Pelvic Floor Reconstruction

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis for hand and wrist surgery typically involves a combination of methods to pinpoint the exact cause of your symptoms and determine the most appropriate treatment approach. Here's a breakdown of some common diagnostic techniques:

1. Medical history: Your doctor will discuss your symptoms, including their onset, severity, and any aggravating or relieving factors. They will also inquire about your past medical history, occupation, and any previous injuries to the hand or wrist.

2. Physical examination: The doctor will carefully examine your hand and wrist, assessing for tenderness, swelling, deformity, range of motion, and strength. They may also perform specific tests to evaluate nerve function and sensation.

3. Imaging studies: X-rays are often the first-line imaging technique to visualize broken bones, arthritis, and other abnormalities in the bones and joints of the hand and wrist. Depending on the suspected condition, additional imaging like CT scans or MRIs might be used for a more detailed view of bones, soft tissues (tendons, ligaments), and nerves.

4. Diagnostic injections: In some cases, injecting a local anaesthetic into a specific area can temporarily relieve pain and help pinpoint the source of the problem. For example, an anaesthetic injection in the carpal tunnel can temporarily alleviate symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

5. Nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG): These tests measure the electrical activity of nerves and muscles to assess nerve function and identify any damage to nerves or muscles in the hand or wrist.

By combining these diagnostic techniques, your doctor can accurately diagnose the underlying cause of your hand or wrist problems and recommend the most suitable treatment plan, whether it involves surgery, medication, physical therapy, or other options.

PREPARING FOR SURGERY

Here's a breakdown of key steps involved in preparing for hand and wrist surgery:

Pre-operative Consultation

• Detailed discussion with your surgeon: Discuss the surgery itself, potential risks and benefits, and recovery expectations.
• Medical history review: Inform your doctor about any medical conditions, medications you take, and allergies.
• Physical examination: The surgeon will assess your hand and wrist, and may recommend additional tests like X-rays.

Pre-operative Instructions

• Fasting: You'll likely be instructed to avoid eating or drinking anything (except water) for a specific period before surgery (usually 8-12 hours).
• Medications: Your doctor may advise stopping or adjusting certain medications before surgery.
• Blood thinners: If you take blood thinners, your doctor will advise on stopping or adjusting them before surgery to minimize bleeding risks.
• Smoking cessation: Smoking can hinder healing and increase infection risk. Quitting smoking well in advance of surgery is recommended.
• Clothing: Wear loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the surgical site (hand/wrist).
• Transportation and assistance: Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and potentially help you with daily activities during initial recovery.

Additional Considerations

• Showering/Bathing: Inquire about showering or bathing instructions before surgery, and any precautions for keeping the surgical site clean and dry.
• Valuables: Leave valuables at home, as you won't be able to access them easily during post-surgical recovery.
• Exercises: Your doctor might recommend specific hand or wrist exercises to improve flexibility and range of motion before surgery, aiding post-surgical recovery.

Remember, this is a general overview. Your doctor will provide specific instructions tailored to your individual needs and the type of hand and wrist surgery you'll be undergoing.