PROCEDURES
HAND SURGERY / TRAUMA
HAND INJURY
Restoration of normal function to the hand is vital to allow daily activity and function. Hand trauma includes a wide range of injuries such as tendon injuries, nerve or artery injuries, fractures of the bones, and amputations. Dr Sofianos performs a complete range of hand surgery procedures including replantation of amputated parts and microsurgery.
TENDON INJURY
Tendons are the long fibrous bands that extend from the muscles in the forearms to the bones of the hand and allow movement of the fingers and the hand as a whole.
The extent of a tendon injury is not always obvious from the physical examination alone and patient may have a normal examination. These injuries are diagnosed by looking at range of movement and strength of the different fingers and their parts where each tendon is attached.
Depending on the extent of injury the repair may be performed under regional nerve block or under general anaesthetic. Dr Sofianos will discuss the various options with you after a careful examination.
NERVE INJURY
Nerves are fragile structures and can be damaged by cutting, stretching or pressure. Nerve injury may interrupt transmission of nerve signals preventing muscles from working and resulting in loss of sensation in the area supplied by that specific nerve.
There is often associated injury to surrounding soft tissues or bones - these injuries need thorough evaluation to ensure repair of all damaged structures.
Dr Sofianos uses specialised microsurgical techniques to repair nerves.
FRACTURES
A fractured bone can range from being a nearly imperceptible hairline fracture on X-ray to a displaced or shattered bone. Symptoms of a fracture include swelling, discomfort, pain and difficulty using the hand.
Initial treatment of fractures is setting the bone to the correct position and applying a splint to minimise motion which could prevent healing.
Complex fractures that are displaced, do not maintain their position after setting (unstable), communicate with the external skin surface (open), or involve the joint require surgery to correct.
Dr Sofianos has vast experience with treating hand fractures and uses a combination of pins, plates, and screws to stabilise the injury.
HAND INFECTIONS
Multiple infective conditions may involve the hand. Inadequate or delayed management may result in the progression of a simple, easy-to-treat process to a limb or even life-threatening condition. Signs of infection include pain and swelling, redness, and difficulty in moving the hand or fingers. Dr Sofianos has vast experience treating all kinds of hand infections. Treatment ranges from antibiotics in simple cases to aggressive surgery and ICU for more complicated cases, requiring eventual reconstruction of the involved area.
ENHANCE YOUR NATURAL FEATURES
WITH SURGICAL EXPERTISE.