Hand Injury Surgery: What to Expect

This content was reviewed and approved by Megan Reitenbach, MD.

Your hands do a lot of things for you every day. They turn doorknobs, pick up dropped coins, type on keyboards and control steering wheels. An injury can make simple actions more difficult. Many types of hand injuries heal with a splint and some rest. However, sometimes surgery is needed.

When Is Surgery Needed for Hand Injuries?

Not all hand injuries require surgery. Usually, your orthopedic surgeon will recommend surgery for more serious injuries.

Hand injury surgery might be performed in these cases:

• A bone is broken and out of alignment.
• A joint is out of alignment.
• A tendon or nerve is cut.
• A deep or highly contaminated wound occurs.

Severed tendons can make it impossible to bend your fingers. A deep wound can also make your hand numb.

Types of Hand Surgery

There are several types of hand surgery:

• Fracture repair. Your orthopedic surgeon lines up the bones in your hand. Then they fasten them back together. This can include repairing a finger fracture.
• Tendon repair. This is when a surgeon stitches your tendons together.
• Nerve repair. Your nerves are reattached to allow you to move your hand and fingers.
• Skin grafts. A hand or finger wound is covered with new skin.
• Replantation. Your finger or fingertip is reattached. This is not always possible.
• Arthroscopy. Your orthopedic surgeon uses small cuts and a tiny camera tool to find and treat problems inside your wrist.

What Recovery Looks Like

Most hand surgeries are performed as outpatient procedures. That means you will usually go home the same day. It is possible that you will wear a cast or a splint for a while. Some soreness and swelling are normal for the first few days. If you keep your hand raised above your heart, that can help relieve some of the swelling. You might get referred to a hand therapist. Hand therapy can help you regain movement and strength in your hand.

The time it takes for your hand to heal varies. A broken hand may need three to six weeks in a cast or splint. A tendon repair can take up to six months for a full recovery.

When to Get Care

The earlier you seek help from your orthopedic surgeon, generally the better. If you have a crooked finger, deep wound, no feeling or trouble with movement, get help right away.

If you don't have a Baptist Health orthopedic surgeon, you can find one by visiting our provider directory.