Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the compression of a nerve (the median nerve) in the hand. This is the most important nerve in the hand, supplying the thumb, index and middle fingers, and half of the ring finger. If it is compressed, it leads to sensory disturbances in these fingers (ranging from mild numbness to severe pain) and later to a loss of strength. Causes can include, for example, water retention during pregnancy, rheumatism, arthrosis of the carpal bones, or a fracture. The diagnosis is made by a doctor (a neurologist, recommended: www.hauser-neurologie.at ). In mild forms of carpal tunnel syndrome, the symptoms can be alleviated by immobilizing the hand. If this is unsuccessful, the compression can be relieved surgically. The short procedure (approx. 20 minutes) is usually performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. The stitches are removed after 2 weeks. Depending on your professional activity, you can expect to be absent for 2-6 weeks. For follow-up treatment, I recommend physiotherapy with lymphatic drainage (recommendation at www.praxis-riemergasse.at) and the scar care ointments we recommend.
The costs for this procedure are usually covered by health insurance. During the initial consultation, I will discuss conservative treatment options and explain the surgical procedure in detail. You will also receive advice on behavioral guidelines (e.g., how to place strain on the hand) before and after the surgery.
Pulley Ligament Ruptures
In the condition "trigger finger," a tendon becomes trapped beneath the pulley ligament when the finger is bent. This causes pain that can be so severe that the finger can no longer be straightened. In mild cases, the thickening of the tendon can be reduced with an injection. If this does not relieve symptoms, the pulley ligament must be widened surgically. The procedure is covered by health insurance and is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. During the initial consultation, I would be happy to discuss the treatment options available to you.
Partial Fasciectomy for Dupuytren's Disease
This condition is caused by a thickening and shortening of connective tissue fibers in the hand. This usually results in the ring or little finger being drawn back into the hand and no longer being able to be straightened. The disease often progresses in phases over long periods of time (years). If the bending of the finger is so extreme that it interferes with daily life, the connective tissue strands (known as "fascia") can be partially removed from the hand. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, and the arm is anesthetized (known as "plexus anesthesia"). After the operation, the hand is splinted and immobilized for a few days. Physiotherapy, which can be prescribed afterward, is very helpful (recommendation: www.praxis-riemergasse.at). The costs of the operation are covered by your health insurance. During the initial consultation, I would be happy to advise you on the best treatment for you.