Hand Surgeons

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Hand Surgery Procedures

Hand Surgery is that specialty that provides both surgical and non-surgical treatment of conditions and problems that may occur in the hand and upper extremity.  Indications for hand surgery consultation include:

• Nerve Compression Syndromes - Carpal tunnel syndrome (median nerve compression) and cubital tunnel syndrome (ulnar nerve compression) are very common conditions that occur from increased pressure on a nerve. Several treatments are available for these conditions including splinting, anti-inflammatory medication, and surgery. Your surgeon will discuss options with you;
• Tendonitis - deQuervain’s tendonitis, tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), and trigger finger are just a few of the tendon inflammatory diseases that we commonly see. Several treatment options are available.  Resting the tendons with splints and anti-inflammatory medicines are often the only treatments required;
• Arthritic Conditions - Rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative arthritis can cause severe pain and limited movement in the wrists and hands. While these conditions are not curable, they do respond well to both medical and surgical treatment;
• New Masses and Other Hand Problems - Dupuytren’s contracture, ganglion cysts, and other less common hand disorders can be treated effectively through conservative measures such as rest, splinting or steroid injections. If these measures are not successful, surgery may be indicated by a qualified hand surgeon. 
• Trauma - Severe hand injuries require immediate or urgent care and should be treated by hand specialists. These include fractures, joint dislocations, and lacerations involving the tendons, nerves, or blood vessels. In addition, hand specialists provide treatment and reconstruction of old injuries;
• Congenital Anomalies - Webbed fingers (syndactyly) can many times be surgically separated and made to look more like normal fingers.  Extra fingers (polydactyly) can be surgically removed without sacrificing regular use of the remaining hand and fingers;
• Infections – Most infections are the result of an insect, animal or human bite.  Many infections can be treated successfully with antibiotics taken by mouth.  In severe cases, the infection may require a hospital admission for intravenous antibiotics.
• Injection Injuries – Using high pressure equipment sometimes results in injuries that cut or lacerate the skin.  In the case of paint equipment, the material injected may cause a secondary infection to develop causing fibrous scarification and range of motion limitations.  Injury to the tendons or nerves is also possible.
• Work-Related Injuries – Repetitive use or traumatic injuries can happen at work at any time. Strain conditions are very common, as are fractures and lacerations.  With appropriate management and hand therapy, patients are usually able to return to full capacity at their occupation.  At Hayes Hand Center our physicians work with you and your employer to facilitate your return to work as soon as possible;
• Re-Attachment of Amputated Parts and Hand Reconstruction

If you live in the Chattanooga, Tennessee area and suffer from any of the above disorders, or if you have sustained a hand injury, please contact our Tennessee Hand Surgeons the Hayes Hand Center today for a hand surgery consultation.