Hand & Wrist Surgery
Restoring function for everyday life.
Treatment for painful conditions affecting the hand and wrist.
Hand & Wrist Surgery Overview
Hand and wrist surgery treats conditions affecting the joints, tendons, ligaments, and other supporting structures.
Depending on the condition, surgery may repair damaged tissue, stabilize a joint, relieve inflammation, or improve movement. The recommended procedure depends on the structures involved and the severity of the condition.
Conditions Commonly Treated
The Clarus Orthopedic Surgery team diagnoses and treats:
- Hand and wrist arthritis
- Thumb arthritis
- Tendon injuries
- Ligament tears
- Wrist instability
- Trigger finger or trigger thumb
- De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
- Ganglion cysts
When Surgery Is Recommended
Hand or wrist surgery may be recommended when:
- Pain limits daily activities
- Stiffness or weakness affects function
- A tendon or ligament is damaged
- A joint is unstable
- Symptoms continue after nonsurgical treatment
- Arthritis causes persistent pain or limited movement
- The condition may worsen without treatment
Clarus Surgical Approach
At Clarus Orthopedic Surgery, treatment is based on the cause of your symptoms and the structures involved. If surgery is recommended, the procedure will focus on reducing pain and restoring hand or wrist function.
Have questions about hand or wrist surgery? Contact our team to schedule an evaluation.
Preparing for Hand & Wrist Surgery
Before surgery, the Clarus Orthopedic Surgery team and anesthesia team provide detailed preparation instructions. General preparation instructions include:
- Do not eat solid foods or consume milk, creamer, gum, candy, or mints after midnight before surgery.
- Follow instructions regarding clear liquids. If no stop time is provided, discontinue clear liquids at midnight.
- Follow medication instructions provided by your anesthesia team, and notify the Clarus Orthopedic Surgery team if you are taking or begin
- taking any prescription blood thinners before surgery.
- Have a care partner remain in the building during surgery to receive updates from your care team.
- Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after surgery and stay with you through the first night after surgery.
Additional preparation may include imaging, laboratory testing, or arranging help with daily tasks during recovery.
Recovery Following Hand & Wrist Surgery
Recovery varies depending on the procedure performed and individual healing.
Diet & Activity Guidelines
Resume your regular diet as tolerated and begin walking shortly after surgery. Follow instructions regarding use of the affected hand or wrist.
Expected Recovery Symptoms
Temporary soreness, swelling, bruising, fatigue, and mild discomfort are common during recovery and generally improve over time.
Driving & Daily Activities
Return to daily activities as directed. Do not drive while taking narcotic pain medication or until your surgical team determines that it is safe.
Incision Care & Follow-Up Visits
Follow instructions for showering and incision care. Keep any dressing or splint clean and dry. Follow-up timing depends on the procedure performed.
Post-Surgical Medication Guidance
Following surgery, some patients may require prescription pain medication or other medications to support recovery. Recommendations vary based on the procedure performed, medical history, and individual recovery needs.
Pain Management
Take medications as directed by your care team. Many patients gradually transition from prescription pain medication to over-the-counter pain relief as recovery progresses.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Contact our team immediately if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Severe or worsening pain
- Increasing swelling that does not improve with elevation
- New numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of sensation
- Fingers that become pale, blue, unusually cold, or difficult to move
- A cast, splint, or dressing that feels excessively tight
- Fever greater than 101.5°F
- Pain not relieved with medication
- White, yellow, or green drainage from the incision
- Persistent bleeding or separation of the incision
Small amounts of clear or pink-tinged drainage can be normal during early healing. After-hours calls are answered by the on-call service, which will reach the orthopedic provider on call. If you feel your situation is an emergency, call 911 or go directly to your nearest emergency room and ask the treating team to contact us immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see an orthopedic surgeon for hand or wrist pain?
Schedule an evaluation if pain, stiffness, weakness, or limited movement affects daily activities. Clarus Orthopedic Surgery can determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment.
What conditions can hand and wrist surgery treat?
Surgery may treat arthritis, tendon injuries, ligament damage, joint instability, trigger finger, ganglion cysts, and other conditions affecting function. Clarus Orthopedic Surgery recommends treatment based on the condition and structures involved.
Will I need a cast or splint after hand or wrist surgery?
A cast, splint, or brace may be required to protect the surgical area. The type of support and how long it is needed depend on the procedure performed.
How long is recovery after hand or wrist surgery?
Recovery depends on the procedure and individual healing. Clarus Orthopedic Surgery will provide instructions for movement, lifting, driving, work, and daily activities.
Will I need therapy after hand or wrist surgery?
Hand or occupational therapy may be recommended to restore movement, strength, and function. The timing depends on the procedure and recovery progress.
