Sean Wright, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

1098 Baltimore Pike | Suite 3306 | Media, PA 19063 | P: (610) 565-2848 | F: (610) 892-9127

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Hand Surgery Procedures Performed by Sean Wright, M.D., F.A.C.S.

The function of the hand is largely related to the soft tissues which is why plastic surgeons share hand surgery with our orthopedic and neurosurgical colleagues.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a hand condition of added pressure on the median nerve at the wrist. There is an area called the carpal tunnel where the median nerve and tendons enter the hand as they travel from the forearm. If swelling or pressure builds in the carpal tunnel, the nerve may be afflicted causing pain and numbness, especially at night.

The symptoms are numbness, tingling, and sometimes pain in the thumb through the ring finger. Sometimes people wake up at night with their hand numb and feel the need to shake it to wake it up.

Treatment consists of keeping the wrist in extension with a splint, but sometimes steroid injections or surgery may be needed to relieve pressure on the nerve. It is important to be evaluated if you have these symptoms, as nerve damage can be permanent if not treated.

What to expect: After surgery you will have minimal discomfort at the incision line. Usually, the night time symptoms get better right away and the day time symptoms can take 6 months or longer to improve. People with both hands involved usually note that the treated hand no longer wakes them, but the untreated one does!

Trigger Finger

Trigger finger described as pain in the palm or base of the finger or thumb with sensitive to pressure. In some cases the fingers may catch or click with motion. With severe cases, the fingers may get caught and require the use of the other hand to free them.

Treatment consists of anti-inflammatory pills and sometimes-steroid injections. With severe cases surgery may be indicated.

What to expect: Minor discomfort after surgery. Motion is usually regained immediately, but some stiffness from the operation is normal.

Ganglion Cysts

Ganglion cysts are benign, common bumps in the hand and wrist found near joints or tendons. They communicate with joints sometimes, and fill up with fluid after prolonged use of the hand, and may shrink in size when the hand is rested or the bump is traumatized.

The bumps may or may not cause any symptoms. If they cause discomfort they can usually be drained or surgically removed.

What to expect: Depending on how much of the joint capsule is removed, you may be placed in a splint for a few weeks.