Complex Hand Injuries Treatment

Hand injuries are thought to be the most common bodily injuries, with extensive treatment times and high societal costs.

A timely and effective course of treatment will be made possible by a thorough evaluation and early diagnosis.

Complex hand injuries can have catastrophic outcomes, such as extended absences from work, permanent disabilities, and the inability to resume one's previous line of work or find employment. Some examples of complex hand injuries include fractures, nerve injuries, tendon or ligament ruptures, and arterial injuries.

Since these injuries are frequent and have significant economic consequences, it is ideal that patients receive the best care available to minimize any potential function loss.

What are complex hand injuries?

Complex hand injuries are those that involve more than one group of tissues. A wide range of injuries can result in complex hand trauma, which can cause serious morbidity and functional loss.

In general, hand injuries are quite frequent and account for around 30% of all trauma encountered in the emergency room.

Complex hand injuries refer to injuries affecting the bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, nerves, or blood vessels in the hand that are difficult to diagnose, treat or heal due to their severity or intricacy. 

These types of injuries often require specialized care, advanced surgical techniques, and rehabilitation for proper healing and functional recovery. Types

Symptoms

Depending on the kind of injury, the manner through which it occurred, its depth, intensity, and placement, the symptoms of hand injuries might vary.

The following are typical signs of hand injuries:

• Puncture wounds
• Tenderness 
• Pain
• Bleeding
• Numbness
• Weakness
• Pale skin
• Dislocations and fractures
• Deformity
• Swelling and a color change
• Reduced range of motion in hand
• Bleeding
• Amputations and damage to soft tissues
• Infections
• Redness
• Swelling
• Fever
• Tissue loss
• Skin's texture changes 
• Blistering
• Black tissue patches

Consult your doctor as soon as possible in case of any listed symptoms that you might face. 

Causes 

There are a variety of causes for your complex hand injuries. So, it's important to take steps to protect your hands and seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of a hand injury. Early diagnosis and hand injury treatment can help prevent the development of complex hand injuries.

Complex hand injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

1. Trauma: Accidents such as falls, car crashes, two-wheeler accidents, or sports injuries can cause hand fractures, dislocations, or soft tissue injuries.

2. Repetitive motion: Repetitive motions for your job or a hobby, such as typing or using tools for long periods, can lead to hand injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis.

3. Overuse: Overuse injuries can occur when the hands are subjected to repeated stress or strain, such as playing musical instruments or manual labor.

4. Arthritis: Arthritis can cause degenerative changes in the joints of the hand, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced function.

5. Nerve injuries: Hand injuries can result in nerve damage, which can cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand.

6. Infections: Hand infections can result from cuts, puncture wounds, or bites, which are also yet another cause of complex hand injuries if not treated promptly.

Diagnosis

The surgeon and patient will discuss the treatment plan in great detail during the preliminary assessment.

It is crucial for the caregivers to inform and lay out the plan before beginning treatment. The development of the best treatment strategy will be influenced by a number of variables, including the damage pattern, the experience and knowledge of the treatment team, and the patient's wants and preferences.

Early treatment choices for a few of these injuries can reduce the need for follow-up procedures and improve the long-term prognosis.

The doctor will inquire about the patient's prior medical background, smoking habits, hand usage, whether or not they are right- or left-handed, how the injury occurred, and other relevant information.

The doctor will even look for hand injury visuals, Sensory nerve testing, blood circulation in the body, the movement of your muscles and tendon, thorough bone overlook, and other tests for end-to-end diagnosis. 

Hand injury treatment

Treatment for complex hand injuries can vary depending on the type and severity of the injury. Your doctor will thoroughly examine the injury and offer treatment accordingly. 

Here are some common treatments for complex hand injuries:

1. Surgery: For severe injuries, complex hand injury surgery may be required to repair or reconstruct damaged tissue or bones.
2. Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help improve hand function and range of motion following an injury or surgery.
3. Splinting or casting: A splint or cast can be used to immobilize the hand and protect it from further injury.
4. Medications: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or other medications may be prescribed to reduce pain and swelling in hand.
5. Injections: Corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce inflammation in hand.
6. Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy can help improve fine motor skills and hand dexterity.

It's important to follow all the practices prescribed by your doctor, attend physical therapy sessions, and continue with any prescribed exercises to maximize your hand's recovery and return to normal function.

Prevention

Preventing complex hand injuries involves taking the right steps to protect your hands from harm and reducing the risk of injury. 

Here are some ways to prevent hand injuries:

1. Wear protective gear: Always use gloves, hand guards, or other protective gear when playing any sports or working with machinery.

2. Practice safe work habits: Take proper safety precautions when working with tools or machinery, such as wearing safety glasses and following safety guidelines.

3. Maintain good hand hygiene: Wash your hands frequently and avoid contact with contaminated objects to reduce the risk of infection.

4. Avoid repetitive motions: Repetitive motions, such as typing or using tools for long periods of time, can lead to hand injuries. Take frequent breaks and stretch your hands regularly to reduce the risk of injury.

5. Practice proper technique: When engaging in activities such as lifting weights or playing sports, use proper technique to avoid putting undue stress on your hands.

Remember, it's always better to take preventive measures to avoid complex hand injuries and maintain the health of your hands.

Why choose Cutis Hospital for complex hand injuries?

• Patient-centric solution - Cutis Hospital's commitment to patient-centered care is evident in every aspect of its operations, from how its staff interacts with patients to the level of comfort and amenities provided in each room. With a focus on evidence-based treatments and a commitment to continuous improvement, Cutis Hospital is dedicated to providing the best patient care possible. 
• State-of-the-art tech - Cutis Hospital has access to the most advanced and modern medical technology available. The hospital's investment in cutting-edge equipment and technology allows its staff to provide patients with the highest level of care possible. The hospital's commitment to staying ahead of the curve in medical technology also means that patients can access the latest treatments and procedures, giving them the best chance for a successful outcome. 
• Comprehensive treatment - At Cutis Hospital, patients can expect a seamless and comprehensive experience from diagnosis to treatment. The hospital's team of experts works together to provide a coordinated and efficient approach to care, ensuring that patients receive the right diagnosis and the most effective treatment plan. Throughout the patient's journey, the hospital's team is available for support, ensuring a seamless and end-to-end experience from diagnosis to treatment.