Hand Surgery

Carpal/Cubital Tunnel Release

Pain, numbness and muscle weakness in the fingers and hand can be the result of carpal tunnel or cubital tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is when the median nerve at the wrist is compressed as it moves through this narrow passageway made of bones and ligaments in the wrist. Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve— which travels from the shoulder, down the arm and into the hand—is compressed in this small space within the elbow. Surgery can help release pressure on these nerves, restoring strength, function and flexibility of the wrist and fingers.

  • In both of these surgeries, the tissue that is compressing the nerve is released by enlarging the tunnel through which the nerve passes.

  • Recovery time will vary but most patients return to normal activities a few days after surgery.

  • Hand surgery is an outpatient surgery, so you will be able to go home as soon as your anesthesia wears off. You should plan to have someone drive you home afterward. Your hand will be bandaged after surgery, and you may also need to wear a splint. You should follow the instructions Dr. Bridge will give you regarding aftercare.

  • A consultation is the first step of this process. Fill out our online consultation request form or call us at 325-670-5320 to get started.

Trigger Finger Release

Trigger finger, or stenosing tenosynovitis, is when a finger gets stuck in a bent position. It’s called trigger finger because the affected finger snaps like pulling a trigger from bent to straight or vice versa. The condition occurs when the sheath that surrounds the tendon in the finger narrows due to inflammation. It can affect any finger on the hand, including the thumb and more than one finger at a time. Trigger finger release surgery can restore your fingers’ flexibility and range of motion and give you back full use of your hands.

Trigger finger release can help:

  • Decrease finger stiffness

  • Remove modules near affected finger

  • Reduce tenderness

  • Improve finger flexibility and range of motion

  • A soft tissue mass appears as a bulge in the skin and is usually round in shape, but they can also be oval or sausage-shaped. They can feel firm or soft and may be painful to touch if compressing a nerve or irritating other tissue.

  • In about three out of four cases, soft tissue masses are benign, but it’s always a good idea to have a consultation as soon as possible if you notice something. Benign, or non-cancerous, soft tissue masses are nothing to worry about, but they can cause pain and discomfort or prevent you from carrying out your daily routine. It’s a good idea to have any mass examined and removed when necessary.

  • The size and location of the soft tissue mass will dictate where the removal is performed and how long the recovery period will be. Physical therapy may be required as part of the recovery process. Ongoing monitoring of the area is important.

  • A consultation is the first step of this process. Fill out our online consultation request form or call us at 325-670-5320 to get started.

Soft Tissue Mass Removal

Soft tissue masses on the hands, both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous), can be removed at Hendrick Plastic Surgery and MedSpa. This includes the removal of digital mucous cysts which typically appear on the fingers near the nail folds, ganglion cysts, and lipomas, all of which are non-cancerous. Malignant skin cancers can also be removed, including basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas.

  • Tendons are surrounded by a protective sheath. When the sheath becomes irritated or inflamed, trigger finger can occur, interfering with the normal gliding motion of the tendon through the sheath. For trigger finger release surgery, a small incision is made near the base of your affected finger. Through this opening, the constricted section of the tendon sheath is cut to give the tendon more room to move.

  • Trigger finger release surgery is an outpatient surgery performed with a local anesthetic. It’s recommended that you have someone drive you home after surgery.

  • A consultation is the first step of this process. Please fill out our consultation request form or call us at 325-670-5320 to get started.