Hand microsurgery is a relatively new but very popular field of medicine. Patients of all ages and both sexes with acute and chronic conditions of the hands turn to microsurgeons.

Microsurgery is the most demanding stage, at which the best results can be achieved and lost functions restored with maximum precision.

Specialists at Swiss clinics offer unique treatment methods that make it possible to overcome the condition definitively or to keep the hands functional for as long as possible.

Because the structures of the hand are so small, surgical treatment often uses microsurgical techniques (magnifying optics, fine instruments, ultra-thin sutures with atraumatic needles).

When to see a specialist:

  • Injuries to the hand, fingers or forearm (a blow, a fall, a cut, crushing by something heavy);
  • Restricted movement and pain (after an injury, illness or operation, the fingers or hand cannot be bent or stretched, or have less freedom of movement than the healthy hand);
  • Pain in the hand or fingers at rest;
  • Pain on movement (any movement, lifting heavy objects, turning a key or door handle, doing push-ups, pressing on the palm);
  • Numbness in the fingers (persistent, or occurring after certain movements or strain, prolonged use of a computer mouse or long telephone calls);
  • Night-time pain and “numbness” in the hands and fingers;
  • Fingers that “click” when bending or straightening;
  • Lumps or scars on the fingers or hand that restrict movement;
  • Congenital malformations or congenital conditions;
  • Deformities, an unsightly appearance of the hand after injuries, scars.

To choose the technique and plan the operation, the doctor examines the patient and then refers them for further examinations. Depending on the preliminary diagnosis, these may include:

  • X-ray examination;
  • computed tomography;
  • MRI;
  • laboratory blood and urine tests.

Sometimes tests of finger dexterity and other tests are needed. A complete examination provides a full picture of the course of the condition.

Treatment methods

Conservative treatment:

  • prescription of modern, effective medication;
  • choice of a method for immobilising the hand or fingers using a cast, plastic splints or orthoses, with custom-made supports;
  • physiotherapy;
  • therapeutic exercise;

Surgical treatment:

  • modern methods of bone osteosynthesis for fractures and defects (plates, screws, wires);
  • suturing of tendons, nerves and vessels after injuries and damage;
  • releasing tendons from scar tissue — tenolysis, capsulotomy (operations aimed at increasing range of movement);
  • reconstructive tendon surgery for tendon defects, old injuries or paralytic deformities of the hand and forearm;
  • removal of lumps and tumours of the hand and forearm;
  • surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome and other nerve entrapment syndromes;
  • plastic surgery and scar removal;
  • surgical treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture.