Wrist & Hand - South Hills Orthopaedic Surgery Associates

Your Hands Do Everything — Don't Ignore What They're Telling You

Wrist and hand conditions affect virtually every activity in your day. The good news: they are among the most precisely treatable problems in all of orthopedic medicine.

From typing at your desk to turning a steering wheel to holding your grandchild’s hand, your wrists and hands are in constant use. When they hurt, become stiff, or lose strength or sensation, the impact on daily life is immediate and profound. At South Hills Orthopaedics, our hand and wrist specialists bring highly specialized expertise to a part of the body that requires exactly that, whether it’s carpal tunnel syndrome, a wrist fracture, trigger finger, or arthritis taking the grip right out of your hands.

SOUND FAMILIAR?

CONDITIONS WE TREAT

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The most common nerve compression condition in the body, and one of the most successfully treated. Compression of the median nerve at the wrist causes numbness, tingling, and pain in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger, typically worse at night. Mild-to-moderate cases respond well to wrist splinting and corticosteroid injection. Severe or persistent cases are reliably resolved with carpal tunnel release surgery.

Trigger Finger (Stenosing Tenosynovitis)

A tendon catches or locks as the finger bends, causing a finger that snaps, clicks, or locks in the bent position in the morning, often with tenderness over the base of the finger in the palm. Corticosteroid injection into the tendon sheath resolves triggering in most patients; persistent or recurrent triggering is cured with a simple outpatient release procedure.

De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

Affects two tendons controlling the thumb as they pass through a tight compartment at the wrist base, causing pain and swelling at the radial side of the wrist that worsens with thumb movement. Common in new mothers and racquet sport athletes. Treated with activity modification, thumb splinting, and corticosteroid injection. Persistent cases respond well to surgical release.

Ganglion Cysts

The most common benign soft tissue masses of the hand and wrist, fluid-filled sacs arising from joint capsules or tendon sheaths. Most are painless and fluctuate in size. When causing pain, nerve pressure, or cosmetic concern, treated with aspiration or surgical excision.

Wrist Fractures (Distal Radius)

One of the most common fractures in orthopedic practice, typically from a fall onto an outstretched hand. Many distal radius fractures can be managed in a cast; displaced, unstable, or complex fractures benefit from surgical fixation with a volar locking plate.

Scaphoid Fractures

The scaphoid has a limited blood supply, making undiagnosed fractures prone to non-union and eventual wrist arthritis. May not be visible on initial X-rays, MRI or CT confirms the diagnosis. Undisplaced fractures can be cast; displaced and proximal pole fractures require surgical fixation.

Thumb CMC Arthritis (Basal Joint Arthritis)

One of the most commonly arthritic joints in the hand, especially in women over 40. Causes painful, weak, and limited pinching and gripping. Early-to-moderate cases respond to splinting and injections. Advanced cases are reliably addressed with LRTI surgery, one of the most satisfying procedures in hand surgery.

Dupuytren's Contracture

Fibrous tissue in the palm thickens and forms cords that progressively pull fingers into a bent position. Most commonly affects ring and little fingers. Treatment options include needle aponeurotomy, Xiaflex collagenase injection, or surgical fasciectomy.

Mallet & Jersey Finger; Tendon Injuries

Mallet finger (extensor tendon avulsion, drooping fingertip) is treated with extension splinting. Jersey finger (flexor tendon avulsion) inability to bend fingertip) typically requires surgical repair. These injuries benefit from precise, timely treatment by a hand specialist.

CONSERVATIVE TREATMENTS

Splinting & Orthotic Devices

Wrist splints for carpal tunnel, thumb spica splints for De Quervain’s and CMC arthritis, extension splints for mallet finger, central to wrist and hand treatment with fitting and monitoring provided.

Corticosteroid Injections

Highly effective for trigger finger, De Quervain’s, carpal tunnel syndrome, and CMC joint arthritis, precisely placed with imaging guidance when appropriate.

Physical & Occupational Therapy

Edema management, range-of-motion restoration, strengthening, sensory re-education, and functional retraining, particularly important after fractures, surgery, tendon repairs, and nerve injuries.

Aspiration (Ganglion Cysts)

Quick office procedure under local anesthesia to drain the cyst and relieve pressure-related symptoms. Patients preferring a more definitive solution can elect surgical excision.

Needle Aponeurotomy & Xiaflex (Dupuytren's)

Office- based treatments for Dupuytren’s contracture, cord disruption and finger straightening without surgery. Effective for appropriate candidates with faster recovery than fasciectomy.

SURGICAL OPTIONS

Carpal Tunnel Release

One of the most reliably successful procedures, divides the transverse carpal ligament to relieve nerve pressure. Most patients have significant symptom relief almost immediately, return to light activity within days.

Trigger Finger Release

Simple outpatient release of the A1 pulley under local anesthesia. Results are immediate with minimal recovery time.

Distal Radius Fracture Fixation (ORIF)

Volar locking plate stabilization allows early wrist motion beginning within days of surgery, dramatically improving outcomes for complex wrist fractures.

Thumb CMC Arthroplasty (LRTI)

Removes the arthritic trapezium, reconstructs the ligament with a tendon graft, and interposes soft tissue cushion. Reliably eliminates arthritic pain and restores excellent function.

De Quervain's Release

Simple outpatient surgical release of the first dorsal compartment through a small incision, provides definitive, lasting resolution.

Dupuytren's Fasciectomy

Removes fibrous cords from the palm and fingers, allowing full straightening. The most durable treatment option for significant Dupuytren’s disease.

Hand or Wrist Bothering You? Let's Sort It Out.

Our hand and wrist specialists have the training to identify your problem precisely and treat it effectively.

FAQ

How do I know if I have carpal tunnel syndrome or something else causing hand numbness?

The distribution of numbness is the key. Carpal tunnel affects the median nerve, numbness in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger, worse at night and with sustained grip. Cubital tunnel affects the ulnar nerve at the elbow, numbness in the ring and little finger. Cervical radiculopathy can cause more diffuse arm and hand symptoms. A thorough clinical evaluation (and in some cases nerve conduction studies) will clearly identify which nerve is involved and where.

Do I need surgery for a wrist fracture?

Not necessarily. Many distal radius fractures with minimal displacement can be managed successfully in a cast. The decision to operate depends on fracture alignment, articular involvement, patient’s age, activity level, bone quality, and dominant hand. Our goal is always to achieve the best possible functional outcome with the least intervention.

My finger locks in the morning: is that trigger finger?

Very likely, yes. The classic presentation is a finger locked in flexion in the morning requiring force to straighten, with a palpable snap or click and tenderness over the base of the finger in the palm. A corticosteroid injection resolves triggering in the majority of patients; those who don’t respond can be cured with a simple release procedure.

What is the recovery from carpal tunnel release surgery?

Most patients have immediate improvement in nighttime numbness. The incision heals in 2–4 weeks; grip strength returns over 1–3 months. Light-duty activities are usually possible within days; return to heavy manual work or racquet sports takes 4–6 weeks. The vast majority of patients are very satisfied with the outcome.

Can hand and wrist arthritis be treated without surgery?

Yes, for most patients, non-surgical management provides years of good function. Activity modification, splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections are all effective tools. Surgery is considered when these measures no longer provide adequate relief and the impact on daily life is significant.

Expert Care You Can Trust

Meet the Team

Our experienced team is here to provide top-notch orthopaedic care tailored to your needs.

Dr. Smith specializes in joint replacement and sports injuries. He is dedicated to helping patients regain mobility and comfort.

Dr. Doe focuses on rehabilitation strategies, ensuring patients recover effectively and return to their routines.

Dr. Brown specializes in sports medicine, providing tailored treatment for athletes of all levels.

Dr. Green helps patients manage chronic pain through comprehensive assessments and individualized plans.

Dr. White supports patients through their rehabilitation journey, ensuring they achieve their goals.

Dr. Black focuses on facilitating safe and effective surgical interventions for optimal patient outcomes.

Dr. Rose is dedicated to enhancing patients’ quality of life through expertise in joint replacement surgeries.

Dr. Blue assists in surgical procedures, ensuring the highest standards of patient care and coordination.

What Our Patients Say

Hear from our patients about their experiences with us!

"The care I received was top-notch. My surgery went smoothly, and the recovery process was well supported. I can truly say I’m back to my favorite activities thanks to the team!"

Sarah Thompson

Marketing Manager | ABC Corp

"I was impressed with the thorough care I received. The staff was friendly, and the physical therapy really helped with my recovery. I feel stronger than ever!"

John Davis

Teacher | Local School

"From the first consultation to my post-op follow-ups, the attention to detail was outstanding. I felt supported at every stage of my treatment!"

Emily Johnson

Software Engineer | Tech Solutions

Schedule Your Consultation Today!

Are you ready to take the next step towards better health? Our team is here to provide you with expert orthopaedic care and personalized treatment plans. We are dedicated to helping you manage pain and improve your mobility with the best possible strategies. Reach out today to see how we can support your journey to recovery!