Hand Surgery – Cape Cod, Needham, Wareham
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rheingold treats a wide variety of hand problems in Cape Cod. Some of the more common procedures he performs are listed below:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome & Ulnar Nerve Palsy
These conditions are peripheral nerve compressions in which the medianor ulnar nerve is irritated. External pressure on these nerves can produce symptoms of tingling, numbness, and loss of strength in the hand, fingers, or arm. If untreated, these symptoms become more severe and may result in permanent damage. Surgery is the treatment for both conditions, although splinting may provide some temporary relief.- For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Cape Cod, board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rheingold makes an incision in the palm. He cuts the tissue pressing on the nerve to relieve the external pressure it places on the median nerve. Healing takes about 3 weeks, and the resultant scar is barely visible.
- For Ulnar Nerve Palsy in Cape Cod, Dr. Rheingold makes a long skin incision at the elbow. The ulnar nerve is then dissected free from the surrounding scar tissue. Occasionally, Dr. Rheingold shifts the nerve to a slightly different position to relieve it from external compression.
The results of these hand surgeries in Cape Cod with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rheingold are influenced by how long the condition existed and the extent of damage to the nerve. It is advisable, therefore, to have these conditions evaluated early so that prompt therapy may lead to the best outcome.
- Dupuytren’s Contracture
Dupuytren’s Contracture is a disease affecting the skin of the palm of the hand or fingers. Rarely, it may also involve the skin of the soles of the feet. Thickened, scar-like tissue develops beneath the skin, causing the finger(s) to be pulled down, which limits the movement of the fingers. This condition tends to become more severe over time. Surgery is the only successful treatment.Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rheingold performs this hand surgery in Cape Cod. He makes zigzag skin incisions on the palmar skin and then removes the scar-like tissue. Dr. Rheingold performs this hand surgery on an outpatient basis with the patient under general or regional anesthesia. Recovery takes 3 weeks, and occasionally post-operative physical or occupational therapy is necessary. The success of the surgery depends on the severity and extent of the disease at the time of surgery. It is wise to seek early consultation to obtain the best results.
- Ganglion Cyst / Mucous Cysts
Soft tissue swellings in the hand or fingers are most commonly benign tumors called ganglion cysts. These soft tissue tumors grow slowly and cause pain or discomfort because they exert pressure on adjacent structures, such as tendons and nerves. The best treatment for these benign tumors is surgical removal. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rheingold performs this hand surgery in Cape Cod by making an incision over the soft tissue mass and removing the cyst. Recovery and healing varies between 2 and 4 weeks in most instances. - Trigger Finger (Stenosing Tenosynovitis)
In this condition, there is a “locking” or “catching” of the involved finger when it bends. The easy flexion/extension motion of the finger or thumb is prevented because the tendon becomes stuck and doesn’t glide easily. If untreated, the locking tends to become more severe and persistent over time. If identified early, this problem can often be successfully treated with 1 or 2 cortisone injections (an office procedure). If hand surgery in Cape Cod is necessary, then board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rheingold performs a short outpatient procedure to relieve the tissue binding the tendon. Recovery and healing general occurs in 2 to 4 weeks.
These conditions are the most common hand problems that Cape Cod plastic surgeon Dr. Rheingold treats. Many times, the results of surgery are improved with a post-operative program of physical/occupational therapy. This may include strength training, range of motion exercises, scar massage, nerve stimulation or desensitization, splinting, and wrapping to reduce swelling. The outcome of hand surgery is generally dependent on both of these treatment modalities.
