Osteoarthritis is very common. It seems that all people get arthritis if they live long enough. Some people get arthritis at an earlier age than others depending on genetics, injuries, inflammation, and “wear and tear”. Below are xrays of patients with hand osteoarthritis. Look for decreased joint space between the bones as well as bone […]
Dr. Erickson cares for patients with hand, wrist and elbow injuries. He evaluates patients at the Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center in Raleigh, NC. He emphasizes conservative, non-operative care in most cases. Dr. Erickson only recommends surgery when necessary or when non-operative treatment has not provided relief. He works closely with hand therapists to improve […]
Capital City Surgery Center (CCSC) was recently named the #1 Ambulatory Surgery Center in North Carolina! Dr. Erickson and his partners are proud of the national and state recognition. He performs the majority of his outpatient surgeries at CCSC. Dr. Erickson has financial interest in the surgery center. Read more here.
Dr. John Erickson is the current President of the NCSSH, a non-profit professional organization of hand surgeons in North Carolina.
When a patient is planning to undergo carpal tunnel release surgery, there are several types of surgeries available. These are traditional open release, mini-open release, and endoscopic release. Hand surgeons continue to debate the pros and cons of each technique. The various techniques have been compared in many studies. The long-term results and complication rates […]
Needle Aponeurotomy (NA) is an in-office procedure for patients with Dupuytren’s Contracture. Needle aponeurotomy for Dupuytrens contracture is a non-surgical option which has a quicker recovery than traditional Dupuytrens surgery. There are less major complications and risks with NA compared to surgery. However, the results from NA do not typically last as long as surgery, […]
There are three main options for Dupuytrens contractures in the hand: collagenase injections, needle aponeurotomy, and Dupuytrens fasciectomy surgery. Most patients request non-surgical treatments, if possible, since the recovery is much quicker. However, not all patients are candidates for the non-surgical treatments. How long is the recovery after surgery? The incisions take 2-3 weeks to […]
BB guns are not toys. Bodily harm can occur with improper use. Several times per year patients are referred for retained BBs within the hand. Some BBs are simple to remove in the office, others require surgery. Infections, fractures, and injuries to the tendons, nerves and blood vessels of the hand can occur. Children using […]
A “skier’s thumb” is a common injury to the hand. Skier’s thumb refers to an acute injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint. This often occurs from a sudden, force, such as when the thumb is bent backwards or jammed. This injury is referred to as a “skier’s thumb” […]
This patient sustained a broken wrist after a fall as he landed on the outstretched hand. This is called a distal radius fracture. Surgery was recommended and the patient underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Plates and screws were used to stabilize the distal radius fracture, while the ulnar styloid fracture healed with splinting. […]
