Hand Conditions

Les Irwin, M.D.
Disclosures		No disclosure information available.

Frederic C. Balduini, M.D.
Disclosures		The author has no relationships with commercial interests related to the content of the presentation.

Recognizing and treating common hand lesions (V2)

In this clear and colorful presentation, a British orthopedic and hand surgeon and an American specialist in sports medicine describe how to recognize and treat several common problems affecting the hand.

Using simple and effective graphics, the authors describe eight hand conditions and provide guidance on diagnosis, the newer imaging modalities and on standard and newer treatments and techniques. They show clearly when and how to inject steroids ... and for which conditions surgery is indicated when steroids are ineffective or provide only short-term relief.

Focusing on the most common hand condition, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and with illustrations that simplify and clarify the delicate and complex anatomy of CTS, the authors describe the syndrome's risk factors and describe its signs and symptoms.

Ulnar nerve entrapment, trigger finger (which curiously affects the middle or ring finger in adults and the thumb in children), stenosing tenovaginitis, ganglion cysts, tennis and golfer's elbow (which actually affect the wrist) and Dupuyten's Disease and Raynaud's Disease complete the discussion.

The authors touch upon the effects of rheumatoid arthritis and recommend a team approach to treatment, with the orthotist being central to successful therapy. They also caution against missing something that might look like one these conditions but may in fact turn out to be a malignant skin tumor.