hand osteoarthritis, hand arthritis, finger surgery

Hand osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease affecting the hands, characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and the growth of bone spurs around the joint edges. Common symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion in the hand joints.

These symptoms often worsen over time and can lead to difficulty in gripping or holding objects, significantly impacting daily activities. Treatment typically involves pain management through medications, lifestyle changes such as exercise and hand therapy, and in severe cases, surgical interventions.

Age: The risk increases as cartilage naturally wears down over time.
Genetics: A family history of arthritis can increase susceptibility.
Gender: Women are more prone to certain types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Previous Injury: Past injuries to the hand or wrist, such as fractures or severe sprains, can lead to post-traumatic arthritis.
Repetitive Use: Frequent use of the joints in activities or occupations that involve fine manipulation can contribute to the development of arthritis.
Other Health Conditions: Autoimmune disorders and metabolic diseases like diabetes can increase the risk of developing arthritis.

Treatment for hand arthritis aims to reduce pain, maintain mobility, and minimize further damage. Options include:

Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and prescription medications including corticosteroids and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can be used.
Therapy: Physical or occupational therapy can help improve hand function and relieve symptoms.
Splints: Wearing splints can support the joints and ease discomfort.
Surgery: In severe cases, procedures like joint replacement or fusion might be necessary to restore function or reduce pain.

Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) are both types of arthritis but differ significantly:

Osteoarthritis: Often called degenerative joint disease, OA involves the wear-and-tear of joint cartilage, typically due to aging or injury. It primarily affects the hands, knees, hips, and spine, leading to pain and stiffness in the affected joints.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: RA is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing inflammation that can result in severe joint damage and pain. RA commonly affects multiple joints symmetrically and can also involve systems beyond the joints, like the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels.

Minimally invasive surgery with local anesthesia is often chosen for finger surgeries due to several key benefits:

Reduced Pain and Discomfort: Local anesthesia limits pain during and immediately after the procedure without the side effects of general anesthesia.
Faster Recovery: Smaller incisions and localized anesthesia contribute to quicker healing and shorter hospital stays.
Lower Risk of Complications: With smaller incisions and local anesthesia, the risks associated with surgery, such as infections and bleeding, are minimized.
Increased Precision: Minimally invasive techniques can provide surgeons with better precision, especially in delicate areas like the fingers.
Convenience: Patients usually remain awake and can avoid the grogginess and recovery often required after general anesthesia, allowing them to return home the same day.

A finger joint may be fused surgically to manage severe arthritis pain or instability in that joint. This procedure, known as arthrodesis, involves permanently bonding the bones of the joint together. The goal is to reduce pain by eliminating joint movement and providing a stable, aligned, and more functional finger, albeit with a loss of flexibility at the fused joint. This treatment is considered when other less invasive options have failed to provide relief.

The finger fusion surgical procedure, also known as arthrodesis, involves removing the damaged joint surfaces of a finger and then joining or "fusing" the bones together using hardware like pins, screws, or plates. This creates a permanent bond that stabilizes the joint and alleviates pain by eliminating joint movement.

The goal is to form a rigid, pain-free finger that has a fixed position, typically aligned for functional use. Recovery includes wearing a splint and undergoing physical therapy to maximize the function of the hand.

Finger deformity correction surgery aims to restore the normal alignment and function of fingers affected by conditions like arthritis, trauma, or congenital deformities. The procedure can involve various techniques such as osteotomy (cutting and realigning the bones), soft tissue adjustments, and in some cases, joint fusion or replacement.

The specific approach depends on the type and severity of the deformity. Post-operative care typically includes splinting, physical therapy, and rehabilitation to achieve the best functional outcome and improve hand aesthetics.

Finger artificial joint surgery, or finger joint replacement, involves replacing a damaged finger joint with an artificial prosthesis. This surgery is typically performed to restore function and reduce pain in fingers severely affected by arthritis or injury.

The procedure aims to preserve or improve the finger's range of motion while alleviating the discomfort caused by the original joint. Postoperative care is crucial and includes physical therapy to ensure the best possible function of the reconstructed joint.

Expertise: Led by Dr. Jang Ki-joon, an experienced orthopedic surgeon who has performed over 3,000 finger surgeries.
Advanced Techniques: Utilization of minimally invasive and state-of-the-art surgical methods, including Wide-Awake Hand Surgery.
Comprehensive Care: Personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs.
Affordability: Competitive pricing compared to international standards.
Convenient Recovery: Short-stay surgeries allowing same-day discharge without the need for fasting.

These advantages make Yonsei Standa a preferred choice for finger surgery.