Hand Surgery

Regain Freedom of Movement

With hand surgery, performed at both our Champaign and Decatur offices, Dr. Stuart Baker can restore a patient’s dexterity, appearance, confidence, and quality of life. If you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, cysts, tendonitis, or have suffered trauma that damaged your hand, Dr. Baker has the experience and knowledge to help. He has been certified in hand surgery since 1992, and believes strongly that being a great hand surgeon makes him a better plastic surgeon. When considering cosmetic or reconstructive surgery, the most important decision that you can make is that of the surgeon you choose to entrust your care to; Dr. Baker has an extensive knowledge of the body’s anatomy and a mastery of microsurgery, and you can rest assured that he will provide you with the highest standard of care. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Baker, please contact The Center for Cosmetic Medicine™ today.

Hand Surgery – A Treatment Solution for Multiple Conditions

Surgery of the hand requires exact precision and attention to detail. The skills that Dr. Baker has learned as a hand surgeon have made him a better cosmetic surgeon, and he employs these skills to produce exceptional results for all of his patients who undergo facial, body, or breast procedures. When performing hand surgery however, Dr. Baker is truly able to put these skills to use. A number of functional and aesthetic hand conditions can be corrected through surgical (and sometimes non-surgical) treatment. If you suffer from any of the following, Dr. Baker would be happy to discuss your treatment options with you, including the possibility of hand surgery, at our Champaign or Decatur offices:

Tendonitis

This condition results from inflammation of the tendons. One of the most common types of tendonitis affecting the hand and wrist is deQuervain’s tendonitis. This condition, an inflammation of the tendons at the base of the thumb, is often caused by performing new, repetitive activities. The common symptoms of this condition include sudden pain or constant discomfort on the thumb-side of the wrist (the inside), swelling, and the development of cysts.

Treatment – There are a range of treatment options for tendonitis, including the use of a splint to rest the inflamed tendon, anti-inflammatory medications, or steroid injections. In severe cases, surgery may be called upon to create space around the inflammation.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

A condition that is becoming more a part of the cultural language every year, carpal tunnel syndrome is a pressure on the median nerve that controls the movement, and supplies feeling to, the various parts of the hand, including the fingers and palm. This nerve enters the hand through the carpal tunnel. If this tunnel becomes swollen, it can pinch the nerve and result in numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness. The condition is commonly caused by repetitive motion of the hand and wrist, with one of the primary culprits being the constant use of a keyboard. However, sewing, painting, sports, the use of hand tools, and other factors can cause carpal tunnel syndrome as well.

Treatment – Like tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated non-surgically, through the use of splints, hot and cold compresses, tools tailored to reduce stress on the wrist, and medications. In extreme cases, surgery may be utilized to cut into the ligament that is putting pressure on the nerve.

Trigger Finger

Also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, “trigger finger” results from complications involving the pulleys and tendons inside the hand. When the pulley which pulls back on the tendon becomes inflamed or swollen, it can constrict the movement of the tendon. This can make it difficult for the tendon to move freely, or inhibit movement entirely. This swelling of the pulleys can cause the tendon to develop a “knot” which causes pain when the finger is moved. As the pulleys and tendons are put under more pressure, inflammation worsens, creating a cycle that can result in further degradation over time.

Treatment – Sometimes this condition can be treated by wearing a splint or taking anti-inflammatory medications. Changing activities to help reduce swelling around the tendon may also reduce the symptoms of trigger finger. However, surgery may be necessary if non-surgical solutions are ineffective at reducing or eliminating the condition. During surgery, the pulley at the base of the finger is opened up so that the tendon can once again move freely.

Cysts

We perform hand surgery at our Champaign and Decatur offices to treat a number of conditions. One such condition is the development of cysts within the hand and wrist. A cyst is a benign lump that develops beneath the skin, often on the top of the wrist, palm side of the wrist, the base of the finger, or the top of the end joint. The cyst is filled with a clear liquid or gel, and often times will disappear on its own. The cause of cysts is not known, but if they persist or cause irritation, a number of treatments can be used to eliminate them (though treatment does not guarantee that cysts will not develop again at a later point in time).

Treatment – Non-surgical and surgical treatments can be utilized to eliminate cysts. One of the most common treatments is an aspiration. During this procedure, a needle is inserted into the cyst so that the fluid can be drained and the cyst can be compressed. If the cyst recurs, surgery may provide a more permanent solution. During surgery, the cyst, along with a portion of the joint capsule or tendon sheath, is removed from the hand.

Is Hand Surgery Right for You? Contact The Center for Cosmetic Medicine™

If you suffer from hand complications, you have options. At The Center for Cosmetic Medicine™, we take great pride in providing for our patients’ needs, and would be happy to help if your quality of life is hindered as a result of a hand condition, aesthetic or functional. Dr. Stuart Baker has been certified as a hand surgeon since 1992 and he performs the surgery – whether it’s hand surgery or cosmetic surgery –  with the deft and exacting skills hand surgeons are renowned for. If you would like to learn more about hand surgery, we invite you to contact our offices in Champaign and Decatur.