We treat a wide variety of ongoing hand and arm discomfort and pain, from the common carpal tunnel syndrome to less heard of conditions such as Dupuytren’s contracture or Olecranon Bursitis. Here at Katranji Hand Center we put our patients safety and effectiveness of treatment first as we explore both surgical and non-surgical options one-on-one with the patient. If a condition can be treated non-surgically through the use of splints or injections, we prefer to take that as our initial route to avoid any possible prolonged discomfort. During your consultation, we will go over all of your possible treatment options, giving you plenty of time, and information, to make the best decision for your treatment.
Brachial Plexus Injury
The brachial plexus is a group of nerves that come from the spinal cord in the neck and travel down the arm. These nerves control the muscles of the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand, as well as provide feeling in the arm. Some brachial plexus injuries are minor and will completely recover in several weeks. Other injuries are severe enough and could cause some permanent disability in the arm.
Elbow Fractures
Elbow fractures may result from a fall, a direct impact to the elbow, or a twisting injury to the arm. Sprains, strains or dislocations may occur at the same time as a fracture. X-rays are used to confirm if a fracture is present and if the bones are out of place. Sometimes a CT (Computed Tomography) scan might be needed to get further detail.
Nerve Injury
Nerves are the body’s “telephone wiring” system that carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body. Some nerves carry messages from the brain to muscles to make the body move. Other nerves carry messages about pain, pressure, or temperature from the body to the brain. Many small fibers are bundled inside each nerve to carry the messages. There is an outer layer that insulates and protects the nerves. Sometimes, nerves can be damaged.
Scaphoid Fracture
The scaphoid is one of eight small bones that make up the “carpal bones” of the wrist. It connects two rows of these bones - the proximal row (closer to the forearm) and the distal row (closer to the hand). This connection puts it at extra risk for injury.
Sprained Wrist
A sprain is a partial injury to a ligament. Ligaments form the connections between the different bones in the wrist. Ligament sprains range from mild stretches to partial tears.
There are many ligaments in the wrist that can be sprained. Two of the common ones are the scapholunate ligament, in the middle of the wrist between the scaphoid and lunate bones, and the TFCC (triangular fibrocartilage complex) on the outside of the wrist. Sometimes, a sprained wrist can pull off a tiny piece of bone. This is called an avulsion fracture.
Wrist Fracture
A wrist fracture is a medical term for a broken wrist. The wrist is made up of eight small bones which connect with the two long forearm bones called the radius and ulna. Although a broken wrist can happen in any of these 10 bones, by far the most common bone to break is the radius. This is called a distal radius fracture by hand surgeons.
Wrist Pain
The term “wrist” is used to describe the joint where the hand is connected to the forearm. The actual anatomy of the wrist is not as simple. There are eight smaller bones that connect the five main hand bones (metacarpals) to the two forearm bones (radius and ulna). Ulnar wrist pain (pain on the pinkie side of the wrist) is very common. It can result from injury to bones, cartilage, ligaments or tendons.