Our hands, wrists, and elbows are some of the most intricate and hardworking parts of our bodies. They allow us to write, type, cook, play sports, and interact with the world around us. When an injury or chronic condition affects these areas, it can significantly impact your quality of life. At California Pacific Orthopaedics, our team of board-certified orthopedic surgeons in the San Francisco Bay Area is dedicated to restoring function and relieving pain for our patients.
Hand, wrist, and elbow surgery encompasses a wide range of procedures designed to treat everything from a sudden injury, like a fracture, to long-term conditions such as arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome. Our goal is to use the least invasive treatment possible to get you back to your daily activities. While many conditions can be managed with non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, braces, medication, or injections, sometimes surgery is the most effective path to lasting relief. Our surgeons are experts in the delicate network of bones, nerves, tendons, and ligaments that make up the upper extremity. We combine advanced surgical techniques with personalized care to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients in San Francisco and beyond.
Why is Hand, Wrist, or Elbow Surgery Performed?
Deciding to have surgery is a significant step, and it’s usually recommended when other treatments haven’t provided enough relief, or in cases of severe injury. The primary goals of these surgeries are to reduce pain, restore function, and improve your overall quality of life. If you’re searching for a “hand surgeon near me” or an “elbow specialist in San Francisco,” you may be experiencing a condition that could benefit from surgical intervention.
Here are some of the common reasons and conditions that lead to hand, wrist, or elbow surgery:
- Traumatic Injuries:
- Fractures: A broken bone in the hand, wrist, or elbow that is severe or doesn’t heal correctly may require surgery. Procedures like Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) use plates, screws, or pins to stabilize the bone.
- Tendon and Ligament Tears: A sudden injury can tear the connective tissues that allow for movement and stability. Tendon repair surgery or ligament reconstruction (like the famous “Tommy John surgery” for the elbow) can restore proper function.
- Nerve Compression Syndromes:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This common condition is caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist, leading to numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. A carpal tunnel release surgery creates more space for the nerve, providing significant relief.
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Similar to carpal tunnel, this involves pressure on the ulnar nerve at the elbow (the “funny bone” nerve). Surgery can relieve this pressure and prevent permanent nerve damage.
- Arthritis:
- Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: When the cartilage that cushions your joints wears down, it can cause severe pain and stiffness. If conservative treatments fail, surgery may be an option. Procedures range from arthroscopy (a minimally invasive “clean-out” of the joint) to arthroplasty (joint replacement) or arthrodesis (joint fusion), which can eliminate pain by fusing bones together.
- Repetitive Strain and Overuse Conditions:
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) and Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): These conditions involve inflammation of the tendons on the outside or inside of the elbow. While rarely requiring surgery, a procedure to repair the damaged tendon may be recommended for persistent cases.
- Trigger Finger: This condition causes a finger to get stuck in a bent position. A simple outpatient procedure can release the tendon sheath and allow the finger to move freely again if conservative management fails.
- De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: Inflammation of tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, which can be corrected with a surgical release if conservative management fails.
- Other Conditions:
- Dupuytren’s Contracture: A condition where tissue in the palm thickens, causing fingers to curl inward. Surgery can remove this tissue and restore hand function.
- Ganglion Cysts: These are noncancerous lumps that can form on the tendons or joints of wrists or hands. If they are painful or interfere with movement, they can be surgically removed.
What to Expect: Your Surgical Journey with CalPacOrtho
We understand that the thought of surgery can be intimidating. Our team is here to guide you through every step, ensuring you feel informed and comfortable.
Before the Procedure
Your journey begins with a thorough consultation at one of our San Francisco-area offices. Your orthopedic specialist will conduct a physical examination, discuss your symptoms, and may order imaging tests like X-rays, an MRI, or nerve conduction studies (EMG) to get a precise diagnosis.
We will explore all non-surgical options first. If surgery is deemed the best course of action, your surgeon will explain the procedure in detail, including the benefits and potential risks. You’ll receive comprehensive pre-operative instructions, which may include:
- Medication adjustments: You might need to stop taking certain medications, like blood thinners, before surgery.
- Fasting: You will be instructed not to eat or drink for a certain period before your procedure.
- Arranging for help: Since most hand, wrist, and elbow surgeries are outpatient procedures, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home and assist you for the first day or two.
During the Procedure
On the day of your surgery, you’ll meet with your surgical team, including the anesthesiologist who will discuss your anesthesia options. Most upper extremity surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis with MAC anesthesia (twilight sedation). Sometimea regional nerve block is used, which numbs the entire arm, often combined with sedation to keep you relaxed and comfortable. Some procedures may require general anesthesia.
The type of surgery will vary. Many procedures are now performed using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques, which involve small incisions and a tiny camera to guide the surgeon. This approach often leads to less pain, minimal scarring, and a faster recovery. For more complex issues like severe fractures or joint replacements, a traditional open surgery with a larger incision may be necessary. The procedure itself can last anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on its complexity.
After the Procedure
Recovery is a crucial part of your treatment, and our team is committed to supporting you through it.
- Immediately After Surgery: You will rest in a recovery area while the initial effects of the anesthesia wear off. Your arm will likely be in a splint, cast, or sling to protect it and aid in healing. Our team will provide pain medication and instructions for managing swelling, which often includes keeping your arm elevated. You will be able to go home the same day.
- The First Few Weeks: Pain, swelling, and bruising are normal. It’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions for wound care to prevent infection. You will have a follow-up appointment, typically 8-14 days after surgery, to check on your healing and remove any stitches. During this time, it’s essential to rest the affected arm but also to gently move your fingers (if not immobilized) to prevent stiffness.
- Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy: This is one of the most important components of your recovery. Your surgeon will likely refer you to a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) or occupational therapist. Therapy will help you:
- Regain range of motion and flexibility.
- Rebuild strength.
- Learn how to safely return to your daily activities.
The total recovery time varies widely depending on the procedure and the individual. Minor surgeries may only require a few weeks of recovery, while more complex reconstructions or joint replacements could take several months.
If you are experiencing pain or limited function in your hand, wrist, or elbow, don’t wait to seek help. The orthopedic specialists at California Pacific Orthopaedics are here to provide expert diagnosis and state-of-the-art treatment to the San Francisco community. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a pain-free life.
