Hand Surgery Specialist
-
- Tweet
Walter D Gracia, MD, PA
Plastic Surgeon & Hand Surgeon located in Fort Worth, TX
You may not spend a great deal of time thinking about your hands, but when you encounter an injury or painful hand condition, you’ll find yourself unable to think of little else. Hand surgery is an area of expertise for Walter D. Gracia, MD, PA, and he is proud to use his skills to help so many in Fort Worth, Texas, regain pain-free use of their hands. Book your personalized consultation by calling the office or booking online today.
Hand Surgery Q&A
What are some conditions that can require hand surgery?
While small in size, your hands are very complex. Anything that damages the network of bones, tendons, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels within your hand can lead to serious pain and loss of function.
Some of the issues that can require hand surgery include:
- Fractures
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Infection
- Poor healing
- Burns
- Lacerations
This is far from a comprehensive list. Dr. Gracia has experience treating the entire spectrum of hand conditions, from simple to incredibly complex.
What are some techniques used in hand surgery?
Dr. Gracia chooses the surgical approach that is best suited to your specific needs and condition.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Your carpal tunnel is a passage made of small bones that protects your median nerve as it passes through your wrist. If this passage becomes compressed or narrowed, pressure on the median nerve can cause carpal tunnel syndrome.
The condition can create a wide range of symptoms in your hand and wrist, including tingling, numbness, pain, or weakness. These symptoms range in severity from mildly annoying to debilitating.
One of Dr. Gracia’s areas of specialty is called the Brown Technique, an endoscopic surgical procedure that treats carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel release works by severing the transverse carpal ligament. This immediately releases pressure on your median nerve and resolves the pain and other symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Dupuytren’s contracture
A condition called Dupuytren’s contracture occurs when the layers of tissue just beneath the skin of your palm become abnormally contracted. This can pull one or more of your fingers in toward your palm, and prevent you from extending them normally.
Dr. Gracia uses a procedure called needle fasciotomy to weaken the tough fibrous tissue called fascia that causes the contracture before straightening the bent fingers and restoring pain-free hand function.
He also uses XiaFlexⓇ, an injectable medication that helps break down abnormally contracted tissue. As with all hand conditions, Dr. Gracia performs a thorough diagnostic exam before determining the best possible treatment approach.
When is the right time to move forward with hand surgery?
In some cases, the decision to schedule hand surgery is an easy one. If your hand is damaged during a traumatic injury, emergency surgery may be needed to prevent permanent loss of function. In other instances, however, deciding when to move forward with hand surgery is not so simple.
Many people live with significant hand pain and limited function for far too long. They may imagine that the recovery process will be long and arduous or feel that they can simply learn to live with their hand condition. Busy lives can make it seem like it’s never the right time to book a surgical procedure.
It’s important to make an informed decision when it comes to hand surgery. Some conditions can deteriorate if left untreated, leading to loss of hand mobility and lingering pain. In other cases, hand conditions can make it hard for you to complete normal daily routines.
To schedule a consultation for hand surgery, call Walter D. Gracia, MD, PA, or book online today.
