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General Hands Treatments

Understanding Hand Joint Replacement Surgery

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Sometimes, due to injury, regular wear and tear, or other problems, the joints throughout your body can simply stop working properly. Normally, in a healthy joint, the two bones will glide across each other due to articular cartilage, which is smooth and slick. There is also a layer of fluid called synovial, which allows the joint to work smoothly as well. Different problems can affect the joint, creating a situation in which it becomes stiff, swollen, or unable to work. The cartilage can wear out or become damaged. The joint fluid may become abnormal. If the joint is damaged enough, then joint replacement surgery may be needed.

Essentially, a new joint will be inserted so that you have a metal or plastic implant that works in the place of our damaged joint. Usually, once surgery is completed, you will be able to use the joint as normal with no pain.

In the hand, joints that can be replaced include:

  • Finger joints
  • Knuckle joints
  • Wrist joints

Joint replacement surgery can be done in most cases, but not always.

Problems That Prevent Surgery

An artificial joint cannot be placed in certain circumstances, some of which can be resolved, others cannot. These include:

  • Infection in the joint
  • Damaged muscles and tendons that interact with the joint
  • Other joint replacements that get in the way
  • Poor bone quality
  • Problems with the skin

If joint replacement surgery is not available for any of these reasons, then the problem can be treated in other manners, including steroid injections, oral anti-inflammatories, hand therapy, splinting, bone fusion surgery, arthritis surgery, and surgery to repair tendons.

Why Get Joint Replacement Surgery?

Obviously, when a joint has become damaged beyond repair, it can cause pain, loss of motion in the hand, deformity, and other problems. The problems can be bad enough that you will not be able to use your hand properly or you may be in pain every time you need to bend a finger. Joint replacement surgery can improve hand function and remove the source of pain.

Ensuring the Surgery Provides Good Results

Of course, you need to choose a good hand surgeon, but there are things you will need to do after hand replacement surgery to ensure you get the best results without complications.

  • Always follow the directions of your surgeon and hand therapist. If they say not to do something, dont do it.
  • Do not overdo anything or try to use your hand too soon. You could damage the joint replacement and put yourself in new pain.
  • If something looks wrong with your hand, such as it is hot to the touch, red, very painful, or crooked, then contact your doctor immediately.

If you get a joint replacement, you should notice a marked difference as soon as the surgical incisions heal. However, you do need to take proper care of your hand to ensure the surgery has the best results, and you will need to discuss with your surgeon whether or not you should consider joint replacement surgery in the first place.

Resources:

http://www.medicinenet.com/joint_replacement_surgery_of_the_hand/article.htm

Categories
Conditions General Hands

Understanding Hand Tumors

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People hear the word tumor and immediately think that this refers to cancer. However, thats not the case. In fact, a tumor is the name for any mass, lump, or bump hat may appear on or in the body. Most tumors are nonmalignant, which means they are not cancerous. On one hand, most tumors grow close to the surface. They may grow on the skin or directly under it. Of course, since you have all types of tissue in your hands, like tendons, muscles, skin, nerves, etc, then there are many different types of tumors that may occur. Instead of going over every type of hand tumor that is possible, lets discuss the most commonly seen.

Ganglion Cysts

Ganglion cysts are completely benign and they occur near or on a joint, especially on the fingers and the wrist. They are filled with a clear liquid and can grow or shrink from day to day. Sometimes, thy completely disappear all on their own. Usually, they do not cause any problems, but if they become painful or they get in the way of normal use of the hand, then surgical removal is possible. Ganglion cysts are the most common of all hand tumors.

Giant Cell Tumor on Tendon

This is the second most common and it occurs when a solid mass develops on the sheath protecting a tendon in the hand. They can occur anywhere a tendon is present, so anywhere in the hand. They grow very slowly and they are benign. It is unclear what may cause them, but some doctors feel there is a link between tumors and trauma or injury that affects the growth of the tendon sheath.

Epidermal Inclusion Cyst

Epidermal inclusion cysts are also very common and they are benign too, Essentially, they grow on the underside of your skin in the hand. Often, they form where the hand has been cut or otherwise wounded and they are made of keratin. As skin cells get trapped under the skin, keratin grows and continues reproducing.

Other, not so common types of hand tumors, include fibromas, glomus tumors, and bone spurs. In almost every situation, they are benign. If a foreign body, like a splinter gets stuck deep in the hand, then the skin may form a tumor around it as well.

Hand Cancer

As mentioned, most types of tumors are benign, but any lump or bump should be evaluated by a physician. Most of the time, hand cancer comes in the form of squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, or basal cell carcinoma – all of which are skin cancers. It is important to get cancer in the hand diagnosed because it can spread to other parts of the body, especially the bones, breast, and lungs.

If you have a bump or lump on your hand, then be sure to visit a doctor. A diagnosis will be made and if the bump is causing you problems, then it can be removed surgically. This resolves the problems in most cases. Some people choose to leave the tumor alone if it is benign and it is not causing pain or discomfort.

Resources:

http://www.massgeneral.org/ortho/assets/pdfs/hand_conditions/HandTumors.pdf

Categories
General Hands

Greg Norman Hand Injury – Arora Hand Surgery

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Greg Norman hand injury highlights dangers of power tools. Another high profile individual is injured, this time using a chainsaw. This underscores the importance of safety while using powered tools, no matter what type or size. Greg incurred his injury at home while utilizing a chainsaw to cut down a tree. In a Tweet he stated “…he was a lucky man”, and “…when using a chainsaw ALWAYS be respectful of the unexpected.”

These injuries are commonly seen by Hand Surgeons. Dr. Arora has personally treated many patients who have suffered from injuries related to home use of power tools, including chainsaws, hedge clippers, and lawnmowers.

Such injuries can range from simple treatment involving repair of the skin only, to much more severe, involving repair of tendons, nerves, and blood vessels; occasionally skin or tissue grafting may be required. Recovery is dependent on the extent of the initial injury, but it is common for patients to require several weeks of occupational therapy after a severe injury. Unfortunately, severe injuries can lead to permanent impairment or loss of a digit or limb.

Dr. Aroras recommendation to all patients is that regardless of how minor you may think your injury is, or are told your injury is by a non-specialist, ALWAYS seek an EXPERT OPINION: what may seem innocuous at first-glance, can sometimes hide an underlying tendon injury that may become worse with time!

Greg Norman Hand Injury

[Greg Norman]
Categories
General Hands

Avoiding Lawnmower Hand Injuries

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Knowledge most certainly is power when it comes to using a lawnmower safely. So, you need to know the common ways these injuries occur and to whom so that they can be avoided.

Who Gets Hurt and How

There are two groups of people who are most likely going to be at risk for a hand injury. These two groups include:

  • Adults of both genders between the ages of 25 and 64 years of age
  • Children who are under the age of five

Lawnmower hand injuries are common, accounting for about 22% of emergency room cases. However, other injuries common to these accidents include foot, ankle, and toes. Of all the injuries that occur, about a quarter of them lead to a need for amputation of the foot or hand. Children who are under the age of six are at risk of death.

The majority of lawnmower injuries occur when the grass is wet. Thats because it can clog the blades and lead to an operator of the machine attempting to unclog by hand.

Other Types of Common Lawnmower Injuries

While hands getting injured when an operator tries to clear the lawnmower blades may be the most common accident, it is not the only one. Others include:

  • People allowing other adults or children to ride on the back of the mower or in a cart that is being pulled by the lawnmower. The person could fall off and be injured by the moving machine.
  • The mower being pulled back toward the operator and possibly running over the foot.
  • Trying to use a riding mower across a slope, resulting in a tilted machine that rolls over on the operator.
  • Trying to use a push mower up and down a slope, resulting in the mower rolling back on the operator.

All of these accidents can be avoided if you operate the lawnmower safely and correctly.

How to Avoid Injury

To avoid injuring your hand or foot and dealing with potentially permanent damage, there are certain safety steps you can take. They include:

  • Only mowing the lawn when the grass is dry
  • Wearing proper footwear during mowing (sandals or flip flops are never safe)
  • Cutting up and down the slope when using the riding mower
  • Cutting across the slope when using a push mower
  • Making sure the mower is completely turned off and the blades have stopped moving before unclogging grass from the blades
  • Using a stick or broomstick to unclog the blades when they have grass in them
  • Never drinking while cutting grass and operating the lawnmower
  • Never allowing passengers to ride on the back of the mower
  • Ensuring the mower has sharp blades at all times
  • Always wearing the proper clothing and safety gear
  • Never ever using the lawnmower when you are barefoot

The common injuries that occur to the hand or foot when operating a lawnmower require more than one surgery to completely rectify the injury. At times, the damage can be permanent. Thats because these injuries often result in skin, tissue, and bones being completely ripped and soil or grass coming in contact with the wounds. It creates a recipe for infection and serious injury.

If you or anyone is injured by a lawnmower, call 911 immediately. This is not the type of injury that can be treated at home. It will need immediate attention at a hospital and you do not even need to touch or try to clean the wound. You could do more damage this way. Whatever you do, never use your hands or feet to remove grass from the lawnmower blades and never allow children around an operating machine. This is the best way you can avoid serious injuries to you or someone else.

Avoiding Lawnmower Hand Injuries

[Lawnmower Hand Injuries]

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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.