Live Without Pain: Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery at AHN Jefferson Hospital

If pain or injuries to your hands or upper extremities are interfering with your daily life, AHN Jefferson Hospital’s Hand and Upper Extremity Division offers advanced surgical options that can get you back to doing what you love.

From evaluation to rehabilitation, AHN orthopaedic experts are here to guide you toward relief and a better quality of life.

How do you know if you need surgery?

There are many hand and upper extremity conditions that might cause pain or limit movement, such as:

• Joint pain – Swelling, stiffness, or loss of motion.
• Nerve pain – Shooting pain, burning, or tingling.
• Carpal tunnel – Pain and numbness in your hand and wrist.
• Trigger finger – Inflammation that makes it hard to bend or straighten your finger.
• Tendonitis – Inflammation of tendons in your hands, wrists, elbows, or shoulders.
• Fractures – Broken bones.

If physical therapy, rest, or wearing a brace haven’t helped, it may be time to talk to your doctor about surgical options.

“For many patients, finding the right treatment that helps them live in less pain and feel more like themselves again involves a variety of treatment options,” said Steven Regal, MD, orthopaedic surgeon at Jefferson. “We offer a full spectrum of conservative and surgical treatments designed to help patients regain function and return to the quality of life they deserve.”

Planning for hand or upper extremity surgery

At Jefferson, you will work with an orthopaedic team that focuses specifically on hand and upper extremity issues, meaning issues that impact everything from your shoulders down to your fingertips. To understand your condition and help find the best treatment for you, your doctors will:

• Use imaging, like X-rays or ultrasound, to look at the area that is hurt or damaged.
• Review your health history and previous non-surgical treatments.
• Talk with you about surgery options and what treatment makes sense for you.

If you’re undergoing a replacement or reconstruction, doctors may do more imaging or tests leading up to the procedure.

Types of hand and upper extremity surgeries

Orthopaedic surgeons at Jefferson use leading-edge technology to provide surgical options based on your health history and needs, including:

• Elective mini-open procedures – Treating things like arthritis, for hand and wrist pain relief.
• Fusions – Joining two or more bones together to relieve pain.
• Bone or joint replacements – Replacing shoulders, elbows, or fingers damaged by injury or disease.
• Full reconstructive procedures – Repairing or improving body parts affected by birth defects, disease, injuries, or aging.

What to expect with hand or upper extremity surgery

Your care team will answer your questions about surgery and make sure you feel comfortable and prepared for each stage of treatment.

You will meet the anesthesiologist who will walk you through what they plan to do before and during surgery, so you don’t feel any pain during the procedure.

After surgery, pain management specialists will support your recovery, helping safely manage pain or side effects with medication. Physical therapists will also help you to move and regain strength in your muscles as you return to your normal routine.

Relieving pain for a more comfortable life

Whether you suffered an injury or have a chronic condition, orthopaedic surgeons at AHN Jefferson Hospital can help get you back to what matters. Learn more about AHN Jefferson Hospital’s Hand and Upper Extremity Division.