Ramsay Health Care UK: Hand and wrist surgery in the UK
Ramsay Health Care offer
a comprehensive range of orthopaedic treatments. Ramsay is one of
the UK's leading providers of private healthcare with 22 private hospitals,
nine treatment centres and three neurological units.
Common hand and wrist conditions treated at Ramsay
There are many conditions that affect the hands and wrists. For some, surgery is unnecessary, but for others surgery may help relieve pain and improve the use of the hand. It may also improve the hand’s appearance.
Treatment of Carpal tunnel syndrome
The carpal tunnel lies at the level of the wrist and contains tendons which are involved in the movement of the fingers. It also contains the median nerve which supplies the muscles that move the thumb and gives sensation to your thumb, index and second fingers. In carpal tunnel syndrome, the median nerve becomes squeezed when the contents of the carpal tunnel becomes swollen. This can be caused by an accumulation of fat or fluid in the tunnel.
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may include pain which is often worse at night, aching, numbness, tingling or a weakened grip. Usually the thumb, index and middle fingers are affected. It can be present in one or both hands and is more common in woman than men.
Mostly, carpal tunnel syndrome arises for no obvious reason, particularly in middle life. It is also associated with fractures, repetitive strain injuries, arthritis, fluid retention in pregnancy, an under-active thyroid gland or diabetes.
Diuretics and steroid injections may be used to alleviate this condition. Surgery may be needed if you have persistent symptoms. The operation is usually carried out under local anaesthetic and aims to decompress the nerve by relieving the pressure on it.
All hospitals have a well equipped physiotherapy department to speed your recovery
Treatment of Dupuytren’s disease
Dupuytren’s disease frequently, but not always, causes contractures (Dupuytren’s contracture) which result in the fingers bending into the palm of the hand, often restricting the ability to straighten the fingers normally. It is a common condition, which usually arises in middle age or later. It is more common in men than women and is caused by the development of abnormal fascial tissue in the palm of the hand.
Although it cannot be completely “cured”, surgery and appropriate physiotherapy can control and improve the condition when offered at the right time by your clinician.
Dupuytren’s surgery usually involves removing the cords of diseased tissue and is usually carried out under a general anaesthetic. This procedure is more reliable at alleviating the condition, than simple fasciotomy which means dividing the cord only. The latter procedure can often be done as a day case under local anaesthetic which may be more appropriate for elderly sufferers in particular.
Treatment of Trigger finger
Sometimes swelling around the tendons or pulleys in the finger can cause the finger to click or sometimes the finger to lock in a fixed position. This condition is often alleviated by anti-inflammatory steroid injections. If the condition recurs after steroid injections, it may be worth releasing the tight tendon surgically.
Treatment of Ganglions
Ganglion cysts are swellings which usually arise from the joint or occasionally a tendon. They usually occur on the back of the hands and wrist or on the fingers. They may be unsightly and uncomfortable. Although they may get better on their own treatment may be required. Needle aspiration may help but is associated with a high chance of the ganglion coming back. Surgical removal of the ganglion offers the best chance of permanently removing the ganglion cyst.
Base of thumb arthritis
Symptoms of this include pain and swelling, particularly around the base of the joint near the wrist. Osteoarthritis is the common cause. Depending on the severity of the condition treatment may involve use of anti- inflammatory drugs, splinting or in more severe cases surgery.
Laminar Flow Theatres minimising the risk of hospital infection
Other hand and wrist treatments available
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