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. […]
Dr. John Erickson was named a Top Doctor in 2020 by Castle Connolly. The selection process is merit-based, and top doctors are recommended by other physicians. Only 6% of board-certified physicians in the US are selected for this award.
The thumb is responsible for about 50% of all hand function. When the thumb is painful or injured, it becomes very difficult to use the hand. During normal life, we take our thumbs for granted. When the thumb is not working properly, we realize how important it is. There are several causes of thumb pain […]
Boxer’s fractures are very common hand injuries. The typical cause is punching a wall with a clenched fist. These injuries are most common in young adult males. They can also occur from a variety of ways such as a fall, sports injury, or car accident. A “boxer’s fracture” is defined as a fracture of the […]
Dr John Erickson gave hand conference at WakeMed Hospital for UNC orthopedic residents and hospital staff on August 10, 2020. He discussed Tumors of the Hand and Wrist and presented several illustrative cases. Local area hand surgeons, radiologists, occupational therapists, and Physicians Assistants were in attendance in-person and viewing online.
This patient sustained displaced fractures of the fourth and fifth metacarpal shafts. The fractures were angulated and the fingers were not aligned well. Surgery was recommended for the patient. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgery with plates and screws was performed and range of motion with hand therapy was begun early. Excellent results can […]
