Hand Surgery in Wollongong

Fractures of the fingers, thumb or hand bones can occur following falls, sporting injuries, workplace accidents or direct trauma. While some fractures heal well with splinting, others require surgery to restore alignment and maximise hand function.

The scaphoid is one of the small bones in the wrist and is commonly injured after a fall onto an outstretched hand. Because of its blood supply, some scaphoid fractures require careful monitoring or surgical fixation to support healing.

Treatment may include casting, surgical fixation, or bone grafting for delayed healing or non-union.

Peripheral nerve injuries in the hand and upper limb can affect sensation, strength and fine motor control. These injuries may follow cuts, fractures, crush injuries or other trauma.

Management may include observation, therapy, nerve repair or reconstruction, or nerve transfer depending on the injury.

Spasticity can affect hand and upper limb function following neurological conditions, leading to stiffness, abnormal posture and difficulty with everyday tasks.

Treatment is individualised and may include therapy, injections, tendon transfer or hyperselective neurectomy in selected cases.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed at the wrist, causing symptoms such as:

Treatment may include activity modification, splinting, injections or carpal tunnel release surgery depending on the severity of symptoms.

Trigger finger occurs when inflammation narrows the tendon sheath, causing the finger or thumb to catch, lock or click during movement.

Treatment ranges from observation and injections through to a minor surgical release when required.

Arthritis at the base of the thumb is a common cause of pain and weakness, particularly during gripping or pinching activities.

Treatment options depend on the severity of arthritis and may include splinting, medication, injections or surgery.

Dupuytren's disease causes thickening of the tissue beneath the skin of the palm, which can gradually pull one or more fingers into a bent position.

Treatment depends on the degree of finger contracture and its impact on hand function.

Hand tendon injuries may occur following cuts, sporting injuries or trauma.

Some tendon injuries require prompt surgical repair to optimise recovery.

Ligament injuries commonly affect the thumb and fingers following falls or sporting injuries.

Arthritis can affect multiple joints within the hand, causing:

Management is individualised and may include both non-operative and surgical options.

Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled lumps that commonly develop around the wrist or hand.

Treatment may involve observation or surgical removal where appropriate.