon’s office in West Bloomfield, Howell, Warren, or Macomb.

Categories
General Hands

An Overview Of Crush Injuries To The Hands – Arora Hand Surgery

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A crush injury to your hand occurs when your hand is caught between objects that are coming together under a lot of pressure. The damage can be minimal (perhaps just a bit of bruising), or bad enough to involve several broken bones, lacerations, bleeding, and a condition known as “compartment syndrome.” The severity of the injury often depends on how long the hand was between the objects.

Effects of a Crush Injury

A minor crush injury will usually have no lasting effects. For instance, if you slam a finger in a door, most of the time you will be in pain for a day or two, and then you will go about your life and forget about it.

With major crush injuries, there can be damage to the hand well below the skin. If the flow of blood has been cut off for any length of time, tissue damage could result, and the chance of infection will increase. Layers of skin could be removed, further raising he danger of infection. In severe cases, infection can even lead to the need for amputation.

With some crush injuries, compartment syndrome can be a complication. This occurs when the tissues are left without blood for a long period of time. The nerves can become damaged, and muscle tissue can die. Compartment syndrome usually happens in the legs, but it can happen anywhere in the body if the affected part has been trapped for too long. It is rare in the hand, but it can occur. When it sets in, the first symptom is severe pain, followed by a “pins and needles” sensation. Then paralysis sets in, and the hand has no pulse. The skin may appear shiny and swollen.

Treating Crush Injuries

With a minor crush injury, you probably will not require medical attention. If the wound is bleeding, make sure that you clean it. You can elevate the hand, and apply a cold pack to ease the pain. If swelling seems to be excessive, though, or you have little or no mobility, you should see your doctor or go to the hospital emergency room. Most likely the hand will need to be x-rayed in order to determine if there is a fracture. This is important, because fractures can cause compartment syndrome.

If there is moderate to heavy bleeding, you will probably need medical intervention. At the very minimum, you will need a tetanus shot if your immunization is not up to date (a tetanus shot is good for ten years). You may also require antibiotics. It is also important to determine if the injury is severe enough to warrant surgery to ease pressure on the nerves and blood vessels, or to repair broken bones. In some cases, severe crush injuries can require multiple surgeries.

The Final Word

Minor crush injuries may require no treatment at all. Just, as they say, “Walk it off.” However, if the injury is severe, you should seek medical assistant immediately.
For any questions call our Michigan Hand & Wrist Surgery Office at (734) 943-3838 or (248) 485-8300.

Categories
Fingers General

12 Fun Facts About Fingers

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Here are some fun facts about fingers. This picture is a closeup of a woman's hands.

Usually we try to be serious here. But once in a while we like to step outside the box, and just have some fun. So, how about some fun facts about fingers?

1. Big Hand Man

The man who has the largest hand in the entire world is Lui Hua, of China. His index finger is nearly a foot long, and his left thumb is more than ten inches. He has a condition known as “macrodactyly” – in other words, big fingers.

2. Only One Muscle

When you think about the movements that your fingers are capable of, it might be hard to believe that each finger has only one muscle, but its true. It’s called the arrector pili muscle, and it moves all of your finger joints.

3. Manly Man

Did you know that the more testosterone you have, the longer your ring finger will be? You didn’t? Well, now you do.

4. The Ring

If you have ever wondered why you wear your wedding ring on your left finger, wonder no more. It’s because there is a vein in that finger, the vena amoris (vein of love) that was once believed to be connected directly to your heart.

5. Longer is Better

Experts have actually conducted research that seems to indicate that the most successful men have ring fingers that are longer than their less successful counterparts.

6. Math Experts

Studies show that children who have long fingers are better at math.

7. Just Try It

Curl your middle finger inward and lay your hand flat on a table. Then lift your thumb, index finger, and pinkie. No problem, right? Now try the ring finger. You can’t lift up it up, right? That’s because it shares a muscle with your pinky and middle fingers, and it can’t work independently.

8. Dem Bones

Each hand has 29 major and minor bones, as well as 123 ligaments holding the whole structure together.

9. Watch It Grow!

Your fingernails grow about four times as fast as your toenails. Your slowest-growing nails are the ones that are on the shortest fingers. The nail on your middle finger grows fastest.

10. Hand to Mouth

You know that your fingerprints are unique, but did you know that the odds of one human being having the same tongue print as another are about one in a million? Interestingly, there are also a handful of people worldwide who have no fingerprints at all. No one knows why this happens.

11. Eww…

Fingernails are actually modified hairs, structurally speaking. They are made of the same material.

12. Urban Legend

You know how people say that your fingernails will continue to grow after you die? They don’t. Nothing grows after you’re dead. This myth comes from the fact that dead bodies shrink, and the skin pulls back, giving the appearance of fingernails continuing to grow.

We hope you enjoyed reading these fun facts about fingers as much as we did putting them together!

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Stories

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Dr. Aroras office from my first call to schedule my appointment was friendly. Walking in the first day, I felt like I was in a nice atmosphere. Dr. Arora was EXCELLENT in taking great care of my hand injury. He was gentle and very understanding to the concerns I had about my hand. His expertise was admirable and I would recommend anyone with an injury to their hand to his office to be under his care. Because of him, I have healed faster than expected and will make an 100% recovery! Thank you Dr.

Jackie S.

I first thought I was going to have to have painful injections or surgery, but Dr. Arora suggested physical therapy may do the trick. I was doubtful, but I agreed to do it. Now, my pain is gone, and with the help of an ergonomic keyboard at work to keep my hands in the correct position, I am virtually pain free. The therapy strengthened my wrists and shoulders, and built more flexibility into my wrists.

Jerry T.

My experience with this doctor was positive from the outset. Dr. Arora was kind and spent a great deal of time with me. Staff was friendly. The office was nice and bright.

Ariel G.

Very friendly and helpful Great staff!!! Doctor Arora was very professional and did great work. I was very happy with everything!

L B.