THE HAND CENTER

THE HAND CENTER OF NORTHERN ARIZONA

The surgeons at Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona are all hand surgery specialists who treat a variety of hand problems, from those caused by overuse such as Carpal Tunnel to age-related issues such as Trigger Finger, Dupuytren’s Contracture and arthritis.  Their goal with all of their hand surgeries is to restore full function and mobility, and improve appearance so that the patient can return to his or her normal activities without pain. Hand procedures can be done at Northern Arizona SurgiCenter, our fully licensed and AAAHC-accredited ambulatory surgery center, located in the lower level of the Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona building in Flagstaff. To learn more about any hand or wrist procedure at Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona, contact us today at  (928) 774-2300 or (800) 962-1390 to schedule a consultation, most covered by insurance, at any of our five Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona locations.

HAND PROCEDURES

CARPAL TUNNEL

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve in the wrist becomes pinched due to inflammation, causing pain, numbness, and tingling in the palm, thumb, index finger, middle finger, or thumb side of the ring finger. Some patients also complain of weakness in the grip. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the result of repetitive use of the hands and wrists due to an activity such as typing, assembly line work, or certain sports. The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can often be treated non-surgically by changing the way you do these activities, by wearing a splint, and by taking anti-inflammatory medications. If, however, these techniques don’t work to alleviate your pain and numbness, surgery may be necessary. At the Hand Center of Northern Arizona, our highly skilled surgeons offer Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery because only a very small incision is required, resulting in much faster recovery time. During the surgery, the transverse carpal ligament is cut, releasing the pressure on the median nerve and alleviating your symptoms. Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery is performed at Northern Arizona SurgiCenter, our privately owned, fully licensed, certified, and AAAHC-accredited ambulatory surgery center located in the lower level of the Hand Center of Northern Arizona building in Flagstaff. Recovery time depends on your commitment to rehabilitative physical therapy, but most patients are back to work in 2-3 weeks. To learn more about endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery at the Hand Center of Northern Arizona, contact us today at (928) 774-2300 or (800) 962-1390 to schedule a Carpal Tunnel Surgery surgery consultation at any of our five Northern Arizona locations.

TRIGGER FINGER RELEASE

Trigger finger occurs when thick nodules or lumps develop on the flexor tendon in the finger causing it to get stuck in the tendon sheath tunnel as you try to straighten your finger. At first, you may feel a pop as the tendon moves through the tight area, and the finger may suddenly shoot out straight. Over time, as the swelling increases, there will be a pain, and perhaps an inability to straighten your finger without help. There is no known cause for trigger finger although it is more common in women, those between forty and sixty years old, anyone suffering from diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, those who participate in activities that strain the hand, and people with carpal tunnel syndrome, and de Quervain’s stenosing tenosynovitis. There are non-surgical treatment options for trigger finger such as steroid injections, anti-inflammatory medications, and rest, but for anyone whose finger has become stuck in a bent position, trigger finger surgery is the best option. At the Hand Center of Northern Arizona, our highly skilled surgeons will make a small incision in the palm, and cut the tendon sheath tunnel. As the sheath heals, it will be looser so that the tendon has more room to move thus relieving your symptoms. Trigger Finger surgery is performed at Northern Arizona SurgiCenter, our privately owned, fully licensed, certified, and AAAHC-accredited ambulatory surgery center located in the lower level of the Hand Center of Northern Arizona building in Flagstaff. Most people are able to move their fingers immediately after surgery, and full recovery may be expected within a few weeks although it may take up to six months for all the swelling and stiffness to go away. To learn more about Trigger Finger surgery at the Hand Center of Northern Arizona, contact us today at (928) 774-2300 or (800) 962-1390 to schedule a consultation at any of our five Northern Arizona locations.

 

ALL FORMS OF HAND ARTHRITIS

Arthritis is common in the hand it can cause pain and swelling that limits what a person can do with their hands. Arthritis is usually related to wear and tear from years of use. Treatment with steroid injections can help, but sometimes an operation is needed. Arthritis at the base of the thumb is the most most common type of hand arthritis. It can usually be treated well with a commonly performed procedure.

DUPUYTREN’S CONTRACTURE

Dupuytren’s contracture is a thickening and tightening of the fibrous tissue under the skin of the palm and finger. Though painless and quite common (President Reagan suffered from the disease), it does cause the fingers to curl up which may eventually affect your ability to grip objects or put your hands in your pockets. There is no known cause for Dupuytren’s contracture although it is more common in people of Northern European descent, and increases in frequency with age. Symptoms develop gradually and usually involve the formation of nodules or lumps that thicken with time, forming tough bands of skin under the palm. As the disease migrates to the fingers, patients find that they can no longer extend their fingers. There are a number of non-surgical options for treating Dupuytren’s contracture such as steroid injections, splints, an enzyme injections. Many patients, however, reach a point where their hand function is so limited that they seek surgery. At Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona, our highly skilled hand surgeons believe that surgery is the best option for treating Dupuytren’s contracture if the patient is unable to place his/her hand flat on a smooth surface. Surgery involves dividing and removing the thick bands in order to restore finger movement. Dupuytren’s contracture surgery is performed at Northern Arizona SurgiCenter, our privately owned, fully licensed, certified, and AAAHC-accredited ambulatory surgery center located in the lower level of the Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona building in Flagstaff. Following this surgery, you can expect some swelling, and you may require physical therapy but, in general, recovery time is minimal. To learn more about Dupuytren’s contracture surgery at Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona, contact us today at (928) 774-2300 or (800) 962-1390 to schedule a consultation at any of our five Northern Arizona locations.

HAND & FINGER INJURIES

Here at the Hand Center of Northern Arizona, we treat all types of hand and finger injuries, including broken bones, tendon injuries, nerve injuries and lacerations. We are highly skilled and experienced in repairing the injury as well as helping to guide you through the rehabilitation process.

EAR SURGERY (OTOPLASTY)

“Overall, the staff were amazing! Dr. Lex made us feel comfortable with the decision we were making for our daughter. The anesthesiologist was PHENOMENAL and helped her feel comfortable and had her laughing before she went into surgery. And the results look amazing laughing Our daughter is young, so the procedure was done to help…

FACE LIFT

“I’m very pleased with the results of my face lift. Dr. Quigley and the staff answered all my questions before and after the surgery.”