Queensland hand surgeon

Ganglion cysts are non-cancerous fluid-filled lumps that commonly develop near tendons or joints in the hands or wrists. Some cases may cause discomfort or restricted movement. 

The exact cause of ganglion cysts is best explained as joint fluid extrusions from the capsule herniating outwards. This is often due to weakness, capsular tear or trauma or even arthritis in certain circumstances. Certain factors such as repetitive hand or wrist movements, joint or tendon injuries, or underlying joint conditions may increase the risk. Rest assured more often than not this is a fully reversible and treatable condition.

If first-line treatments fail, ganglion cyst removal surgery or ganglionectomy may be recommended. It is a simple procedure, performed in day surgery, under local anaesthetics.

Your hand surgeon will make a small incision over the cyst, and carefully remove it along with the stalk or joint capsule from which it originates. After excising the cyst, the incision is closed with stitches or adhesive strips, and a bandage or splint may be applied to support the affected area.

Our hand therapists will provide instructions, exercises and hand rehabilitation techniques to promote healing and restore hand function. Full recovery can take several weeks to a few months and follow-up appointments with our hand therapists may be recommended to monitor your progress.

Hand and finger fractures are very common. They often occur at work, in the kitchen or during sports activities. Simple fractures can typically be realigned without surgery, but more complex fractures require surgery to realign and stabilise the fractured bones. Your lifestyle, occupation, existing medical conditions and general health are also taken into consideration whether surgery is required or not.

In open reduction and internal fixation surgery (ORIF) your hand surgeon makes incisions to access the fractures bones and realign them. Then they will secure the bones in place using screws, plates, wires or pins.

In some cases, external fixation may be required. This involves placing pins or wires outside the skin and connecting them to an external frame to stabilise the bones.

Rehab is essential for optimal recovery and our in-house hand therapists will help you in restoring stability, alignment and function.

Tennis elbow is a painful condition on the outside of the elbow, caused by overuse of the forearm muscles that you use to straighten and raise your hand and wrist. It’s called tennis elbow because it often occurs in tennis or other racquet sports players, however it can happen to people who are not playing as well.

When first-line treatments fail, surgery for tennis elbow is recommended. Tennis elbow surgery – or lateral epicondyle release- involves a small incision on the outer part of the elbow to address the affected tendon. They will remove the damaged portion of the tendon and any scar tissue to alleviate pressure on the affected area. Lateral epicondyle release is open surgery but in some cases arthroscopy or keyhole surgery may be performed for tennis elbow.

Post-surgery you may need to wear a splint or brace to support and protect your elbow. Rehabilitation, including physical therapy, plays a vital role in your healing. Our in-house team of (hand) therapists will assist you and provide exercises and instructions.

Golfer’s elbow or medial epicondylitis is a painful condition on the inside of your elbow. It occurs due to overuse or repetitive stress on the muscles and tendons in the forearm that are responsible for bending the wrist and fingers. Despite its name, it can affect anyone, not just golf players.

When first-line treatments fail, surgery may be recommended. During medial epicondyle release surgery – or golfer’s elbow surgery – an incision is made along the arm over the medial epicondyle. This allows your hand surgeon to access the damaged tendon and remove any scar tissue or other problematic structures. The goal of the surgery is to relieve pressure on the affected area and promote healing.

Post-surgery, a cast or splint may be recommended to support recovery, with movement restrictions advised based on individual circumstances. It’s important to see a hand therapist who will help you with strengthening exercises and instructions for quick rehabilitation.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease and can affect many joints, including the thumb. When first-line treatments fail, surgery may be considered to alleviate pain and restore function. There are a few surgical options for osteoarthritis in the thumb and a common one is called basal joint arthroplasty or joint replacement.

During basal joint arthroplasty, your hand surgeon removes the arthritic joint surfaces and replaces them with artificial implants made of metal, plastic, or a combination of both. The implant provides a new smooth surface that allows the thumb to move more easily and with less pain.

Another surgical option is joint fusion, also called arthrodesis. In this procedure, your hand surgeon permanently fuses the bones of the joint together using screws, plates, or other fixation devices. By eliminating the joint movement, fusion reduces pain but limits flexibility.

Post-surgery you will need to wear a cast or splint. You will see our in-house hand therapists for strengthening exercises. They will provide instructions for optimal recovery.

Osteoarthritis can also affect the joints in the fingers, causing pain and stiffness. When first-line treatments fail to provide relief, surgery may be considered to alleviate symptoms and improve hand function.

There are different surgical options for finger osteoarthritis, depending on the severity and location of the arthritis within the affected fingers.

One common finger osteoarthritis procedure is joint fusion or arthrodesis. During this procedure, your hand surgeon removes the damaged cartilage and fuses the bones of the affected joint together using pins, plates or screws. Fusion eliminates painful joint movement but may restrict flexibility.

Another surgical option is joint replacement surgery. In this procedure, the damaged joint surfaces are replaced with artificial implants. However, finger joint replacement is less common than joint fusion and is usually reserved for specific cases.

After finger osteoarthritis surgery you may need to wear a cast or splint. You will see our in-house hand therapists and they will provide exercises and instructions for optimal recovery.