When it comes to the intricate structures of your hands and wrists, precision is everything. From nerve decompression surgery to tendon transfers, these procedures demand the subspecialized training and skill of an experienced orthopedic hand specialist.
“Hand surgery is very delicate,” says James C. Kyriakedes, M.D., a Riverside orthopedic hand and wrist surgeon. “All hand surgeons must complete extra training to perform these procedures, which balance aspects of orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery and microsurgery.”
Dr. Kyriakedes is board-certified and fellowship-trained in hand and wrist surgery and performs a variety of procedures to restore movement, reduce pain and improve quality of life. Below is a list of the top hand surgeries and common wrist surgeries, along with what you should know about each one.
1. Nerve Decompression Surgery
When nerves in the hand or wrist are compressed, it can lead to tingling, numbness and weakness. Nerve decompression surgery relieves this pressure – often by removing tight ligaments or repositioning the nerve – stopping progressive nerve damage, resulting in pain relief and restored hand function.
2. Surgical Fixation of Broken Bones
Severe fractures may require surgical intervention to align and stabilize bones while they heal. Using pins, plates, or screws, orthopedic surgeons provide stability to fractured bones to promote healing and earlier range of motion whenever possible. Minimally invasive techniques, such as percutaneous pinning, prioritize achieving the goal of orthopedic surgery while decreasing deep scar tissue that causes stiffness and a longer recovery time. When this is not the ideal fixation plan, Riverside’s hand surgery specialists use very small screws and/or plates that are designed for these small bones.
3. Arthroplasty (Joint Replacement for the Hand)
For patients with severe arthritis in the fingers, arthroplasty—or joint replacement—can help reduce pain and restore movement. This procedure is often recommended when non-surgical treatments no longer provide relief.
4. Arthrodesis (Joint Fusion)
If certain degenerative joints fail nonoperative treatment, but can’t be replaced, arthrodesis is often the best solution. This surgery fuses two bones together, eliminating painful motion while still prioritizing functional hand use in daily tasks and even high-level hobbies and jobs.
5. Microsurgery for the Hand and Wrist
Microsurgery is used to repair tiny nerves that are essential for hand function. Surgeons operate using microscopic magnification and ultra-fine tools, making this an essential procedure for trauma and complex repairs.
6. Tendon Repair Surgery
Injuries that sever or rupture tendons can seriously limit hand movement. During hand tendon repair surgery, the surgeon reconnects or reconstructs the damaged tendon. Postoperative certified hand therapy is crucial to regaining full mobility and use of the hand.
7. Arthroscopy for the Wrist
Wrist arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery that uses a small camera and tools to diagnose and treat issues inside the wrist joint. It’s often used for ligament tears, cartilage damage and unexplained wrist pain.
8. Ligament Repair or Reconstruction
Ligaments are strong bands that connect bones around joints. When torn or stretched, hand and wrist function can suffer. Ligament repair surgery helps stabilize joints and prevent long-term complications like arthritis.
9. Joint Resection for Thumb or Wrist Arthritis
Joint resection is typically used to treat advanced arthritis in the thumb or wrist that fails nonoperative treatment. A small portion of bone is removed to reduce pain and restore range of motion without replacing the entire joint.
10. Tendon Transfer Surgery
If you’ve lost function due to nerve injury or severe arthritis, tendon transfer surgery might help. Surgeons use a healthy tendon from another part of the body to replace a non-functional one, restoring movement and strength.
“Surgical repair or reconstruction of joints, tendons, nerves or ligaments can be extremely beneficial to the function of the hand and wrist,” says Dr. Kyriakedes. “By restoring function and decreasing pain, we help our patients get back to the activities they love.”
Final Thoughts
From repairing damaged tendons to relieving nerve pain and replacing joints, modern hand and wrist procedures offer highly effective solutions. If you're experiencing discomfort, weakness or limited mobility in your hand or wrist, don’t wait to seek care. With the right treatment in the right hands, you can return to the activities you enjoy, without the suffering.
The expert hand surgeons at Riverside use the latest surgical techniques to relieve pain and improve function in your hand. Learn more at Riverside Orthopedic Specialists.
