Our Summary

This study looked at how different hand surgeons in Australia treat a common type of hand fracture. They sent a survey to all members of the Australian Hand Surgery Society to gather information about their surgical preferences. They found that orthopedic surgeons preferred certain types of procedures, while plastic surgeons preferred others. Younger surgeons were more likely to believe one specific procedure produced better results. They also found that over half of the surgeons working in high-level hospitals believed that good hand therapy was key, while only 17% of doctors in lower-level hospitals thought the same. The study concluded that there is a lot of variation in how these fractures are treated, and no clear agreement on which methods are best. More research is needed to establish guidelines.

FAQs

  1. What was the main aim of the study conducted by the Australian Hand Surgery Society?
  2. Were there any notable differences in surgical preferences between orthopedic and plastic surgeons?
  3. What was the study’s conclusion regarding the treatment of common hand fractures and the need for further research?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about hand surgery is to follow all post-operative care instructions carefully, including attending any recommended hand therapy sessions. Hand therapy can help improve range of motion, strength, and function in the hand following surgery, leading to better outcomes and faster recovery. It is important to be diligent in following through with therapy to maximize the success of the surgical procedure.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended hand surgery may include those with:

  1. Fractures or dislocations in the hand or fingers
  2. Tendon or ligament injuries
  3. Nerve injuries
  4. Arthritis in the hand or wrist
  5. Carpal tunnel syndrome
  6. Dupuytren’s contracture
  7. Trigger finger
  8. Ganglion cysts
  9. Congenital hand deformities
  10. Soft tissue injuries or infections in the hand or fingers

It is important for patients to consult with a hand surgeon to determine the most appropriate course of treatment for their specific condition.

Timeline

  • Before hand surgery:
  1. Patient experiences pain, swelling, and limited mobility in the hand due to injury or condition.
  2. Patient consults with a hand surgeon to discuss treatment options and decide on surgery.
  3. Pre-operative assessments and tests are conducted to ensure the patient is a good candidate for surgery.
  4. Patient receives instructions on pre-operative care, such as fasting and medication management.
  • During hand surgery:
  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure under anesthesia.
  2. Surgeon performs the necessary repairs or corrections to the hand structure.
  3. Surgery can involve fixation of fractures, tendon repair, nerve repair, or other procedures depending on the specific condition.
  4. Surgery typically lasts a few hours, after which the patient is monitored in the recovery room before being transferred to a hospital room or discharged home.
  • After hand surgery:
  1. Patient experiences post-operative pain, swelling, and stiffness in the hand.
  2. Patient receives post-operative instructions on wound care, medication management, and physical therapy.
  3. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the hand surgeon to monitor healing and progress.
  4. Patient undergoes hand therapy to improve mobility, strength, and function in the hand.
  5. Full recovery can take several weeks to months, depending on the complexity of the surgery and individual healing process.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of hand surgery do you recommend for my specific condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. What is the success rate of this surgery for patients with similar conditions?
  4. What is the recovery process like, and how long can I expect it to take?
  5. Will I need hand therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery, and if so, for how long?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that I should consider?
  7. How many of these surgeries have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  8. What is the expected outcome or prognosis after the surgery?
  9. What should I do to prepare for the surgery, both physically and mentally?
  10. Are there any specific restrictions or limitations I should be aware of after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Sivakumar B, Ross M, Graham DJ. Journal: J Hand Surg Asian Pac Vol. 2023 Apr;28(2):192-196. doi: 10.1142/S2424835523500200. Epub 2023 Apr 17. PMID: 37120301