Hand Surgery

This section describes hand and wrist operations. Indications, treatment and recovery are discussed in the context of specific clinical problems.

Problems that may require surgery

• Carpal tunnel syndrome (in Polish) — from diagnosis and non-operative treatment to indications for median nerve decompression.
• Trigger finger (in Polish) — when non-operative treatment or injection is sufficient and when surgery is considered.
• De Quervain’s disease (in Polish) — diagnosis, non-operative treatment and the role of surgery.
• TFCC injuries (in Polish) — management according to injury type, stability and wrist function.
• Thumb CMC osteoarthritis (in Polish) — treatment selected according to symptoms and functional limitation.

How does an orthopaedic surgeon assess the need for surgery?

Surgery is considered according to the diagnosis, symptom severity, impact on hand function, disease course and response to previous treatment where appropriate. Ultrasound, MRI or nerve conduction findings should not be the sole basis for the decision.

Diagnosis and preparation

Tests depend on the specific problem. Clinical examination is central in some conditions; others may require X-rays, ultrasound, MRI or nerve conduction studies. The aim is to confirm the diagnosis and establish whether the planned operation addresses the actual source of symptoms.

After surgery

Postoperative instructions vary by procedure. Recovery after carpal tunnel release differs from recovery after TFCC treatment or thumb base surgery. Details should reflect the operation performed and the treating team’s individual instructions.