Who is a candidate for hand surgery?

Anyone with the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Dupuytren's Contracture, or the results of a hand injury to the tendons and joints; fractured bones and burns.

Dr. Rappaport's special interest in surgery of the hand, his membership in the Hand Association and his fellowship in hand surgery, allows him to use his knowledge and skill to improve both the function and appearance of the hand.

How is it done?

Dr. Rappaport will examine you, discuss possible methods of treatment for your problem and let you know if surgery is warranted during your consultation. In addition, he will discuss best procedure for your specific issue, in detail. He will also answer any questions you might have regarding the recommended treatment and cost involved.

While surgery can restore a significant degree of feeling and function to the injured hand, recovery may take months, and a period of hand therapy is usually needed.

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: The carpal tunnel is a passageway through the wrist carrying tendons and one of the hand's major nerves. When there is pressure on the nerve within the tunnel you may have a tingling sensation in the hand, often accompanied by numbness, aching and impaired hand function. This is known as carpal tunnel syndrome.
  
  Pressure can build up due to disease, injury, fluid retention during pregnancy, overuse or repetitive motions. In some cases, splinting the hand and anti-inflammatory medications will relieve the problem. If this doesn't work, then surgery may be required. Dr. Rappaport will assess your situation during your consultation.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: This disease causes an inflammation of the joints that can affect the appearance and function of the hands (and other parts of the body). It often deforms finger joints and forces the fingers into a bent position that hampers movement. This disease can often be managed without surgery but for some surgery may be the best solution. The options will be based on Dr. Rappaport's examination of your specific condition.
• Dupuytren's Contracture: This disorder of the skin and underlying tissue on the palm of the hand causes thick, scar-like tissue to form under the skin of the palm and may extend into the fingers. This results in restricting the motion of the hand and fingers. This condition usually occurs in mid-life and has a tendency to run in families. Surgery is the only treatment for this condition. Dr. Rappaport will explain the specifics of this surgery during your consultation.

These procedures are usually covered by insurance. We encourage you to review your insurance policy so that you can give the appropriate insurance information to our staff when you make your appointment.

For more specific information regarding surgery of the hand check http://www.plasticsurgery.org/patients_consumers
/procedures/HandSurgery.cfm