Recent Advances in Minimally Invasive Hand Surgery
Minimally invasive hand surgery techniques have revolutionized the field of hand surgery by offering patients a more precise, efficient, and less invasive alternative to traditional “open” surgical procedures. These innovative new hand surgery techniques utilize specialized tiny instruments, advanced imaging technologies, and much smaller incisions, resulting in reduced tissue trauma, faster recovery times, and potentially fewer complications.
In this article, the specialists at Macomb Hand Surgery in the Detroit area explore the procedures, techniques, and applications of minimally invasive hand surgery – including the advantages it offers over traditional open surgery.
Minimally Invasive Hand Surgery Procedures
Minimally invasive hand surgery is an umbrella term that encompasses a range of surgical procedures, including endoscopy and arthroscopy. Endoscopy and arthroscopy are both minimally invasive procedures that involve the use of a small camera for visualization.
Endoscopy is a medical procedure that involves inserting an endoscope, a long flexible tube with a light and camera at the end, into various body cavities or organs. Endoscopy allows doctors to examine the internal structures, take biopsies, and perform certain therapeutic interventions.
Arthroscopy, on the other hand, specifically refers to the use of an arthroscope to visualize and treat joint-related conditions. An arthroscope is a specialized type of endoscope designed for joint examination. It is inserted through small incisions near the joint and provides a magnified view of the joint’s interior on a monitor. Arthroscopy is most commonly performed on joints such as the elbow, wrist, and shoulder – as well as the hip, knee, and ankle. It allows surgeons to diagnose and treat various joint conditions, including injuries, inflammation, cartilage damage, and joint disorders.
Hand and wrist arthroscopic surgery involves the insertion of a small camera (arthroscope) and specialized instruments into the joint through tiny incisions. This technique enables the surgeon to visualize and treat various conditions such as ligament injuries, cartilage damage, and wrist fractures, with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.
Most Common Minimally Invasive Hand Surgery
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which there is compression of the median nerve in the wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome can be effectively treated through endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery. This procedure involves the insertion of a small camera (endoscope) through a tiny incision, allowing the surgeon to visualize and release the transverse carpal ligament, relieving pressure on the nerve.
Trigger finger release surgery can also be performed using minimally invasive techniques. This can effectively address trigger finger by releasing the constricted tendon sheath, allowing for smooth movement of the affected finger.
Wrist fractures can also be repaired with minimally invasive surgery. In select cases of wrist fractures, arthroscopic-assisted reduction and fixation can be performed through small incisions, enabling precise fracture alignment and stable fixation.
Advantages of Minimally Invasive Hand Surgery
Minimally invasive surgery techniques result in less disruption to surrounding tissues, preserving healthy structures, and reducing the risk of complications such as infection and scarring. Smaller incisions, reduced tissue trauma, and decreased postoperative pain also contribute to faster recovery times, allowing patients to resume their daily activities and return to work more quickly.
Minimally invasive hand surgery also offers enhanced precision. The use of very tiny, specialized instruments and advanced imaging technologies in minimally invasive hand surgery enables surgeons to achieve greater precision in treating specific structures, resulting in improved outcomes.
Minimally invasive procedures involve smaller incisions, reducing the risk of infection and promoting faster wound healing. With smaller incisions, minimally invasive hand surgery techniques can also result in smaller, less noticeable scars compared to traditional open surgery.
Minimally Invasive Hand Surgery | Detroit Area
Minimally invasive hand surgery techniques offer greater precision, less pain, smaller scars, and improved patient outcomes, and faster recovery.
Detroit area board certified hand surgeon Dr. Uzma Rehman offers minimally invasive hand surgery for procedures such as carpal tunnel release, trigger finger release, wrist fractures, and more. This offers patients the benefits of reduced scarring, decreased postoperative pain, and faster return to normal function.
If you are suffering from an injury or pain in your fingers, wrist, elbow or arm, contact to Detroit area board certified hand surgeon Doctor Rehman for a comprehensive evaluation and consultation. Dr. Rehman will assess your individual situation, and prescribe the treatments that are best for your condition.
