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. This is a non-surgical option which has a quicker recovery than surgery. There are less complications and risks with NA compared to surgery. However, the results from NA do not typically last as long as surgery, and the NA procedure often is repeated […]
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 […]
Arthritis is one of the most common ailments. This word comes from the Greek words arthro and itis which mean “joint inflammation”. There are many types of arthritis, but osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in adults. Osteoarthritis is also called degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis is caused by many factors including age, genetics, […]
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” […]
Nonsurgical treatment of Dupuytrens Contracture Needle aponeurotomy (NA) and Collagenase Injections (Xiaflex) are two nonsurgical treatments for Dupuytrens Contractures when the fingers can no longer full straighten. Steroid injections (cortisone shots) are available for symptomatic Dupuytrens nodules before development of cords and flexion contractures. Steroid injections can also soften and flatten the Dupuytrens nodules and […]
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. […]
Do you have a bump in your wrist? A wrist ganglion cyst is a very common reason for this. These cysts usually arise near a joint or tendon. The most common location is the back of the wrist (see image below). They can occur in people of all ages and are common in young adults. […]
