Elective in Denver, CO

The hand is one of the most vital body parts, as all patients use their hands to perform various tasks throughout the day. For this reason, injuries and conditions that inhibit the hand’s full range of motion can be devastating to a patient’s quality of life. Patients that have suffered a hand injury or are living with a chronic hand issue can benefit from elective hand surgery.

older man throwing a football in a park with a young boy in the background

Hand Surgery Relief

The human hand is an incredibly complex structure. It is made up of multiple components that each serve a specific function but need to work together for optimal hand use. The various small joints in the hand and wrist work in tandem to enable movement, allowing clients to perform everyday tasks as common as tying shoes or turning a door knob. Whether the patient is dealing with a minor injury or a chronic issue that has impeded their lifestyle for years, elective hand surgery can provide significant relief.

Why Choose The LaVie Institute?

Patients who choose The LaVie Institute enjoy access to the skill, expertise, and breadth of knowledge of four board-certified hand surgeons, each of whom has undergone additional Fellowship training to become experts in their fields. We offer extensive acumen in the complex field of microsurgery and work closely with certified hand therapists to maximize your outcome. Our wide awake hand surgery techniques ensure faster recovery times, improved results, and diminished risks. To augment our treatments, we may employ complementary strategies, such as PRP and steroid injections, fat grafting, and laser therapy. By providing up-to-date, state-of-the-art treatment modalities in a safety-oriented, accredited clinic affiliated with the Swedish Medical Center, we exceed expectations for concierge service. After their procedures, clients experience restored confidence and are thankful for a rapid return to normal activity. Reestablishing hand function and seeing the joy that clients radiate after resuming their favorite activities without pain is what drives the heart of our practice.

What is Elective Hand Surgery?

The purpose of hand surgery is to reinstate functionality and repair the structure of the fingers, wrist, and hand after experiencing a traumatic injury, medical issue, or heavy infection that has resulted in pain or deformity. While the surgery is often performed on an emergency basis, it can also be an elective procedure, depending on the status and extent of the injury.

Among the conditions that can be treated by elective hand surgery are:

Burns
Fused, extra, or missing fingers
Tendonitis of the thumb, flexor, and wrist
Tumors in the skin, soft tissue, or bone
Dupuytren’s contractures
Ganglion cysts
Trigger finger
Compression syndromes (such as carpal tunnel syndrome)

Conditions that may require emergency hand surgery include:

Fractures
Injuries to the tendons
Injuries to the nerves or arteries
Injuries to the fingertips
Injuries resulting from an accident

Conditions and Treatments

Dupuytren's Contracture Surgery

Dupuytren’s Contracture is a hand deformity that results from the formation of knots in the palm tissue. This tissue accumulation eventually turns into a dense cord that pulls on the fingers, forcing them to stay perpetually bent. As the condition worsens, the patient requires hand surgery in order to remove tissue buildup, restoring mobility and function to the hand.

Trigger Finger Release

Trigger Finger is a condition where the finger is stuck in a bent position. If this issue remains unchanged after undergoing non-surgical treatments, Trigger Finger Release surgery, otherwise known as tenolysis, can help to restore mobility. The surgery works by releasing the inflamed ligament, known as the A1 pulley, which prevents proper movement of the tendons through the tendon sheath.

CMC Arthroscopy

Otherwise known as wrist joint replacement, CMC arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that replaces damaged wrist joints with prosthetic devices. This damage in the wrist is often the result of inflammation and degeneration caused by various forms of arthritis, infections, and/or injuries. This procedure is able to reduce pain in the wrist and thumb and provide enhanced mobility for the thumb.

Recovery

Each treatment approach is unique, so recovery times and details will vary from client to client. Most patients are seen at 1-2 weeks post-op by their surgeon and their certified hand therapist, with additional appointments at 4 weeks, 2 months, and as necessary thereafter. Our team will provide a detailed aftercare plan along with prescription pain medications to ensure a seamless and stress-free recuperation process.

Dr. Pulikkottil was great. He took the time to explain the steps he was going to do to close the wound from a prior surgery. He spent the time to answer all of my wife's and my questions and concerns. He is an expert on repairing high-risk injuries. If you want it done correctly, I would suggest you contact Dr. Pulikkottil.

John Hutson