Hand Surgeries

Hand surgery is one of Dr. Singer's specialties. Her post graduate training included a Hand Surgery Fellowship at the University of Colorado and she has since kept abreast of new developments in this particular field.

She specializes in:

• Carpel Tunnel Release
• Trigger Finger Release
• Ganglion Cyst Removal
• De Guervain's Release

About Carpel Tunnel Release
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway of ligament and bones at the base of your hand. It contains nerve and tendons. Sometimes, thickening from irritated tendons or other swelling narrows the tunnel and causes the nerve to be compressed. This may be caused by performing assembly line work, wrist injury, or swelling due to certain diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Women are three times more likely to have carpal tunnel syndrome than men. Symptoms usually start gradually. As they worsen, grasping objects can become difficult. At this point, Carpel Tunnel Release surgery may be indicated to resolve the problem. In this procedure, Dr. Singer will cut through this ligament to make more space for the nerve and tendons.

About Trigger Finger Release
The muscles that move the fingers and thumb are located in the forearm, above the wrist. Long tendons — called the flexor tendons — extend from the muscles through the wrist and attach to the small bones of the fingers and thumb.

These flexor tendons control the movements of the fingers and thumb. When you bend or straighten your finger, the flexor tendon slides through a snug tunnel, called the tendon sheath, that keeps the tendon in place next to the bones.The flexor tendon can become irritated as it slides through the tendon sheath tunnel. As it becomes more and more irritated, the tendon may thicken and nodules may form, making its passage through the tunnel more difficult.

If you have trigger finger, the tendon becomes momentarily stuck at the mouth of the tendon sheath tunnel when you try to straighten your finger. You might feel a pop as the tendon slips through the tight area and your finger will suddenly shoot straight out. Trigger finger is not a dangerous condition, and is easily resolved by Trigger Finger Release surgery. This surgery widens the opening of the tunnel so that the tendon can slide through it more easily and is usually done on an outpatient basis. The decision to have surgery is a personal one, based on how severe your symptoms are and whether nonsurgical options have failed. In addition, if your finger is stuck in a bent position,Dr. Singer may recommend surgery to prevent permanent stiffness.

Ganglion Cyst Removal
Ganglion cysts are sacs that contain the synovial fluid found in joints and tendons. They are the most common forms of soft tissue growth on the hand and are distinguished by their sticky liquid contents. About 65% of ganglion cysts occur on the upper surface of the wrist, with another 25% on the palm of the hand. Their exact cause is unknown, but there are some indications that they result from trauma to or deterioration of the tissue lining in the joints that secretes synovial fluid. Ganglion cysts can emerge quite quickly, and can disappear just as fast. They are benign growths, usually causing problems in the functioning of the joints or tendons of the hand or finger only when they are large. Medical attention is indicated when the cysts cause pain, affect the movement of the nearby tendons or become particularly unsightly. A consultation with Dr. Singer will help you decide if surgical removal of a ganglion cyst is right for you.

About De Guervain's Release
De Guervain's Release is a surgical procedure to treat an inflammation of the covering of the tendons that control the thumb. This procedure is used when consevative treatment has failed to relieve pain and inflamation associated with this condition.

For more information about these and other issues of the hand, schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Singer by calling 727-547-9244

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