Hand Issues

CARPAL TUNNEL RELEASE

Carpal tunnel release is a surgical procedure that treats carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition that causes pain, numbness, tingling, and in severe cases, even loss of function of the hand and fingers. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by external compression of the median nerve as it passes through the tunnel at the wrist, also known as the carpal tunnel.

In carpal tunnel release surgery, Dr. Hendrick releases the carpal ligament, thereby allowing more space for the median nerve and tendons to pass through the carpal tunnel. The procedure relieves symptoms and improves function. Read more about carpal tunnel release 

woman using computer and writing at the same time

TRIGGER FINGER

Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenovaginitis, is a painful, yet benign, condition that affects the flexor tendons in the hand. The most common complaint is the finger(s) become stuck in the flexed position requiring manual straightening that is often accompanied with pain and a popping sensation. This condition, which most commonly seen in women and patients with diabetes, is a result of flexor tendon sheath narrowing (stenosing) around the flexor tendons.

Most cases of trigger finger are treated non-surgically with rest, NSAIDs, and often by steroid injection. However, there are more severe cases that fail non-operative management that require a surgical release of the stenosed flexor tendon sheath. During your office visit, Dr. Hendrick will perform a thorough exam, hear your concerns, and help you decide with treatment plan is best for you.

DE QUERVAIN'S DISEASE

De Quervain’s disease is benign condition affecting the extensor tendons of the thumb at the wrist, which causes tenderness, swelling, and sometimes pain over the base of the thumb making daily activities very difficult. This condition is most often treated with an injection of corticosteroid medications. In a small subset of patients, the condition returns or fails to respond to non-operative management requiring surgical release of the extensor tendon sheath at the wrist. Dr. Hendrick is very familiar with the management of this disease and will help guide you through your treatment to get you pain free.

GANGLIONS

Ganglions are benign fluid-filled cyst that can occur at any joint, but often occur in the small joints of the wrist and fingers. These cysts are caused by a small leakage of fluid that escapes from the adjacent joint. Ganglions often occur spontaneously and frequently present as a non-painful, small, raised area that may come and go. However, over time, they tend to enlarge and can become more bothersome, unattractive, and painful. Ganglion cysts are typically diagnosed on exam, but additional imaging studies, such as ultrasound or MRI, might be helpful to confirm the clinical diagnosis. Ganglions may resolve on their own with a period of watchful waiting; however, those that continue to enlarge or become painful and bothersome can be treated with aspiration or surgical excision. Dr. Hendrick will discuss your condition in depth to help guide you to the best treatment plan.

DUPUYTREN'S CONTRACTURE

Dupuytren’s contracture or disease is an inherited condition that involves proliferation of the connective tissue within the palm resulting in a progressive, fixed flexion contracture of the hand. The ring and small fingers are the most commonly affected fingers. The disease progress is very slow and will often initially present as firm nodules within the palm and slowly progress into thick palmar cords. These cords will often continue into the fingers leading to flexion contractures then can continue until the hand becomes difficult to use. Treatments may vary based on the severity of the condition. If you are suffering from this condition, Dr. Hendrick will discuss the various treatment options with you and help you choose the best treatment plan for your disease.

HAND TRAUMA

The importance of our hands is often taken for granted and often times an unfortunate injury that causes temporary or even permanent loss of use of one or both hands forces us to realize their importance. Our hands are one of the most intricate parts of our body, thus injuries must be treated timely and with great detail, since small disruptions in form can affect function. Therefore, it is important to have a proper evaluation by a surgeon who has completed training of a hand surgical fellowship. Dr. Hendrick has undergone plastic and microsurgery training with additional fellowship training in surgery of the Hand at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. His experience in the high volume hospitals of the Texas Medical Center as a hand fellow have afforded him with a high skill level and ability to deal with complex issues regarding the upper extremity. From this training, Dr. Hendrick is comfortable treating traumatic injuries of the hand including:

  • Simple and complex Lacerations
  • Fractures
  • Tendon and ligament injuries
  • Nerve injuries
  • Arterial injuries
  • Burns
  • Crush Injury
  • Replantation