Hand and wrist
In the hand and wrist we treat nerve compression, tendon disorders, fractures and cut injuries. We repair tendons, nerves and vessels with microsurgical technique.
Common conditions
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Compression of the median nerve at the wrist, causing numbness in the thumb, index and middle fingers and tingling that wakes you at night. Mild cases are treated with a night splint and injection; advanced cases with release of the nerve.
Detailed article: Carpal tunnel syndrome: when does hand numbness need surgery?
Trigger finger
The finger catches and locks as it bends and straightens. An injection is enough for most patients; in recurrent cases the tendon sheath is released in a minor procedure.
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
Pain on the thumb side of the wrist that worsens with gripping and lifting. It is treated with a splint, load adjustment and injection.
Detailed article: Thumb-side wrist pain: De Quervain's tenosynovitis
Ganglion cyst
A fluid-filled swelling at the wrist or finger arising from a joint or tendon sheath. If it causes no trouble it is observed; if it causes pain or limits movement it can be removed.
Detailed article: Ganglion cyst: when does a lump on the wrist need treatment?
Wrist fracture
Most often follows a fall. A cast is used when displacement is slight; plate and screw fixation when the joint surface is disrupted or the fracture is unstable.
Tendon and nerve lacerations
After a cut from glass or a knife, being unable to move a finger, or numbness, suggests a divided tendon or nerve. Results are better when repair is done early.
Detailed article: Cut tendons and nerves in the hand: when is it urgent?
Replantation (reattaching a severed finger or hand)
A severed finger or hand is reattached by repairing the bone, tendons, vessels and nerves one by one under the microscope. It is surgery against the clock; whether it is suitable depends on the type of injury, the condition of the severed part and the time elapsed.
Fingertip injuries
In crush injuries and amputations, the options are nail-bed repair, tissue cover or, in suitable cases, reattachment of the severed part.
Nail problems
These include nail-bed injuries, infection around the nail (paronychia), ingrown nails and nail deformity after injury. Depending on the problem, treatment ranges from dressings and medication to a minor procedure.
When to be seen without waiting
- Being unable to bend or straighten a finger, or numbness, after a cut
- Amputation and crush injuries: wrap the severed part in a clean, damp cloth, seal it in a plastic bag and place the bag in iced water; do not let the part touch ice directly
- Swelling and deformity of the wrist after a fall
In these situations do not wait for an appointment; go to the nearest emergency department.
Our doctors
Our team of three orthopaedic surgeons works in close collaboration at every stage, from assessment and diagnosis to surgical and non-surgical treatment. Drawing on our shared knowledge and experience, we aim to find the most suitable treatment for each patient and to achieve the greatest benefit.
Patient guide
Other areas
This page is general information; diagnosis and treatment are decided at examination. Last updated: .