What is Hand Surgery?
Hand surgery is a focused surgery specialising in the treatment of issues involving the hand, wrist and forearm. It is done to heal, provide pain relief and cosmetic enhancement in case of injury, disease, or a natural state (birth-related).
This type of surgery can address issues like fractures, tendon or nerve injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, birth deformities, and even severe trauma. Depending on the condition, procedures may involve repairing bones, tendons, and nerves, removing growths, or reconstructing damaged areas.
Types of Hand Surgery
According to trusted medical resources, there are several types of abdominoplasty.
Tendon Repair Surgery
Tendons connect muscles to bones, enabling hand movement. When tendons are cut or ruptured due to injury or trauma, surgery is needed to restore proper function. Tendon repair involves stitching the torn ends together or grafting tissue if necessary.
Nerve Repair or Grafting
The hand has nerves that govern both movement and sensation. It can be numb or weak because of damage in an accident, crush injuries, or cuts. Surgeons can fix neurons or place grafts to bridge the gap to restore sensation and motor activity.
Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
This is one of the most common hand surgeries, performed to relieve pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. The surgeon cuts the ligament pressing on the nerve, reducing symptoms like tingling, numbness, and hand weakness.
Fracture Fixation Surgery
Fractures to the hand, wrist, or fingers can be corrected surgically by the use of pins, plates or screws. This is to ensure alignment and healing; this is particularly needed in complex fractures that do not respond to standard casting.
Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty)
In severe arthritis, hand or wrist joints that are damaged may be implanted with artificial joints. This relieves pain, enhances movement, and restores hand function. When drugs and treatment fail to help, it is usually prescribed.
Trigger Finger Release
Trigger finger is a condition in which a tendon becomes caught during the bending of the finger, thus leading to painful locking. The tight sheathing around the tendon is loosened by surgery, and the finger can move freely again.
Microsurgery & Reconstructive Surgery
Surgeons can also apply microsurgery to reattach fingers in severe trauma, burns or congenital deformities, to transfer tissue (flap surgery) or replace damaged sections. These high-standard processes repair the functionality and the appearance.
Dupuytren's Contracture Surgery
This condition causes thickened tissue in the palm to pull fingers inward. Surgery involves removing or releasing the tissue to improve finger straightening and hand mobility.
1-4 Hours
Surgery Duration
General or Regional Anesthesia
Anesthesia Used
1 to 2 days
Hospital Stay
2 to 12 weeks
Full Recovery
When is Hand Surgery Recommended?
Here are some of the key indications and purposes of hand surgery:
- Severe Hand Injuries: When the hand suffers from deep cuts, crush injuries, or traumatic accidents that damage bones, tendons, nerves, or vessels, surgery is often required to restore normal function and prevent long-term disability.
- Fractures of the Hand or Wrist: Complex or displaced fractures that cannot heal properly with casting or splinting may need surgical fixation using plates, screws, or pins to ensure correct bone alignment and stability.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Carpal tunnel release surgery may be necessary for patients who develop incessant tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand secondary to compression of the median nerve, particularly when non-surgical treatment methods fail.
- Nerve Injuries: A cut or injury to the hand and wrist nerves may result in the loss of sensation or motor abilities. Surgery to repair or graft the damaged nerve to restore movement and touch is advised.
- Tendon Injuries: Surgery is used to reattach, release or repair the tendon when it is torn, ruptured or trapped (in trigger finger), so that the finger and hand movements become easier.
- Severe Arthritis of the Hand or Wrist: For advanced arthritis where pain, stiffness, and deformity limit daily activities, joint replacement (arthroplasty) or fusion surgery may be performed to improve mobility and reduce pain.
- Congenital Hand Deformities: Those children who are born with webbed fingers, additional fingers or poor development of their hands might need to undergo reconstructive hand surgery to increase functionality and look good.
- Dupuytren's Contracture: This progressive condition, where thickened tissue in the palm pulls fingers inward, often requires surgical removal or release of the contracted tissue to restore hand flexibility.
Preparing for Hand Surgery Procedure
Preparing for your Hand surgery is a key part of a smooth surgery and a fast recovery.
- Medical Evaluation & Pre-Operative Assessment: Before surgery, your doctor will review your complete medical history, current medications, and any existing conditions such as diabetes or heart problems. Blood tests, X-rays, or imaging may be ordered to assess the extent of injury or disease. This step ensures your body is fit for anaesthesia and surgery.
- Medications & Lifestyle Adjustments: Some drugs, such as blood thinning, aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications, might require withdrawal 1-2 weeks prior to surgery to minimize the risk of bleeding. Smoking should be avoided at least 4-5 weeks, as this postpones wound healing and causes more complications. Alcohol intake also needs to be reduced in order to help in having a healthy recovery process.
- Hand & Arm Preparation: The affected hand will be examined for swelling, infections, or skin issues. In some cases, your doctor may recommend hand physiotherapy exercises before surgery to improve circulation and flexibility. You'll also be instructed to keep your hands clean and free from cuts or abrasions.
- Home & Support System Readiness: Since hand surgery often limits your ability to use the operated hand for daily tasks, arrange for help at home. Preparing easy-to-eat meals, keeping essentials within reach, and asking a family member or friend to assist with chores for the first few days can make recovery smoother.
- The Day Before & Day of Surgery: Follow fasting instructions, typically no food or drinks after midnight if you're undergoing general anaesthesia. On the day of surgery, wear loose, comfortable clothing and avoid jewellery, nail polish, or lotions on the operated hand. You may also need to remove rings or accessories from both hands before the procedure.
What Happens During Hand Surgery?
During hand surgery, your surgeon repairs bones, tendons, nerves, or joints to restore function, relieve pain, and improve hand mobility.
- Preparation & Anesthesia: On the day of surgery, you'll meet your surgical team for a final review. Depending on the type of surgery, local anaesthesia (numbing only the hand), regional anaesthesia (numbing the arm), or general anaesthesia (you're asleep) may be given to keep you comfortable and pain-free.
- Incision & Accessing the Problem Area: The surgeon makes precise incisions over the affected part of the hand, whether it's bones, tendons, ligaments, or nerves. The size and location of the incision depend on the condition being treated, such as fractures, carpal tunnel syndrome, or tendon injuries.
- Repair or Reconstruction: The surgeon exposes the surgical site, after which he makes the necessary correction. This can involve repairing torn tendons, decompression of compressed nerves, suturing a broken bone using plates or screws, or re-forming damaged ligaments. In others, grafts or implants can be put in to restore functioning.
- Microsurgical Techniques (if required): In the case of delicate structures such as nerves and small blood vessels, the surgeon can employ an operating microscope and good sutures. This assists in revitalising circulation and nerve pathways, particularly in intricate injuries.
- Closing the Incisions: Once the repair has been done, the openings are then stitched up or adhesive is applied. A sterile dressing is put on and hand can be put in a splint or cast to maintain its position during early healing
- Recovery Room & Monitoring: You will be sent to a recovery zone wherein your vitals are checked. Pain medication will be given as needed and your surgeon will instruct you on how to stay with your hand, when to move your hand, and when to leave it in rest.
Recovery After Hand Surgery Procedure
Recovering from Hand Surgery is a step-by-step process, and genuine care makes all the difference.
First Few Days After Surgery
- Expect swelling, stiffness, and mild to moderate pain around the hand and fingers. This is completely normal as your body starts to heal.
- Keep your hand elevated on pillows as much as possible to reduce swelling.
- Apply cold packs (if advised) to control pain and inflammation.
- Gentle finger movements (if permitted) can help maintain circulation and prevent stiffness.
Doctor's Tip: "Keep your hand elevated higher than your heart for the first 48 hours, it's the simplest way to reduce swelling and speed recovery."
Weeks 2 to 4
- Stitches are usually removed within 10-14 days, depending on healing progress.
- A hand splint or cast may still be needed to protect the surgical site during this phase.
- Physical therapy often begins with gentle exercises that will help restore motion, prevent stiffness, and rebuild hand strength.
- You may return to light daily activities, but avoid heavy lifting or gripping.
Doctor's Tip: "Hand therapy is as important as surgery itself. Don't skip your exercises, even if they feel small, they make a huge difference."
Weeks 5 to 6
- Swelling and discomfort continue to decrease, and mobility improves with regular therapy.
- You'll start regaining grip strength and dexterity, though full strength may take longer.
- Most patients return to work if it's not physically demanding, but jobs requiring heavy hand use may need more healing time.
Doctor's Tip: "Even when your hand feels stronger, the tissues are still delicate inside. Gradually increase activity rather than rushing."
3 to 6 Months Post-Surgery
- By this stage, most healing is complete, though full Recovery may take up to a year in complex cases.
- Scars begin to fade, and hand function is largely restored.
- Consistency with therapy exercises ensures the best long-term results, including strength, flexibility, and fine motor skills.
Doctor's Tip: "Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. Stick to your therapy plan, and your hand will reward you with lasting strength and flexibility."
Lifestyle Changes After Hand Surgery
- Follow prescribed rehabilitation and physical therapy exercises regularly.
- Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous hand activities until cleared by your surgeon.
- Keep surgical wounds clean and dry to prevent infection.
- Attend all follow-up appointments for proper monitoring of healing.
Benefits of Hand Surgery
Hand surgery can restore strength, dexterity, and function, reduce pain, and improve quality of life.
- Restores Hand Function: Surgery enhances the capacity of grip, hold and move the hand, regaining independence in everyday tasks.
- Pain Relief: Chronic pain, like in the case of carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis or tendon injuries, can be alleviated or eliminated with surgery.
- Improved Mobility & Strength: Proper correction of deformities, fractures or tendon problems permits an improved range of motion and robust hand activity.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Even such simple activities as writing, eating or dressing become easier and less painful, increasing the confidence and enhancing the lifestyle.
- Prevents Further Damage: Early surgical correction can prevent conditions from worsening and potentially prevent permanent disability.
Risks of Hand Surgery
Potential risks include infection, nerve injury, stiffness, reduced mobility, or delayed healing, which are explained by your surgeon.
- Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a small risk of infection at the incision site.
- Stiffness or Scar Tissue Formation: Scar tissue can limit mobility if rehabilitation is not followed correctly.
- Nerve or Blood Vessel Injury: Rarely, surrounding nerves or vessels may be injured during surgery, affecting sensation or circulation.
- Delayed Healing: Smoking, diabetes, or poor circulation may slow the healing process.
- Incomplete Recovery: In some cases, full strength or motion may not return, especially if the injury was severe or long-standing.
- Need for Additional Surgery: Complex conditions may require revision procedures or long-term therapy.
Cost of Hand Surgery in India
The cost of hand surgery in India generally ranges from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 2,50,000, depending on the type of surgery, the complexity of the condition, hospital facilities, and the surgeon's expertise. Simple procedures like carpal tunnel release are more affordable, while complex tendon or reconstructive surgeries cost more.
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