Traumatic Hand Surgery in Denver, CO

Name: Traumatic
Brand: The LaVie Institute
Rating: 4.4 (50 reviews)

Because the hands are used every day to perform a myriad of tasks, hand injuries can be especially frustrating and inconvenient. Traumatic hand injury reconstruction can provide physical and mental relief, restoring quality of life.

a man with a backpack and a pair of ski poles

Traumatic Hand Repair

After sustaining severe injury to the hands, clients may encounter difficulty when going about their daily routines or carrying out simple tasks. In more serious cases, hand injuries can put a damper on professional success. The board-certified hand surgeons at The LaVie Institute of Plastic Surgery are highly trained and experienced, demonstrated by their track record of success and patient satisfaction when it comes to traumatic hand injury reconstruction.

Why choose The LaVie Institute of Plastic Surgery?

At The LaVie Institute, we prioritize our patients’ desired outcomes, providing concierge care in a state-of-the-art, safety-oriented setting. From the first consultation all the way through the recovery process, we maintain an open line of communication with our patients to ensure that their needs are being met.

Our four seasoned providers are board-certified in both plastic surgery and hand reconstruction with additional elite Fellowship training, ensuring a superior, transformative outcome. We perform all hand and reconstructive procedures at our world-class hospital-based clinic, affiliated with the Swedish Medical Center. Our providers have extensive expertise in the complex field of microsurgery and we work closely with certified hand therapists to maximize outcomes. We offer minimal access fracture treatment to reduce recovery times and provide wide-awake hand surgery in Denver to improve outcomes and obviate the need for general anesthesia.

Fractures

Fractures, or breaks, to the bones in the hand, are common traumatic hand injuries that most often affect the phalanges and metacarpal bones. Hand fractures usually require surgical intervention, which will vary in technique depending on the type of fracture. Irreducible fractures or open fractures of the hand may call for a surgical method known as open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).

When dealing with open fracture injuries, surgeons will thoroughly clean out the wound and remove all damaged tissues from the area. Internal fixation devices, often referred to as “k-wires,” are utilized to stabilize the fracture, keeping the bones held in the proper position for optimal healing and restoration of functionality.

In cases where the patient has a complex fracture involving numerous bone fragments, usually referred to as a comminuted fracture, an external stabilization tool, such as a metal plate across the fractured area, is employed to keep the fragments locked in place. Radiographs are always taken before affixing these devices to ensure that they are properly placed.

Soft Tissue Injuries

The human hand contains what are referred to as “soft tissues.” Examples of these tissues are the tendons, ligaments, vessels, and nerves, which are all responsible for vital processes, such as sensation, stabilization, and movement. When the soft tissues become damaged, it creates weakness and instability in the hands, making it difficult to perform simple motions that people require on a daily basis. Treatment may include compression, elevation, and anti-inflammatory medications. Ice can be used in the short term to help reduce swelling. Pain medications and antibiotics may also be prescribed.

Tendon Injuries

Tendon damage is one of the most common hand injuries and will require surgical treatment. Typically caused by some type of laceration to the hand, the damaged tendon is located by the surgeon and then reattached to the area in which it was severed or impacted. The nature of tendon repairs can vary based on whether they are primary, involving direct surgical correction, or secondary, which requires harvesting grafts from a tendon in another part of the body in order to repair the damaged tendon. Patients who receive tendon repair surgery are fitted with a splint after the operation to ensure that the tendon heals properly and that the hand is restored to full functionality.

Dupuytren's Disease

Dupuytren’s disease is a hand condition that is characterized by an overdevelopment of sub-layer fibrous tissues in the palm, causing the fingers to bend inward. As a result, it is difficult for the patient to straighten their fingers out completely. This condition most often manifests in the ring finger and pinky (little finger). In some rare situations, it may be the middle finger that is affected. The index finger and thumb are rarely indicated. Your surgeon may perform contracture surgery by making an incision in the hand and excising the thickened tissue, improving mobility of the fingers. In some cases, the ailment may return, necessitating additional surgeries.

Joint Contracture/Stiffness

Joint contracture is a deformity that can cause the sufferer severe pain and prevent the joint from exhibiting a full range of motion. Most often, it is the elbow, ankle, knee, hip, and shoulder joints that are affected by a contracture. The most frequent underlying cause of joint contracture is lack of use, or immobilization. The soft tissues that surround the joint get shorter and less elastic, preventing it from extending normally. Older people and those who are living in hospitals or nursing homes often suffer from this condition, as they have limited mobility. Most often, our team treats joint contractures with a combination of stretching and splinting. A Digit Widget can be used to assist in the treatment of PIP flexion contractures as well.

Man's arm on his hip while he sands watching the sunset

What is XIAFLEX?

XIAFLEX is a prescription medicine used to treat adults that are suffering from Dupuytren’s disease. Studies have found that XIAFLEX, when administered in tandem with a finger extension procedure, can aid in straightening the damaged fingers, resulting in improved range of motion after as little as 3 injections. XIAFLEX injections can only be carried out by hand specialists with XIAFLEX training. Beyond that, no general anesthesia is required.

A Commitment to Unparalleled Safety

We perform hand surgery at our cutting-edge hospital-based clinic, affiliated with the Swedish Medical Center. This ensures the highest standards of safety and professionalism, helping to minimize complications and expedite your recovery. Our goal is to provide a seamless treatment process that allows you to regain your peace of mind and enjoy the fluid and unrestricted use of your hands once more.