Hand Surgery in Orange County, CA
Advanced Care for the Hand, Wrist, and Upper Extremities
The hands are among the most intricate and essential parts of the human body. When an injury, degenerative condition, or congenital difference affects your hands and wrists, even the slightest movement can become painful or impossible.
Considerable advances have been made in recent years in treating patients with hand injuries, degenerative disorders, and birth defects of the hand. Plastic surgeons have been at the forefront of these advances with a special interest in improving both function and appearance. Plastic surgeons undergo intensive training in hand surgery, and they (along with orthopedic surgeons and general surgeons) continue to treat patients with a wide range of hand problems.
At UCI Plastic Surgery, our fellowship-trained and board-certified plastic surgeons provide state-of-the-art hand surgery in Orange County, CA, combining advanced techniques with compassionate care. Contact UCI Plastic Surgery today to learn more about hand surgery and schedule a consultation at one of our primary locations in Orange, Costa Mesa, and Tustin. You can also view a list of our locations and appointment phone numbers here.
What Is Hand Surgery?
Hand surgery is a highly specialized area of medicine involving the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the upper extremity (the shoulder, arm, forearm, wrist, and hand). It combines principles of orthopedic, plastic, and microsurgery to restore movement, strength, and appearance.
Procedures may address traumatic injuries, degenerative diseases, nerve or tendon problems, or congenital differences. At UCI Plastic Surgery, our plastic and orthopedic surgeons bring advanced expertise to every case, ensuring precise care for even the most complex conditions.
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Common Conditions Treated
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand, is compressed as it passes through the wrist. Common symptoms of CTS include tingling, numbness, pain, and weakness in the hand and fingers. The condition is often caused by repetitive hand movements—like typing or using vibrating tools—but it can also be related to other health conditions such as diabetes, pregnancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Treatment Options: Initial treatment may include splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, or corticosteroid injections. If conservative methods don’t provide relief, carpal tunnel release surgery may be recommended. This surgery consists of cutting the ligament pressing on the nerve to relieve pressure.
Recovery: Following surgery, most patients experience relief from symptoms within a few weeks. Complete recovery may take several months. Physical therapy is often recommended to regain hand strength and flexibility.
Trigger Finger (Stenosing Tenosynovitis)
Trigger finger is a condition where the tendon in the finger becomes irritated and thickens, causing the finger to become stiff and difficult to bend. It is often accompanied by pain and a clicking or popping sensation. This condition can be painful and limit hand function, affecting those who engage in repetitive gripping motions.
Treatment options: Non-invasive initial treatments include rest, splinting, or corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation. If symptoms persist despite non-invasive treatment, surgery to release the constricted tendon may be necessary to allow the finger to move freely.
Recovery: After surgery, most patients can return to everyday activities within a few weeks. Some physical therapy may be recommended to improve hand mobility.
Tendinitis and Tendon Injuries
Tendinitis refers to inflammation or irritation affecting a tendon—the flexible cord of fibrous collagen tissue that connects muscles to bones. It’s typically caused by overuse or repetitive motions that put stress on the tendon. In the hand, tendinitis can affect the tendons in the fingers, wrist, or forearm, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected area.
Treatment options: Initial treatments include rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. Corticosteroid injections may also be effective in some cases. If conservative measures don’t provide relief, surgical intervention may be needed to remove damaged tissue and relieve pressure on the tendon.
Recovery: After tendinitis surgery, several weeks of strict splinting helps protect the newly repaired tendon, followed by a few months of hand therapy to restore motion and strength. Full recovery can take six months or more, with strength returning at about three months, while regaining full movement takes a bit longer.
Arthritis of the Hand
Arthritis of the hand refers to a common condition that affects the joints in the hands and causes pain, stiffness, and swelling.
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type (also known as degenerative arthritis) and is caused by “wear and tear” on the joints over time.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the joint lining (or synovium). It’s an autoimmune disease that causes the joint lining to swell, leading to pain, stiffness, and loss of function.
Treatment options: Initial treatment usually involves anti-inflammatory medications. These can range from over-the-counter NSAIDs to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics, the latter of which slow disease progression. Additionally, assistive devices like splints and braces can help make daily tasks easier. In severe cases, joint replacement (arthroplasty), fusion, or tendon realignment surgery may be necessary.
Dupuytren’s Contracture (Dupuytren’s Disease)
Dupuytren’s contracture is a progressive condition that causes the fingers to curl into the palm. It occurs when the connective tissue in the palm of the hand (palmar fascia) thickens and forms nodules. The exact cause is unknown, but it is believed to be hereditary and more common in men over 50. It could also be related to trauma, smoking, diabetes, and liver disease.
Treatment options: Early stages may be treated with enzyme therapy or injections of collagenase (an enzyme that breaks down collagen). In more advanced cases, surgical options such as fasciectomy (removal of the thickened connective tissue) or a needle aponeurotomy (using a needle to cut the cords) may be recommended.
Recovery: Recovery depends on the severity of the contracture and the type of surgery used. Stitches are usually removed within four weeks after surgery. Typically, recovery involves a period of hand therapy to improve the range of motion and prevent stiffness or recurrence. Most patients can expect to regain a full or nearly full range of motion and grip strength within six months to a year after surgery.
Ganglion Cysts
Ganglion cysts are non-cancerous lumps filled with a jelly-like fluid that commonly form along the tendons or joints of the wrists or hands. They don’t usually cause pain, but they can be uncomfortable if they press on the nerves or limit movement.
Treatment options: Ganglion cysts can be left untreated. If they are bothersome, treatment can include aspiration (draining the fluid) or surgical removal.
Brachial Plexus Injuries
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that starts in the spinal cord and extends to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Damage to the brachial plexus is often a result of trauma (such as a car accident or sports injury).
Early intervention is critical for proper treatment. Physical therapy, nerve grafts, or tendon transfers may be necessary to restore function.
Hand Reconstruction After Injury or Trauma
This refers to any surgery designed to restore function to the hand following trauma or injuries like fractures, lacerations, or severe soft tissue damage.
Surgical interventions may include bone realignment, tendon repair, nerve grafts, and skin grafts. The goal is to restore as much function as possible while minimizing scarring and preserving both mobility and aesthetic appearance.
Pediatric Hand Surgery
These are surgeries for a wide range of acquired and congenital upper extremity conditions in children. These may include:
- Congenital hand differences (polydactyly or syndactyly)
- Traumatic injuries (fractures, lacerations, nerve injuries, amputations)
- Brachial plexus injuries
- Neuromuscular disorders (like cerebral palsy)
- Tumors
Non-surgical Care and Hand Rehabilitation
Surgery is not always necessary. We often recommend non-invasive options first, including splints, physical therapy, activity modification, and corticosteroid injections. When surgery is performed, rehabilitation is key.
Our providers can create individualized plans to:
- Reduce swelling and scar tissue
- Improve range of motion, strength, and dexterity
- Provide adaptive strategies for daily activities
- Monitor healing and progress with your surgeon
FAQ About Hand Surgery in Orange County
We’ve listed some of the most common questions about hand surgery in Southern California. To receive additional information not listed here, please contact our plastic surgery offices in Orange County.
How do I prepare for hand surgery?
Your surgeon will examine your hand and potentially your wrist and arm as well. He or she will discuss the findings and several of the variables that may affect the procedure and its final outcome. These may include the type of injury, the time elapsed from the injury to presentation, how much therapy you may have done prior to surgical intervention, your smoking history, etc. It is essential to follow all instructions prior to surgical intervention, such as elevation, range of motion exercises, and other interventions, such as occupational therapy assistance.
What happens during burn reconstruction?
There is great variability in hand surgeries. A traumatic hand injury may be brought to the operating room emergently or slightly delayed, as an urgent procedure. Depending on the initial presentation and surgical procedure to be performed, the operation may be done under general anesthesia (you are asleep), local anesthesia (you are awake, but numb), or under regional block (you are awake, but your hand and arm may be numb). Your surgeon will discuss this with you during your consultation.
What can I expect after hand surgery?
Since the hand is a very sensitive and intricate part of the body, you may experience some mild to severe pain following surgery. Your surgeon will prescribe injections or oral medication to make you more comfortable. How long your hand must remain immobilized and how quickly you resume your normal activities depend significantly on the type and extent of surgery, as well as how fast you heal.
To enhance your recovery and give you the fullest possible functional use of your hand, your surgeon may recommend a course of rehabilitation (physical and/or occupational therapy) under the direction of a trained hand therapist. Your treatment may include a combination of hand exercises, heat and massage therapy, electrical nerve stimulation, splinting, traction, ultrasound, light therapy, and special wrappings to control swelling. Keep in mind that the surgery is just the foundation for your recovery. It’s crucial that you follow all of the surgeon’s and therapist’s instructions and complete the entire course of therapy to regain the maximum use of your hand.
How long after hand surgery can I drive?
It depends. For minor surgeries, like carpal tunnel release, you may be ready to drive again in two to four weeks. For major surgeries, such as fracture repair, it could take six to eight weeks or more before you are cleared to drive. You should have sufficient range of motion to grip and steer the wheel, have enough strength to control the vehicle, and be able to drive without significant pain or swelling. You also need to be off pain medication that impairs your driving ability. Always consult with your surgeon or physician for guidance on when you can safely resume driving.
What are the risks of hand surgery?
As with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications, including bleeding and bruising, infection, fluid collection, or reaction to anesthesia. Poor healing and wide scars are possible, and even more likely in smokers. Numbness and sensory changes in the hand, with possible changes to your function and appearance, are possible. Other potential risks include injury or poor healing of the blood vessels, nerves, tendons, or bones of the hand, as well as earlier onset of arthritis.
Learn More About Hand Surgery in Irvine, CA
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how hand surgery can improve your mobility and quality of life. We’ll answer your questions and explain what you can expect from the procedure.
We have offices in Orange, Costa Mesa, and Tustin, CA. View a list of our locations and phone numbers here.
