Planning Your Surgery

If you’re considering hand surgery, an appointment for consultation is a good place to start. I will examine you, discuss the diagnosis and possible methods of treatment for your problem, and let you know if surgery is warranted. If it is, I will discuss the procedure in detail, including where the surgery will be performed (in the surgeon’s office, an outpatient surgery center, or a hospital), the anesthesia and surgical techniques that will be used, possible risks and complications, the recovery and rehabilitation period, and the probable outcome in terms of function and appearance. Don’t hesitate to ask me any questions you may have during the initial consultation-including any concerns you have about options of recommended treatment.

• Hospitals for Surgery
• Instructions before Surgery
• Instructions after Surgery
• Post-operative Pain Management
• Postoperative Hand Therapy
• What is hand therapy?
• Who is a Certified Hand Therapist?

A certified hand therapist is an occupational therapist or a physical therapist who, through advanced study, specializes in rehabilitating patients with conditions affecting the hands and upper extremity.  The therapist’s high degree of specialization requires continuing education and advanced certification. (www.asht.org) The hand therapist helps patients to return to a productive lifestyle. Hand therapists work with the physician and the patient to provide a continuum of care. My hand therapist, Lynn Bassini, OT, CHT is conveniently located next door to my office, allowing her to provide care in close association with my recommendations. She treats patients who may have been affected by an accident or trauma leaving them with wounds, scars, burns, injured tendons or nerves, fractures, or even amputation of the finger, hand, or arm. She treats patients who are disabled from the affects of cumulative trauma disorders, such as tennis elbow or carpal tunnel syndrome. She treats patients with arthritis and those who had their finger joints replaced. She specializes in pediatric hand therapy and treats children with birth defects, cerebral palsy, and brachial plexus injuries