Hand Surgery – A Center of Excellence for All Hand and Wrist Conditions at Minnerva Clinic
The hand is one of the most complex and elegant structures in the human body, a delicate interplay of 27 bones, along with numerous joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. Its function is integral to our ability to work, create, and interact with the world. When disease or injury affects the hand, it can have a profound impact on a person's independence and quality of life. Hand Surgery is a highly specialized field of medicine dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating all problems related to the hand, wrist, and forearm.
At Minnerva Clinic, our fellowship-trained Hand Surgeons are leading experts in this intricate field. We provide a comprehensive spectrum of care, from non-operative treatments and minimally invasive procedures to the most complex reconstructive microsurgery, all aimed at alleviating pain, restoring function, and returning you to the activities you love.
Your Hand Surgery Journey: Discretion and Our Commitment to Your Privacy, Health, and Recovery
At Minnerva Clinic, we understand that any problem with your hands is a significant concern that affects your daily life and livelihood. We are deeply committed to ensuring your complete privacy and providing a confidential, supportive, and highly professional experience throughout your entire treatment process. From your initial diagnostic consultation and imaging, through the meticulous planning of your surgical procedure, and all post-operative care and specialized hand therapy, your personal health information is handled with the utmost discretion, respect, and medical professionalism by our dedicated team. We provide a safe and reassuring environment where your functional recovery is our highest priority.
Why Choose Minnerva Clinic for Your Hand Surgery?
Fellowship-Trained Hand & Microsurgery Specialists: Our team is led by surgeons who have completed dedicated, intensive fellowship training specifically in surgery of the hand, wrist, and upper extremity.
Comprehensive, "A to Z" Hand Care: We are a true one-stop center, treating the full range of hand conditions, including nerve compressions, arthritis, tendonitis, fractures, tumors, and congenital differences.
A Strong Emphasis on Accurate Diagnosis: We believe that the right treatment starts with the right diagnosis. We utilize a detailed physical exam, advanced imaging, and electrodiagnostic studies to precisely identify the source of your problem.
Both Non-Operative and Surgical Solutions: We practice a conservative approach. Surgery is only recommended when non-operative treatments like splinting, injections, and therapy have failed or are inappropriate for the condition.
Expertise in Minimally Invasive & Endoscopic Techniques: For conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, we offer minimally invasive endoscopic surgery, which allows for a faster recovery and less post-operative pain.
An Inseparable Partnership with Certified Hand Therapists: We believe successful hand surgery is only 50% of the solution. We have an integrated relationship with certified hand therapists who provide the critical post-operative rehabilitation needed for an excellent outcome.
State-of-the-Art Surgical Facilities: All procedures are performed in an accredited, modern surgical environment, ensuring the highest standards of safety and patient care.
Understanding Hand Surgery: Common Conditions We Treat
Our expertise covers the entire spectrum of hand and wrist problems. We provide definitive solutions to restore comfort and function.
| Key Area of Hand Surgery | Common Conditions & Patient Needs | How Minnerva Clinic's Approach Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Nerve Compression Syndromes | Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Numbness, tingling, and pain in the thumb, index, and middle fingers from pressure on the median nerve at the wrist. Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers from pressure on the ulnar nerve at the elbow. | Decompression Surgery: For carpal tunnel, we perform a "carpal tunnel release," often endoscopically through a tiny incision, to relieve the pressure. For the cubital tunnel, we perform a "ulnar nerve decompression" or transposition at the elbow. These procedures are highly effective at relieving symptoms and preventing permanent nerve damage. |
| Tendonitis & Related Conditions | Trigger Finger: A finger gets "stuck" or locked in a bent position and then snaps straight. De Quervain's Tenosynovitis: Pain on the thumb side of the wrist, made worse by gripping or turning the wrist. | Minimally Invasive Release: These conditions are caused by inflammation and thickening of the tunnels (pulleys or sheaths) through which tendons glide. After conservative treatment fails, a simple, quick outpatient surgical procedure is performed to "release" the tight tunnel, allowing the tendon to glide freely again and eliminating the pain and triggering. |
| Arthritis of the Hand & Wrist | Basal Joint (Thumb) Arthritis: Severe pain at the base of the thumb, making pinching and gripping difficult. Wrist or Finger Arthritis: Pain, stiffness, and deformity from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. | Joint Reconstruction & Replacement: For severe thumb arthritis, we can perform a joint reconstruction (LRTI) that removes the painful, arthritic bone and creates a cushion, providing excellent pain relief. For certain joints in the fingers and wrist, joint fusion or replacement (arthroplasty) can be effective options to eliminate pain and improve stability. |
| Hand & Wrist Fractures | Broken bones in the hand (metacarpals, phalanges) or wrist (distal radius, scaphoid) from falls or other injuries. | Anatomical Reduction & Fixation: While many fractures can be treated in a cast, those that are displaced or unstable require surgery. Our surgeons precisely realign the bone fragments and use specialized mini-plates, screws, or wires to hold them in the correct position while they heal, allowing for earlier motion and a better functional recovery. |
| Tumors & Ganglion Cysts | Ganglion Cysts: The most common lump in the hand, these are benign, fluid-filled sacs that arise from a joint or tendon sheath. Other Tumors: A variety of other benign and, rarely, malignant tumors can arise in the hand. | Excisional Biopsy & Removal: We surgically remove ganglion cysts and other tumors, sending the tissue for pathological analysis to confirm the diagnosis. We take great care to protect the surrounding nerves and tendons during the excision. |
Our Comprehensive & Patient-Centered Hand Surgery Process
From diagnosis to full recovery, we provide a clear and supportive pathway.
| Your Surgical Journey Includes: | Details of What Happens at Minnerva Clinic |
|---|---|
| ✅ 1. In-Depth Consultation & Accurate Diagnosis | Your journey begins with a detailed consultation with our Hand Surgeon. We listen to your symptoms, perform a series of specific physical exam maneuvers, and review any necessary imaging like X-rays or MRIs. This allows us to arrive at a precise diagnosis. |
| ✅ 2. Trial of Non-Operative Management | Whenever appropriate, we start with conservative treatment. This may include custom splinting provided by a hand therapist, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, or a corticosteroid injection. Many hand problems can be resolved without surgery. |
| ✅ 3. The Hand Surgery Procedure | If surgery is necessary, it is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under local or regional anesthesia ("numbing the arm"). The surgeon performs the indicated procedure, whether it's releasing a nerve, repairing a fracture, or removing a cyst, using meticulous technique. |
| ✅ 4. Post-Operative Dressing & Splinting | After surgery, a protective dressing and often a splint will be applied. This protects the surgical site and helps to manage swelling. You will receive clear instructions on keeping your hand elevated to minimize pain and swelling in the first few days. |
| ✅ 5. A Guided Rehabilitation Program | Post-operative therapy is key. For many procedures, we will have you see our hand therapy partners within a few days of surgery. They will manage your wound care, fabricate custom splints, and guide you through a prescribed exercise program to safely restore your motion, strength, and function. |
✅ Pain Relief. Restored Movement. Return to Activity.
🖼️ Real Progress: The Results of Expert Hand Surgery
(General Descriptions - before/after photos or diagrams can illustrate the condition and correction)
Before: Patient with severe Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, experiencing constant numbness and waking up at night with hand pain.
After (Post-endoscopic carpal tunnel release): The patient reports complete resolution of nighttime symptoms and significant improvement in numbness. The incision is a single, small scar at the wrist crease.
Before: Patient with a trigger thumb, unable to straighten it without painfully "snapping" it.
After (Post-trigger thumb release): The patient demonstrates smooth, painless, and full range of motion of the thumb.
🗣️ Patient Experiences: The Minnerva Approach to Hand Care
"The pain from the arthritis in my thumb was unbearable. I couldn't even open a jar. Dr. [Surgeon's Name] performed a joint reconstruction, and it has been life-changing. After the surgery and therapy, I am now pain-free and can use my hand again for everything."
— Meena P.
"I had carpal tunnel in both hands from my computer work. The endoscopic release surgery at Minnerva Clinic was amazing. The recovery was so fast, and I was back to work much quicker than I expected. The relief was almost immediate."
— Vikram S.
🛡️ Safety & Considerations: Understanding Hand Surgery
At Minnerva Clinic, we combine surgical expertise with a philosophy of conservative care and patient education.
✅ Understanding Hand Surgery:
- Surgery is a Last Resort: For most non-traumatic conditions, surgery is only considered after a thorough trial of non-operative treatment has failed to provide relief.
- Rehabilitation is Key: Your active participation in post-operative hand therapy is often the most important factor in determining your final result.
- Function Over Form: The primary goal of nearly all hand surgery is to improve function and/or relieve pain. Aesthetic improvement is a secondary benefit.
- Potential Risks: As with any surgery, risks include infection, bleeding, and anesthesia complications. Risks specific to hand surgery include stiffness, nerve irritation or injury, tendon rupture, and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
🔍 How Minnerva Clinic Prioritizes Safety and Outcomes:
- ✔️Accurate Diagnosis: We avoid unnecessary surgery by ensuring we have the correct diagnosis before recommending an operation.
- ✔️Meticulous Surgical Technique: Our surgeons' expertise and careful handling of the delicate tissues of the hand minimize the risk of complications.
- ✔️An Integrated Team Approach with Therapists: Our close partnership with certified hand therapists ensures your rehabilitation is safe, progressive, and effective.
- ✔️Clear Communication: We ensure you understand your condition, the treatment options, and the recovery process so you can be an active partner in your care.
Myths vs. Facts About Hand Surgery
Myth:
"Carpal tunnel surgery is very painful and has a long recovery."
Fact from Minnerva Clinic:
False. Modern carpal tunnel release, especially when done endoscopically, has a very quick recovery. Pain relief is often immediate, especially for nighttime symptoms. Most patients can return to light activities within days and office work within a week or two.
Myth:
"You should wait as long as possible before having surgery for arthritis."
Fact from Minnerva Clinic:
This is often false. While we always try non-operative care first, waiting too long with severe arthritis can lead to significant bone loss and joint deformity, which can make the reconstructive surgery more complex and potentially less effective. Early consultation is key.
Myth:
"A ganglion cyst will always come back after you remove it."
Fact from Minnerva Clinic:
False. While ganglion cysts do have a known recurrence rate, an experienced hand surgeon can minimize this risk by meticulously tracing the cyst down to its root (or "stalk") at the joint or tendon sheath and excising it completely. Recurrence rates after expert surgical excision are low.
Myth:
"Hand surgery will make my hand weak."
Fact from Minnerva Clinic:
Temporarily true, long-term false. Immediately after surgery, your hand will be weak due to swelling, immobilization, and disuse. However, the entire purpose of the surgery and the subsequent hand therapy is to restore strength. The ultimate goal is a hand that is stronger and more functional than it was before the operation.
Myth:
"A 'jammed' finger will get better on its own."
Fact from Minnerva Clinic:
Not always. What is often dismissed as a "jam" can be a more serious injury, such as a fracture, a dislocation, or a torn tendon or ligament. If pain and swelling in a finger joint do not resolve quickly, it requires a proper medical evaluation and X-ray to avoid long-term stiffness, deformity, or arthritis.
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Final Thoughts: Expert Solutions for the Hands You Rely On
Our hands are our primary tools for interacting with the world. Pain, weakness, or loss of function in the hand can be profoundly disabling. At Minnerva Clinic, we have dedicated our practice to the art and science of hand surgery. Our mission is to provide an accurate diagnosis and a clear, effective treatment plan—whether surgical or non-operative—to relieve your pain, restore your hand's intricate function, and allow you to return to a full and active life with confidence.