The hand surgery department treats all conditions of the hand and forearm.
Patients visit the hand surgery department with a wide range of hand problems. The majority of middle-aged patients present with carpal tunnel syndrome, whereas elderly patients tend to suffer with inflammatory diseases (rheumatism), arthrosis or finger contractures. Younger patients are normally seen due to strains or other injuries, and children are mostly treated for deformities.
Common symptoms can include tingling fingers or a change in sensation in the case of nerve damage, pain or weakened muscles which are already affecting simple everyday tasks, or in cases of severe damage, paralysed fingers.
Sometimes just resting the hand or an injection of anti-inflammatory medication is sufficient. Working closely with the occupational therapy department is also an important part of treatment.
When necessary, however, the following operations are carried out:
Risks: As with any operation, complications such as inflammation, bleeding, abnormal wound healing or nerve injury may arise.
Many hand surgery operations are outpatient procedures. For major procedures, patients come into the clinic a day in advance for the preliminary examinations.
Occasionally, following an operation, the arm will be stabilised in a plaster cast, a splint or a compression bandage. This immobilises the wound and allows it to heal. The patients learn how to move their hands properly again during follow-up care and subsequent occupational therapy sessions.
Clinique Valmont offers successful rehabilitation programmes for patients recovering from hand surgery. The clinic delivers first-class medical care and treatment in an idyllic setting with stunning views of Lake Geneva and the Alps.
Swiss Medical Network patients can enjoy exclusive benefits during their rehabilitation programme at Clinique Valmont.
The clinic has partnered with all supplementary health insurance providers.
Since the nerves, tendons and joints of the hand are very delicate, precision and skill are important. The hand surgeons here at Swiss Medical Network are the experts in their field. Thanks to microsurgery, it’s possible to operate with millimetre accuracy (and even submillimetre accuracy).
In carpal tunnel syndrome, structures in the wrist press against the median nerve. The patient feels tingling and/or experiences loss of sensation or loss of strength in the hands. They wake up in the night with pains or sensory disturbances. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common operation in hand surgery.
Initially, the focus is on the consultation and physical examination. It is often necessary to visualise the hand using imaging procedures such as X-ray, MRI or computer tomography. The doctor explains the findings in a consultation and decides what further action will be required.
Not all hand conditions require an operation. Often, just occupational therapy, a splint or medication can help.
The doctors in the hand surgery department are experts in their field. As with any operation, there can be a risk of infection, bleeding or abnormal healing of the wound.