Traumatic Hand Injuries

We use our hands every single day, from the moment we wake up in the morning to the time we get in bed at night. Traumatic hand injuries may severely inhibit your ability to get through the day, as well as cause cosmetic concerns.

The Basics of Hand Injuries

Our hands have a complex, delicate structure, with each hand made up of 27 bones. Held together by tendons, ligaments, veins, arteries, nerves, muscles, and skin, our hands allow us to perform all kinds of basic and complex tasks and movements. 

Due to the hand’s sophisticated structure, as well as the importance of hand function to day-to-day life, even a minor hand injury can have significant ramifications. In the case of a traumatic hand injury, intensive medical attention is required to restore the hand’s regular abilities. 

What Types of Hand Injuries Are There?

There are several different types of hand injuries, all of which can be crippling. The main types of hand injuries include:

  • Cuts and puncture wounds
  • Tendon lacerations
  • Fractures
  • Bone dislocation
  • Burns
  • Infections

Treatment for Hand Injuries

Depending on the type of hand injury, treatment may target the skin, muscle, soft tissue, or bone. Our goals in treatment will be to restore the injured hand’s normal function and appearance, as well as relieve pain relating to the injury.

At Julian Plastic Surgery, we can address hand injuries with a range of plastic and reconstructive procedures, including:

  • Trigger finger release
  • Tumor or cyst removal
  • Fracture repair
  • Tendon repair and reconstruction

Recovering

The recovery time required after a hand injury depends on the type of injury and treatment administered. After trigger finger release, you can generally expect a full recovery after six weeks. Recovery from a tumor or cyst removal can take anywhere from two weeks to two months. After tendon repair surgery for the hand, it may take three months or more to fully recover. 

After treatment for a traumatic hand injury, it’s crucial to follow your doctor’s recovery instructions carefully. You may need to wear a hand splint or cast for support, and your doctor may prescribe pain medications for the first few days after the procedure. Your doctor may also recommend cold therapy to reduce swelling and discomfort. 

Contact us today to learn more about available treatment options for traumatic hand injuries.Â