Hand Surgery

Aging hands frequently suffer from arthritis or wearing out of the normal joint cartilage lining. This may cause pain that fails to respond to oral medications. For some patients, hand surgery may provide relief. SLUCare hand surgeons and rheumatologists work together to coordinate a treatment plan for these patients.

Brachial plexus nerves extend from the spinal cord along the neck through the shoulder and into the arm, where they control movement and feeling. If these nerves are injured, through an auto accident or sports injury, for example, sensation and function may be diminished. SLUCare hand surgeons in Orthopedic Surgery and Plastic Surgery offer advanced techniques to restore function and feeling in the upper limbs and hands.

The median nerve is the largest nerve of the arm, providing feeling to the thumb, index, long and ring fingers. If this nerve becomes compressed at the wrist, you may experience numbness and pain in the fingers — so much that it may wake you up at night or limit use of your hand. Other nerves in the arm can also become compressed, limiting arm use. SLUCare hand surgeons and neurologists work closely to assess these symptoms, and if needed, perform surgery to release the compression. Our team also provides follow-up care, including hand therapy, for an optimal recovery.

When children are born with webbed fingers, extra digits or malformed digits, parents can look to SLUCare hand surgeons for help. Our experienced doctors treat patients at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital. We coordinate with pediatric therapists who can help your little one realize the full potential of his or her hand following surgery.

Dupuytren's flexion contracture is a thickening of skin across the palm of the hand and outward, limiting your ability to extend your fingers. If you cannot place your hand flat upon a surface, a SLUCare hand surgeon can provide relief. Treatments range from collagenase injections to surgery. Post-operative therapy is coordinated in our office to optimize your care.

Hand injuries are common in an emergency center, from simple cuts and fractures to tendon and nerve damage. Such injuries are best treated by a hand surgeon and hand therapist to ensure proper recovery. SLUCare hand surgeons coordinate care with an in-house hand therapist to modify splints and adjust the therapy plan to maximize long-term healing.

Firm swellings of the hand and arm are not unusual, and may stem from variety of causes – mostly benign. SLUCare hand surgeons treat:

• Ganglion cysts (masses near the tendons or joints)
• Keratin cysts (masses off of the skin)
• Lipomas (fatty tumors)
• Blood vessel tumors (vascular malformations)
• Giant cell tumors (aggressive tumors of the joints and tendons)
• And more

For malignant tumors, we coordinate care with SLUCare oncologists and radiation therapists to offer patients the best possible treatment.

A number of common conditions can lead to disabling wrist pain and limited hand use. From simple sprains to unsuspected fractures, arthritis or injury to the ligaments, determining the precise cause can be a challenge. SLUCare hand surgeons and radiologists work in tandem to make a precise diagnosis, then provide a comprehensive program of surgery, if needed, and therapy to help patients regain normal hand use.