Conditions treated
- Wrist fractures — distal radius, scaphoid, perilunate dislocations
- Metacarpal and finger fractures — boxing fractures, crush injuries, sports injuries
- Tendon injuries — flexor and extensor tendon cuts requiring prompt repair
- Trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis) — finger locking or clicking in a bent position
- De Quervain's tenosynovitis — pain on the thumb side of the wrist with gripping
- Carpal tunnel syndrome — numbness, tingling and weakness from median nerve compression
- Mallet finger — fingertip droop after tendon avulsion injury
- Ganglion cysts — fluid-filled lumps around the wrist or finger joints
Trigger finger and De Quervain's — common, treatable
Trigger finger causes a finger to lock or snap when bending — very common in people who grip repeatedly (drivers, housewives, mechanics). Most respond to a single steroid injection; persistent cases need a small day-care release procedure. De Quervain's causes pain at the base of the thumb wrist with pinching or gripping — treated with splinting, injection or surgical release with excellent results.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome causes numbness, tingling and weakness in the thumb, index and middle fingers — often worst at night or when driving. It is the most common nerve compression condition in the upper limb. Mild cases: night splint and injections. Moderate–severe: a 15-minute day-care carpal tunnel release gives immediate lasting relief.