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Hand surgery

What does the hand surgery department do?

The hand surgery department treats all conditions of the hand and forearm.

Which patients come to the hand surgery department?

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.

Which symptoms do patients visiting the hand surgery department have?

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.

Which treatments are carried out in the hand surgery department?

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:

  1. Operations for nerve compression syndromes (e.g. carpal tunnel syndrome)
  2. Operations for ganglion cysts
  3. Operations for deformities (e.g. fused fingers)
  4. Joint prostheses for arthrosis (e.g. thumb saddle joint)
  5. Operations for contractures
  6. Nerve damage reconstruction
  7. Tendon repair
  8. Trauma surgery for the hand
  9. Scar reduction surgery (for example, for burns)

Risks: As with any operation, complications such as inflammation, bleeding, abnormal wound healing or nerve injury may arise.

What preparation is involved for treatment in the hand surgery department?

Many hand surgery operations are outpatient procedures. For major procedures, patients come into the clinic a day in advance for the preliminary examinations.

What type of postoperative care is there in the hand surgery department?

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.

Rehabilitation

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.

Why should you choose Swiss Medical Network for your hand surgery?

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).

FAQs

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

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.

What happens during a visit to the hand surgery department?

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.

Is treatment in the hand surgery department always surgical?

Not all hand conditions require an operation. Often, just occupational therapy, a splint or medication can help.

What risks are involved in an operation on the hand?

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.