New methods are being employed to restore function and eliminate pain from hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder. Patients are treated without surgery very successfully. These minimally invasive procedures are used for different joint injuries like:
Metacarpophalangeal (MP) Joint and Proximal Interphalangeal (PIP) Joint
Arthroscopy procedure involves use of two small stab wounds to visualize and instrument the MP joint and PIP joint. Finger connects the hand at metacarpophalangeal joint and middle joint of the finger called as proximal interphalangeal joint. For joint pain and inflammation steroid injection is given. But in case of torn ligament or cartilage injury resulting in enormous pain, arthroscopy procedure will not only diagnose the pain but will provide significant relief too.
EPL Tendon Rupture
EPL (extensor pollicis longus) tendon rupture can occur in case of arthritis and bony spur. This tendon holds the thumb and prevents it from falling into the palm. Tendon rupture can be repaired by tendon transfer that uses the nearby tendon to replace with the damaged one. It is one of the quickest outpatient procedures.
Flexor Tendon Injuries
Another traumatic event, an injury in flexor tendon could be life-changing event. These flexor tendons are responsible for bending and flexing the thumb and fingers. It is very difficult to repair the cut flexor tendons as there is no space left for giving sutures. They need to be repaired quickly else they die or become irreparable. Surgery is not very painful and works best along with the hand therapy provided after procedure.