Education · hand
Hand
Last reviewed
Hand conditions covered here range from common tendon and nerve problems (trigger finger, Dupuytren's disease, carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar nerve compression) through traumatic injuries (flexor and extensor tendon lacerations, finger fractures, mallet finger, ligament injuries) to chronic disease (thumb base osteoarthritis, finger osteoarthritis, ganglion and mucous cysts, rheumatoid hand). Operations include trigger finger release, Dupuytren's open palmar fasciectomy or needle aponeurotomy, primary tendon repair and tendon transfer, thumb carpometacarpal joint replacement, finger fracture fixation, and ganglion excision. Dr Hirpara holds an MD on flexor tendon repair biomechanics from the University of Galway, completed the orthoplastic hand fellowship at Wythenshawe and Salford in Manchester (the BSSH-recognised ATP), and was the Cutbush hand-surgery fellow at Brisbane Hand & Upper Limb Clinic. The 22 topics below cover hand anatomy, each condition's natural history, the operations available, and what recovery involves.
Conditions
Basal Thumb ArthritisBasal thumb arthritis — causes, symptoms, non-surgical options, and when surgery might help.
Boutonnière DeformityExtensor central-slip injury at the middle finger joint; early splinting prevents the zigzag deformity, established cases need surgery.
Compression NeuropathiesHand numbness, tingling, or weakness – understanding carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, and other compression neuropathies.
DIPJ arthritisYou likely feel pain and stiffness right at the very tip of your finger, where the joint meets your fingernail. This is the distal interphalangeal joint, or DIP joint. The pain often flares up after you use your hand for daily tasks like reaching behind your back to fasten a…
Dupuytren's DiseaseDupuytren’s disease causes palm thickening and finger contracture—options range from observation to needle aponeurotomy or surgical excision.
Finger FracturesPhalangeal and metacarpal fractures of the hand — non-operative care and indications for fixation.
Fingertip InjuriesCrush, laceration, nail-bed and amputation injuries of the fingertip and their management.
Flexor Tendon Sheath GanglionA benign, fluid-filled cyst arising from the flexor tendon sheath – often painless, but can cause clicking or limited finger movement.
Giant Cell Tumour of Tendon SheathGiant cell tumour of tendon sheath — a benign, slow-growing lump on fingers/thumb, often treated with excision.
Hand InfectionsParonychia, deep-space and flexor sheath infections — recognition, antibiotics, drainage.
Hand Tendon and Nerve InjuriesHand tendon and nerve injuries – understanding symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Mallet FingerMallet finger causes fingertip drooping after extensor tendon injury; splinting is key, surgery occasionally needed.
Mucous CystMucous cysts – common bumps near finger joints, often linked to arthritis, and treatment options.
PIP Joint ArthritisOsteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis of the PIP joint — non-operative and surgical options.
Remplir Nerve WrapYou may notice pain or tingling in your elbow, especially when your arm is bent for a long time. This often happens at night when you sleep with your elbow tucked under your pillow. You might wake up with a numb hand or feel like your arm has "fallen asleep" more often than…
Thumb UCL injuryYou will likely feel pain right at the base of your thumb where it meets your hand. This pain comes from the ulnar collateral ligament, a key band of tissue that keeps your thumb stable. As the ligament tears, the joint becomes progressively unstable. You might notice that…
TrapeziectomyYou likely have pain at the base of your thumb where it meets your wrist. This is wear-and-tear arthritis of the joint between your thumb and wrist bones. The pain often flares up after you use your hand for daily tasks like opening jars or turning keys. You might notice it…
Trigger FingerTrigger finger causes painful catching or locking of a finger, often treated with splinting or steroid injection.
Operations
DIP Joint FusionDIP joint fusion stabilizes and reduces pain in the fingertip joint, often for arthritis or mallet finger.
Dupuytren's FasciectomyDupuytren’s fasciectomy — correcting hand contractures to improve function and daily activities.
Flexor Tendon Sheath Ganglion ExcisionExcision of a flexor tendon sheath ganglion — when surgery is considered for painful or limiting cysts.
PIP Joint FusionPIP joint fusion stabilizes a severely damaged middle finger joint, relieving pain when other treatments fail.
PIP Joint ReplacementPIP joint replacement addresses painful arthritis in the middle finger joint when non-surgical options fail.
Pyrocarbon interposition arthroplastyYour surgeon has suggested this procedure, called pyrocarbon interposition arthroplasty, to treat wear-and-tear arthritis at the base of your thumb. This surgery is typically offered when non-operative options like rest or splinting have not provided enough relief. It is often…
Touch thumb arthroplastyYour surgeon has likely suggested this thumb joint replacement because wear-and-tear arthritis in your thumb base has not improved enough with non-surgical treatments. This surgery is typically offered when daily activities become painful and difficult. The goal is to remove…
Trigger Finger ReleaseTrigger finger release — understanding the condition, conservative treatments, and surgical options for a stuck or clicking finger.
