Hand Surgery

Dr. Dillon is fellowship trained in hand surgery, as well as, plastic surgery.

Dupuytren's Disease

XIAFLEX™ (collagenase clostridium histolyticum) | Prescribing Information

Carpal Tunnel Surgery

The Carpal Tunnel is a canal in the wrist. Many structures pass through this canal. The pronator is a muscle in the forearm. There are various sites along the length of the pronator muscle and surrounding structures that can cause compression of the median nerve. Carpal tunnel syndrome/pronator syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed within the carpal tunnel region of the wrist. There are many causes of syndrome/pronator syndrome. Depending on the extent, severity and degree of nerve compression, this disorder may not improve without surgery. Surgery is performed to relieve symptoms associated with median nerve compression and to prevent the loss of hand function. Hand rehabilitation after surgery may be necessary. Carpal tunnel/pronator release surgery is frequently performed by plastic surgeons. There are several different methods of performing carpal tunnel/pronator surgery. Our preferred method is to perform the procedure endoscopically with a camera. We find that patients go back to their normal duties quicker with this method.

Carpal Tunnel Release by ConMed Linvatec

Tendon Injuries

Extensor tendons connect muscles in the forearm to structures within the hand and fingers. Tendons allow the contractile force of forearm muscles to be used for movement in the wrist, hand, and fingers. Injuries to extensor tendons may severely affect function of the hand due to disruption of the muscle-tendon unit(s). Injuries to extensor tendons may occur from cuts, crush injuries, sprains, or in rare cases, without apparent injury. Once severed, it is unlikely that a tendon can heal without surgical repair. Partially cut tendons may or may not require repair, depending on the extent of damage. Restoration of hand function after injury to extensor tendons requires surgery, aftercare, and supervised hand rehabilitation in order to obtain the best results. Hand injuries severe enough to cut extensor tendons may damage other vital structures within the forearm, hand, and fingers such as blood vessels, nerves, bone and soft tissues important to normal hand function. These structures may require repair in addition to the extensor tendon(s). Damage to these structures may be only discovered at the time of surgery.

Ganglion Cysts

Ganglion cysts are common cysts found in the wrist, hand, and fingers. There are many theories for the development of ganglion cysts. Ganglion cysts may interfere with hand function or cause complaints of pain. Depending on the extent and severity of this condition, complaints may not improve without surgery to remove the ganglion cyst. Injection of the cyst is another alternative and may cure the cyst completely.

Trigger finger

Tendons which are responsible for flexing the fingers pass through anatomic structures called “pulleys” within the palm and fingers. The pulley structures provide a sheath for the flexor tendons. Inflammatory changes within tendon structures cause restriction of normal tendon motion. This frequently causes a popping sensation as nodules present within the tendon pass back and forth through the point of constriction. The constriction may worsen to the point that the finger will lock in a flexed position, only to be straightened out by pulling on the finger as if it were a trigger on a firearm. Finger-locking problems may be accompanied by complaints of pain, stiffness, and swelling. There are many causes of trigger finger condition. Surgery is performed to restore tendon function. The extent and severity of this condition will determine whether surgery to release the constricted pulley located at the base of the finger will be needed.

Joint Replacement in the Hand

Joint replacements in the hand can be done at the metacarpal (index finger implant in diagram) and the proximal interphalangeal joint (long finger implant in diagram). These are patients with arthritis, trauma or rheumatoid disease.