Not only is Dr. Gracia a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, he is a hand surgeon as well. He completed a Hand Surgery fellowship at the University of Kansas Medical Center and is a member of the American and the Association for Hand Surgery.
He currently works as an on call specialist at Texas Health Resources Harris Methodist Fort Worth Downtown and Cook Children’s Hospital. This means that if a patient has an emergency / trauma that requires he/she to be seen by a plastic or hand surgeon, Dr. Gracia is a certified physician to treat these extreme cases.
With over 17 years of expertise, Dr. Gracia is a seasoned specialist in the Brown Technique, an endoscopic procedure renowned for effectively treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. His extensive experience ensures patients receive precise and minimally invasive care for this common hand condition, helping them regain comfort and functionality swiftly.
Carpal Tunnel Release is a surgical procedure designed to alleviate the discomfort and numbness associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. During the procedure, a skilled surgeon enlarges the carpal tunnel, reducing pressure on the median nerve. This minimally invasive surgery offers patients relief from wrist pain and tingling sensations, often resulting in improved hand function and an enhanced quality of life.
Endoscopic surgery uses a small flexible tube with a camera attached that is guided through a small incision in the wrist or palm. The camera allows Dr. Gracia to see the ligaments and other structures without having to make a large incision. All tools used in this procedure are small in size in order to pass through the incision.
Once the endoscope has been inserted and the doctor has located the ligaments, he then cuts the transverse carpal ligament. Cutting the transverse carpal ligament releases pressure put on the median nerve, which relieves the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
This procedure is generally performed in a surgery center on an out-patient basis. This means you should be able to return home once the surgery concludes and you have been discharged.
Needle Fasciotomy, also known as needle aponeurotomy, needle aponevrotomy or percutaneous needle fasciotomy (PNF), is a minimally invasive procedure that is routinely done on an outpatient basis in the physician’s office to treat Dupuytren’s. This technique uses needles to cut through the contracted cords, so that the fingers can be extended causing the cords to break. Thus getting the bent fingers straight and functional again.
General Procedure
The patient will receive a local anesthetic in the area to be treated prior to starting the Needle Fasciotomy. Once the area is cleaned and numb the doctor uses a needle to cut through the fibrous bands by using a sawing motion back and forth. Now that the cords are weakened the fingers are then extended to snap the cords. The injection site will be covered with a gauze bandage and the patient will be referred out to have a removable splint made.
Example Pictures
Dr. Gracia is proud to introduce Xiaflex as a treatment option. This innovative, non-surgical solution is FDA-approved for adult patients with Dupuytren's contracture featuring a palpable cord. Xiaflex offers a promising alternative, effectively addressing this condition and providing patients with a less invasive path to improved hand function and mobility. For more information visit www.XIAFLEX.com