Hand surgery treats problems of the fingers, thumb, hand, wrist, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and small joints. Because the hand is a finely coordinated structure, even minor problems can affect grip strength, finger movement, sensation, dexterity, and the ability to perform everyday tasks such as writing, buttoning clothes, or holding objects.
When it is recommended
Hand surgery may be recommended when pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, deformity, restricted movement, or loss of function persists despite appropriate non‑surgical treatment such as splinting, activity modification, or medication. Common conditions that may need surgical assessment include carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, tendon injuries, ligament injuries, complex or displaced fractures of the hand and wrist, nerve compression syndromes, arthritis of the small joints, and selected congenital or acquired hand deformities. Surgery may also become necessary after traumatic injuries involving tendons, nerves, or joints, particularly when the structural damage is likely to affect long‑term hand function if left untreated. Early assessment after a significant hand injury is important to decide quickly whether surgical repair is needed to prevent permanent stiffness or loss of function.
About the procedure
The specific procedure depends entirely on the underlying condition. Nerve compression, such as in carpal tunnel syndrome, may be treated through surgical decompression to relieve pressure on the affected nerve. Damaged tendons may require direct repair or, in more complex cases, reconstruction using grafts. Fractures of the hand and wrist can be stabilised using wires, screws, plates, or other fixation devices depending on the pattern of the break. Selected ligament injuries, particularly around the wrist, may require formal reconstruction, while arthritis‑related problems in the hand may be managed with joint‑specific procedures such as fusion or replacement of small joints.
Hand surgery may be performed under local, regional, or general anaesthesia, depending on the complexity of the procedure and your individual needs. Many operations, particularly those involving nerve decompression or tendon repair, can be completed as day‑care procedures with you going home the same day, while more complex injuries involving multiple structures may require a short hospital stay for closer monitoring. After surgery, splints or protective supports are often used to safely immobilise and protect the treated area during the initial healing phase. A carefully planned programme of hand therapy is frequently recommended afterwards to restore movement, prevent stiffness, and rebuild strength. Overall, treatment is tailored to help you regain useful grip, coordination, finger movement, and functional hand use for both work and daily activities.
