Hand, Wrist and Elbow Surgery Canberra | Ramsay Private Hospital National Capital

What causes hand, wrist and elbow pain?

We use our hands and arms for so many things, so it's not surprising that the muscles, tendons and joints in this area can become irritated or injured. Watch the videos below to learn about some of the most common hand, wrist and elbow conditions and their treatments.

Conditions and services

Ramsay Private Hospital National Capital offers orthopaedic treatment and support for a range of hand, wrist and elbow conditions. Here is a general guide to some of the most common. Click on the plus sign (+) on the right-hand side of any heading to read more.

Carpal tunnel release

Carpal tunnel syndrome is when pressure on the median nerve in the wrist causes pain and/or numbness in the hand. The condition can be triggered by many things, but some of the most common are repetitive movements, pregnancy and arthritis.

Carpal tunnel release is a surgical procedure that aims to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. The median nerve and the tendons that flex and bend the fingers pass through a passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. The thick carpal ligament, just under the skin, forms the roof of this tunnel. In carpal tunnel syndrome, this tunnel has become too narrow and is compressing the median nerve. In carpal tunnel release surgery, a surgeon cuts through the carpal ligament to make more space for the nerve.

In general, carpal tunnel release surgery takes about 20 minutes to perform. Many patients can return to light activity (such as typing) within a couple of weeks.

Elbow arthroscopy (keyhole surgery)

Elbow arthroscopy is a form of keyhole surgery that can be used to treat a number of conditions and injuries. It is usually performed under general anaesthetic (i.e. while you’re asleep), but is sometimes under a local anaesthetic ‘nerve block’ as well.

Keyhole surgery is performed through small incisions, using a special surgical camera for visibility. Your surgeon might also recommend a physical rehabilitation program as part of your recovery plan.

Fractures

A fracture is the medical term for a broken bone. The most obvious signs of a fracture are pain, swelling, and not being able to use the injured part.

Most hand, wrist and elbow fractures can be treated without surgery. However, if a person suffers a bad break, surgery might be recommended to help the bones to heal correctly. Surgical implants such as pins, wires, plates and screws are sometimes used to stabilise such fractures.

If you do need surgery to help repair a fracture, your recovery time will depend on the severity of the break. You might be able to return to some light activities in four to six weeks, while it might be three months or more before you can do any heavy lifting.

Your doctor should be able to answer any questions about what to expect. They may recommend physical rehabilitation as part of your recovery.

Hand trauma

Because we use them so often, our hands are especially prone to injuries and accidents. Any type of hand injury is potentially serious and should be examined by a medical professional. Left untreated, serious injuries can result in permanent loss of function and/or sensory difficulties. Surgery is often required to thoroughly investigate wounds and repair any structural damage (for example, displaced fractures).

Your doctor might also recommend physical rehabilitation as part of your recovery plan.

Joint surgery (arthritis)

Arthritis is a condition where a joint becomes stiff or painful because the protective cartilage on each side of it has worn away. The exact cause of arthritis is unknown, but things like age, injury and repetitive use can all contribute.

Our hands are particularly vulnerable to arthritis. It often affects the finger joints and the joint at the base of the thumb. This can lead to pain and a loss of function.

Splinting and anti-inflammatory medications can help. However, in cases of more severe or advanced arthritis, a doctor might recommend surgery.

For arthritis in the fingers, the type of surgery required will depend on which joints are affected. Some options include fusion (where a plate or pin is implanted to make the joint stiff) or a joint replacement (similar to a mini knee replacement).

There are also a few thumb-specific surgeries. In most cases, the aim is to remove some or all of the arthritic bone, then stabilise the affected joint.

Nerve injuries

Your nerves act as the wires of your body and carry information to and from your brain. They are essential for movement and experiencing sensation, but are quite delicate and can be damaged by many types of injuries.

Surgery is often used to treat severed nerves, with the aim of helping the nerve fibres to grow and correctly re-attach. This can be a slow process, as nerves typically grow about 1mm a day.

If a severed nerve is not repaired, the nerve fibres will often still grow. However, they could grow into a ball at the end of the nerve, creating a scar called a neuroma. Neuromas can be painful and cause electric-shock feelings when touched.