The funny bone is neither funny nor a bone. The source of pain when someone “hits their funny bone” is actually related to a nerve on the inside of the elbow. This nerve is called the ulnar nerve. The ulnar nerve is one of the three important nerves which control the hand. It supplies feeling […]
Carpal tunnel release surgery is one of the most common procedures performed in the United States. Over 90% of patients are pleased with the results, and they would recommend the surgery to a loved one. Most patients have decreased hand numbness, no night-time hand tingling, and less pins and needles hand pain. Many of my […]
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 […]
Dr. Erickson at the Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center gave hand conference titled: The Opioid Epidemic, The Role of the Orthopedic Surgeon. Dr. Erickson discussed the opioid crisis in the United States and ways to reduce patient pain after surgery while minimizing the use of opioid prescriptions.
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 […]
