Hand reconstructive surgery is a subspecialty of plastic surgery that deals with the restoration of form and function to the hand, wrist, and forearm. It is often necessary for individuals who have suffered injuries or have congenital conditions that affect the functionality of their hands. With advancements in medical technology and techniques, there are several different types of hand reconstructive surgery available in Pakistan. In this article, we will discuss the different types of hand reconstructive surgery and which may be the best option for different types of injuries.
Carpal Tunnel Surgery
Carpal Tunnel Surgery is a common hand reconstructive surgery performed in Pakistan. It is used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition where the median nerve that runs through the wrist is compressed. This compression results in numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. The surgery involves releasing the compressed nerve and removing the tissue that is pressing against it. This type of surgery is performed under local anesthesia and takes about an hour.
Tendon Repair Surgery
Tendons are the connective tissues that attach the muscles to the bones and are responsible for allowing movement in the hand. When a tendon is torn, it can result in loss of function in the hand. Tendon repair surgery involves the repair or reconstruction of the damaged tendon. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and takes several hours to complete. It is usually performed on an outpatient basis, and patients can usually return to normal activities within a few weeks.
Nerve Repair Surgery
Nerve repair surgery is performed to repair damaged nerves in the hand. It is often necessary for individuals who have suffered from injuries such as fractures, burns, or lacerations. The surgery involves reconnecting the damaged nerves to restore their function. Nerve repair surgery can be performed under general anesthesia and takes several hours to complete. Patients usually require a period of rehabilitation to regain the full functionality of their hand.
Microvascular Surgery
Microvascular surgery is a type of hand reconstructive surgery that is used to restore blood flow to the hand. It is often necessary for individuals who have suffered from conditions such as arterial occlusion or thrombosis, which result in a lack of blood flow to the hand. The surgery involves creating a new blood vessel using a small piece of tissue taken from another part of the body. Microvascular surgery is a complex procedure that requires specialized training and expertise, and is performed under general anesthesia.
Joint Reconstruction Surgery
Joint reconstruction surgery is performed to restore the function of a damaged joint in the hand. It is often necessary for individuals who have suffered from conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. The surgery involves reconstructing the joint by removing damaged tissue and replacing it with a prosthetic joint. Joint reconstruction surgery is performed under general anesthesia and takes several hours to complete. Patients usually require a period of rehabilitation to regain the full functionality of their hand.
In conclusion, the type of hand reconstructive surgery that is best for an individual depends on the type and severity of their injury. Carpal Tunnel Surgery is the best option for individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome, Tendon Repair Surgery is the best option for individuals with torn tendons, Nerve Repair Surgery is the best option for individuals with damaged nerves, Microvascular Surgery is the best option for individuals with arterial occlusion or thrombosis, and Joint Reconstruction Surgery is the best option for individuals with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. With the help of experienced and trained plastic surgeons in Pakistan, individuals can regain the full functionality of their hand and improve their quality of life.
- American Society for Surgery of the Hand: https://www.assh.org/handcare/hand-arm-conditions/hand-reconstruction This resource from the American Society for Surgery of the Hand provides an overview of hand reconstruction surgery, including the conditions that it can treat and the different surgical techniques used.
- Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume): https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1753193420932113 This research article discusses the outcomes of nerve repair surgery for digital nerve injuries, including the factors that affect the success of the surgery.
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal: https://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Fulltext/2014/02000/Current_Concepts_in_Microsurgery_of_the_Hand.41.aspx This review article provides an overview of microvascular surgery for hand reconstruction, including the indications, techniques, and outcomes.
- Journal of Hand Therapy: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0894113013000077 This research article discusses the effectiveness of hand therapy for post-operative rehabilitation after hand surgery, including tendon repair and nerve repair surgery.
- Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research: https://journals.lww.com/clinorthop/Fulltext/2001/06000/Reconstruction_of_the_Distal_Radioulnar_Joint.20.aspx This article discusses the options for joint reconstruction surgery for the distal radioulnar joint, including the different surgical techniques and outcomes.
- Hand Clinics Journal: https://www.hand.theclinics.com/article/S0749-0712(16)30017-6/fulltext This review article provides an overview of carpal tunnel syndrome and the surgical options for its treatment, including carpal tunnel release surgery.
- The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery: https://journals.lww.com/jbjsjournal/Abstract/2009/04000/Tendon_Repair_Surgery_in_the_Hand.11.aspx This research article discusses the outcomes of tendon repair surgery for various hand injuries, including the factors that can affect the success of the surgery.
- Plastic Surgery Practice: https://www.plasticsurgerypractice.com/client-objectives/dermatology/hand-and-upper-extremity-reconstruction-after-trauma/ This article provides an overview of hand and upper extremity reconstruction surgery after trauma, including the different techniques used and the importance of early intervention.
- Handchirurgie Mikrochirurgie Plastische Chirurgie Journal: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10006-016-0568-2 This research article discusses the outcomes of joint reconstruction surgery for the thumb basal joint, including the different surgical techniques and post-operative rehabilitation.
- Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S174868151930034X This article discusses the different techniques and outcomes of nerve reconstruction surgery for upper extremity injuries, including the use of nerve conduits and allografts.