Surgical Procedures
Hand & Wrist
The hand and wrist are made up of 27 bones:
- 8 carpals - wrist bones
- 5 metacarpals - long bones forming the framework of palm and hand
- 14 phalanges - miniature long bones of fingers
The bones of the hand and wrist are stabilised by a number of ligaments and tendons. Arthritis is the most common cause of pain, stiffness and deformity in the hand and wrist especially as we get older. About 60% of adults over 60 years old have degenerative arthritis of the wrist.
Carpal Tunnel is an area within the wrist that is formed by the wrist bones (carpals) on the base and sides, and a broad ligament (transverse carpal) as the roof. Nine tendons that move the fingers and thumb, and the medial nerve run through this area.
Disease, injury or 'wear & tear' to these bones, ligaments or tendons may necessitate a range of investigative or surgical procedures, leading to reconstruction, repair or replacement.
The main procedures conducted by Canberra Orthopaedic Group specialist surgeons are listed below. They are explained more fully in the surgical info sheets. Simply click on the surgical info sheets link at the bottom of the page to download and read, or print the pdf file.
| Procedure | Purpose |
|---|---|
Arthrodesis of Wrist | Fusing together of some of the wrist bones to stop pain in the wrist due to arthritis or injury. |
Arthroscopy of Wrist | Investigation, diagnosis and treatment. |
Carpal Tunnel Release | Carpal tunnel syndrome which causes numbness of the hand due to pressure on the medial nerve. |
Palmar Fasciectomy | For release of Dupuytren's Contracture. |
Trapeziectomy | Arthritis at the base of the thumb. |
Trigger Finger Release | Trigger finger which is catching of the tendons when trying to straighten the finger. |
The Canberra Orthopaedic Group surgeon specialising
in the hand and wrist is:
Surgical info sheets
Arthrodesis of Wrist [ 
103KB]
Arthroscopy of Wrist [ 93KB]
Base of Thumb Arthritis - Trapeziectomy [ 94KB]
Palmar Fasciectomy [ 98KB]
