Medical Services
Fractures of the forearm, wrist and hand, and injuries to the tendons, nerves or blood vessels are all treated by our team of hand specialists. These UF faculty physicians also perform reconstruction surgeries for deformities or arthritis of the hand and wrist, as well as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Acute injuries include:
- Dislocations
- Fractures of the forearm, distal radius, scaphoid, wrist (carpal), metacarpals and fingers
- Lacerations and infections of the hand
- Nerve injuries
- Tendon ruptures and lacerations
Chronic conditions include:
- Arthritis of the wrist and hand
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Fracture malunion and deformity
Evaluation and Diagnosis
A history and physical examination are supplemented with blood tests, radiographs (x-rays), computerized tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance scans (MRI) or bone scans. Some patients may need an electromyelogram (EMG) or nerve conduction velocity test (NCV) to evaluate nerve function.
What to Expect
Patients should expect a discussion with their physician about their symptoms and medical history, followed by an examination of the affected area and surrounding areas. Radiographs are commonly obtained to view the injured or painful area. CT and MRI scans may be ordered.
An EMG/NCV is a specialized test in which electrodes are placed over nerves or muscles to test electrical activity. This test may require very small, sterile needles to be inserted into the skin.
Treatment Options
Treatment may include:
Braces, casts or splints - These immobilizing devices are used to protect the hand while it heals. Occupational or hand therapy - This therapy is provided by Shands Jacksonville licensed therapists who help guide the patient on how to use a splint, teach exercises to promote recovery and provide other treatments to improve motion or function. Irrigation and debridement - During this procedure, the hand surgeon examines the areas around a wound or infection and removes all of the dirt or foreign material and any tissue that may be damaged to the extent that it will not survive. The wound is then washed with fluid. Open reduction and internal fixation - The surgeon puts the bone pieces back together (open reduction), holding them in place with plates, screws, rods or wires. The UF surgeons at Shands Jacksonville use the latest techniques, including minimally invasive procedures, when appropriate. External fixation - In this procedure, the surgeon inserts pins that go through the skin and into bone both above and below the fracture site. This is usually a temporary (days to weeks) treatment used to allow soft tissues at a fracture site to heal. Osteotomy and internal fixation - The surgeon cuts the deformed bone (osteotomy) to allow it to be straightened and then applies plates, screws or rods to hold it in place while it heals (internal fixation).
What to Expect
Expectations vary depending on the patient's specific problem. The surgeon or therapist will explain expectations related to the specific problem and recommended treatment.
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