Our Summary

This historical report commemorates the 100th anniversary of a surgical procedure for fixing a condition known as ‘claw hand’. This procedure was developed by Harold Stiles, a pioneer in the field of hand surgery. The procedure, which involves transferring tendons, is still widely used today. The report also provides more information about Stiles’ contribution to this field.

FAQs

  1. Who is Harold Stiles and what is his contribution to hand surgery?
  2. What is the surgical procedure for claw correction that has been in use for 100 years?
  3. What is a tendon transfer and how is it related to claw correction?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about hand surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including keeping the hand elevated and performing recommended exercises to aid in recovery and prevent complications. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and optimal outcomes.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for hand surgery include those with conditions such as:

  1. Dupuytren’s contracture: A condition where the tissue in the palm of the hand thickens and tightens, causing the fingers to bend inward.

  2. Carpal tunnel syndrome: Compression of the median nerve in the wrist, causing numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and arm.

  3. Trigger finger: A condition where a finger gets stuck in a bent position and then straightens with a snap.

  4. Arthritis in the hand: Degenerative joint disease that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the hand joints.

  5. Tendon injuries: Damage to the tendons in the hand, which can result in difficulty moving the fingers or thumb.

  6. Congenital hand deformities: Birth defects that affect the structure or function of the hand, such as syndactyly (webbed fingers) or polydactyly (extra fingers).

  7. Hand trauma: Injuries such as fractures, dislocations, or lacerations that require surgical repair to restore function and aesthetics.

Overall, hand surgery can help improve hand function, alleviate pain, and enhance the quality of life for patients with a variety of hand conditions.

Timeline

  • Before hand surgery:
  1. Patient experiences pain, limited mobility, and difficulty performing daily activities due to a claw deformity in the hand.
  2. Patient consults with a hand surgeon who evaluates the condition and recommends surgery as a treatment option.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative tests and consultations to ensure they are fit for surgery.
  4. Patient discusses the procedure, risks, and expected outcomes with the surgeon and prepares mentally and physically for the surgery.
  • After hand surgery:
  1. Patient undergoes the surgery, where the surgeon performs tendon transfers to correct the claw deformity.
  2. Patient wakes up from anesthesia in the recovery room and is monitored for any immediate post-operative complications.
  3. Patient is discharged from the hospital with post-operative care instructions, including wound care, pain management, and physical therapy exercises.
  4. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor the healing process, remove sutures, and assess the hand function.
  5. Patient undergoes physical therapy to regain strength, flexibility, and function in the hand.
  6. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and experiences improved hand function and reduced pain due to the successful claw correction surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of hand surgery is recommended for my condition?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after the surgery?
  4. How successful is this type of surgery in treating my condition?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options available?
  6. How many times have you performed this type of surgery and what is your success rate?
  7. Will I need any follow-up appointments or therapy after the surgery?
  8. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take before or after the surgery?
  10. What can I expect in terms of pain management during the recovery process?

Reference

Authors: Kamath J, Jain M. Journal: J Hand Surg Asian Pac Vol. 2022 Dec;27(6):1075-1078. doi: 10.1142/S2424835522300067. Epub 2022 Dec 21. PMID: 36550083