Our Summary

This research paper is about a successful surgery that was performed on a 19-year-old male patient who had multiple finger and thumb contractions due to a burn injury. The operation was done under local anesthesia, meaning the patient was awake but the area being operated on was numbed. The anesthesia used was a special solution made of lidocaine and epinephrine. This not only numbed the area but also helped to stop bleeding during the surgery, all without needing to use a tourniquet. The surgery lasted for 105 minutes and the patient didn’t experience any pain or discomfort. Four months after the procedure, the patient was able to fully extend his thumb, middle and ring finger. His index finger had a slight limitation but overall, the patient was happy with the results of the surgery.

FAQs

  1. What type of anesthesia was used during the surgery and why was it chosen?
  2. How long did the surgery last and what was the patient’s experience during the procedure?
  3. What was the patient’s recovery process like and how successful was the surgery in terms of finger mobility?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give to a patient undergoing hand surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and optimal outcomes. This may include keeping the hand elevated, regularly changing dressings, and attending follow-up appointments for monitoring progress. It is also important to participate in physical therapy or rehabilitation exercises as recommended by the doctor to regain strength and function in the hand. If any concerns or complications arise during the recovery process, it is important to contact the doctor immediately for guidance and support.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for hand surgery include those with:

  1. Traumatic injuries such as fractures, dislocations, and tendon injuries.
  2. Congenital conditions such as syndactyly (webbed fingers) or polydactyly (extra fingers).
  3. Arthritis affecting the hand joints.
  4. Nerve compression syndromes such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
  5. Dupuytren’s contracture, a condition where the tissues in the palm of the hand tighten and form nodules.
  6. Tumors or cysts in the hand or wrist.
  7. Chronic conditions such as trigger finger or De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.
  8. Severe burns that cause scarring and contractures in the hand.

Hand surgery can help improve function, reduce pain, and enhance the overall quality of life for patients with these conditions. It is important for patients to consult with a hand surgeon to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before the surgery:

  1. Patient consults with a hand surgeon to discuss the need for surgery and the expected outcomes.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-operative tests and evaluations to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery.
  3. Patient receives instructions on pre-surgery preparations, such as fasting before the procedure.
  4. On the day of surgery, patient arrives at the hospital or surgical center and is prepared for the operation by medical staff.

During the surgery:

  1. Patient is given local anesthesia to numb the area being operated on.
  2. Surgeon performs the surgery to correct the finger and thumb contractions caused by the burn injury.
  3. Surgery lasts for approximately 105 minutes, during which time the patient is awake but does not feel any pain or discomfort.
  4. Surgeon uses a special solution of lidocaine and epinephrine to numb the area and control bleeding without the need for a tourniquet.

After the surgery:

  1. Patient is monitored in the recovery room until they are stable and awake.
  2. Patient receives post-operative care instructions, including how to care for the surgical site and manage pain.
  3. Patient may need physical therapy or rehabilitation to regain full function of the hand and fingers.
  4. Four months after the surgery, the patient is able to fully extend his thumb, middle and ring finger, with slight limitations in the index finger.
  5. Patient is satisfied with the results of the surgery and experiences improved hand function and mobility.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the specific procedure being recommended for my hand condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after the surgery?
  4. Will I need to undergo physical therapy or occupational therapy after the surgery?
  5. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure and what are the potential side effects?
  6. How experienced are you in performing this type of hand surgery?
  7. What are the success rates for this type of surgery in patients with similar conditions to mine?
  8. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or modifications after the surgery?
  9. How long will it take for me to regain full function and mobility in my hand after the surgery?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider before undergoing surgery?

Reference

Authors: Prasetyono TO, Koswara AF. Journal: Hand Surg. 2015 Oct;20(3):484-7. doi: 10.1142/S0218810415720272. PMID: 26388018