Can Surgery Help with Stuck Finger Joints After Injury?

Q: Can Surgery Help with Stuck Finger Joints After Injury?

Hi： Hello, Q1： The last joint of my right ring finger (near the nail) was fractured two years ago due to a motorcycle accident. <br>The doctor at that time did not inform me about rehabilitation, which caused a long delay. <br>It took nearly a year before I started rehabilitation

Can surgery be performed for finger joint adhesions?

Hello Dr.
Lee,
I have a concern regarding my right hand's ring finger.
The last joint (near the nail) was fractured two years ago due to a fall from a motorcycle.
At that time, the doctor did not inform me about rehabilitation, which led to a significant delay.
It took almost a year before I started physical therapy, but the therapists mentioned that the adhesions were too severe, and the rehabilitation was not very effective.

Now, I experience discomfort every night while sleeping, and I also have numbness in my hand when using the mouse at work.
I would like to know if I can still go to the hospital for an examination.
I have seen two or three doctors, and they all said that there is nothing more that can be done.
I have read online about adhesion release procedures; is this something that can be performed on the hand? The discomfort in my hand every night makes it very difficult for me to fall asleep.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions amidst your busy schedule.
I really appreciate it.

Yu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/02/01

Dr. Li Weiqiang reply Rehabilitation

Hi: Hello, Q1: The last joint of my right ring finger (near the nail) was fractured two years ago due to a motorcycle accident.
The doctor at that time did not inform me about rehabilitation, which caused a long delay.
It took nearly a year before I started rehabilitation, but the therapists said that the adhesions were too severe for effective rehabilitation.
Now, I feel discomfort every night when I sleep, and I experience numbness in my hand while using the mouse at work.
Can I still go to the hospital for an examination? A1: I think it would be helpful to assess the extent of the adhesions in order to formulate rehabilitation goals.
Q2: I have seen online that there are procedures for adhesion release...
is this done for the hand? A2: Taoyuan Hospital has a plastic surgery department that can provide referral for evaluation and treatment.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Li Wei-Chiang, Attending Physician, Department of Rehabilitation, Ministry of Health and Welfare Taoyuan Hospital.

Reply Date: 2018/02/01

More Info

The situation you are describing regarding your stuck finger joints after an injury is indeed a complex one, and it highlights the importance of timely intervention and rehabilitation following a traumatic event. Based on your account, it seems that you have been experiencing significant discomfort and functional limitations in your right hand, particularly in the ring finger, due to a previous fracture and subsequent adhesions.

When it comes to injuries involving the joints, especially in the fingers, the potential for complications such as stiffness and adhesions (also known as "frozen joints") is a common concern. These complications can arise from a variety of factors, including the severity of the injury, the quality of initial treatment, and the effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts. In your case, it appears that the delay in rehabilitation may have contributed to the development of adhesions, which can severely limit the range of motion and cause discomfort.

Surgery can be a viable option for addressing stuck finger joints, particularly if conservative treatments such as physical therapy have not yielded satisfactory results. Surgical interventions may include procedures to release adhesions, repair damaged structures, or even joint fusion in severe cases. The specific type of surgery would depend on the extent of the injury and the degree of joint involvement. A procedure known as "adhesiolysis" can be performed to remove scar tissue that is restricting movement. This can potentially restore some degree of function and alleviate discomfort.

Before considering surgery, it is crucial to undergo a thorough evaluation by a hand specialist or orthopedic surgeon who specializes in upper extremity injuries. They will likely perform a physical examination and may order imaging studies, such as X-rays or an MRI, to assess the current state of the joint and surrounding tissues. This evaluation will help determine the best course of action tailored to your specific situation.

In terms of your ongoing symptoms, such as discomfort at night and numbness while using a mouse, these could be indicative of nerve involvement or other underlying issues that may need to be addressed. It is essential to communicate these symptoms to your healthcare provider, as they can provide valuable information regarding the potential need for further intervention.

Regarding your question about the possibility of undergoing a procedure to clear adhesions, many hand surgeons do perform such surgeries, and they can be quite effective in restoring mobility and reducing pain. However, the success of these procedures often depends on the duration of the stiffness and the overall condition of the joint prior to surgery.

In conclusion, it is advisable to seek a consultation with a hand specialist who can provide a comprehensive assessment of your condition. They can discuss the potential benefits and risks of surgical intervention, as well as alternative treatment options. Early intervention is key in managing joint stiffness and improving function, so do not hesitate to pursue further evaluation and treatment. Your quality of life and ability to perform daily activities are important, and there are options available to help you regain function and reduce discomfort.

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