Preparing for Hand Surgery

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Hand Surgery

Hand Specialist | Hand Surgeon | Atlanta | Woodstock | Roswell GAPre-operative preparation is an important part of any surgical procedure, including hand surgery. The patient should be committed to following the surgeon’s instructions as part of the preparation process. Final results in hand surgery or cosmetic surgery procedures are affected, in part, by how well the patient had prepared for it.

A well-prepared patient will be physically and emotionally fit for the surgery and having clear goals and realistic expectations. This boosts their chances of achieving high satisfaction levels from the surgery. Dr. Asaf Yalif is a triple board certified hand surgeon as well as plastic surgeon providing various hand and upper extremity procedures to patients in Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and surrounding communities.

Preparatory Steps

Well before the date of surgery, the patient should start working on the following aspects, and preferably have a part of this information ready even at the time of initial consultation:

  • Arrange for previous health records for a review by the cosmetic surgeon or hand surgeon.
  • Compile a list of all prescription and non-prescription medications, herbal supplements and vitamins that the patient may be currently taking.
  • Get any x-ray, MRI scan or blood test done as advised by the surgeon.
  • Reconfigure the schedule on any prescription drugs in consultation between the physician and the surgeon.
  • Avoid smoking for a few weeks as advised by the surgeon.
  • Complete any major or urgent tasks at the home or office well in advance, in order to have a stress-free recovery time.
  • Arrange for a responsible person to transport the patient back home after the hand surgery or plastic surgery
  • Arrange for aftercare, whether a family member or a professional nurse, for the first few days as needed.

A thorough preparation effort will increase the chances of a safe, comfortable, and faster recovery. Dr. Yalif receives patients from Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and nearby areas for hand surgery.

A Day before the Surgery

The surgeon may provide written or oral instructions to be followed before the scheduled day of hand surgery. These instructions may include:

  • Rest well and sleep early on the night before the hand surgery.
  • Avoid eating or drinking for at least eight hours prior to the surgery.
  • Do not consume alcohol for at least 48 hours before the surgery.
  • Wear comfortable clothing on way to the surgery center. The shirt or top should preferably button in the front.
  • Patients suffering from diabetes or another chronic condition should take their medications with a single sip of water on the morning of the surgery as per the surgeon’s guidance.

Mild pre-operative stress and anxiety is normal and expected, and most patients will go through it. The surgeon may prescribe a medication to keep the patient relaxed on the night before the surgery. The patient should arrange for pain meds, pillows, loose fitting clothes, and other essential items at home in advance. This will put them in a full state of readiness for the recovery phase.

For more information about the plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Asaf Yalif please call us at 404.822.4402 or click here to schedule a consultation. Offices located in Atlanta, Roswell, and Woodstock, Georgia.

Types of Hand Fractures | Roswell Hand Surgery | Woodstock | AtlantaA fracture within the complex hand structures should be correctly diagnosed in order to provide the right treatment. Poor diagnosis or incorrect treatment may result in reduced function, long-term discomfort and even deformity. Hand surgery may be necessary to repair fractures of the hand, wrist or arm in extreme cases.

Dr. Asaf Yalif is a board certified hand surgeon as well as plastic surgeon providing cutting edge treatments for the hand and upper extremity. Patients in Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and surrounding locations have an opportunity to receive treatments from Dr. Yalif.

 

Classification of Fractures

Fractures of the hand may be classified by the angle of force placed on the bone or by the severity of the deformity occurring in the bone.

 

Displaced

In this case, the bone snaps in two and the fractured ends are in alignment.

 

Non-displaced

The bone is cracked, but still maintains a straight alignment at the broken ends.

 

Closed/Simple

The fracture remains confined within the body and does not penetrate through the skin.

 

Open/Compound

The fracture causes the skin to puncture, which significantly increases the risk of infection.

 

Comminuted

In this fracture, the bone is broken into multiple piece.

 

Buckle Fracture

In this case, the ends of the bone are driven into each other, creating compression in the bone.

 

Stress Fracture

This refers to a hairline crack on the bone.

Dr. Yalif has the necessary training and expertise in cosmetic surgery, plastic surgery and hand surgery to provide effective solutions for hand fractures to patients in Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and nearby areas.

 

Common Fractures of the Arm, Hand and Wrist

The majority of fractures related to the arm, hand and wrist come under the following key categories:

 

Distal Radius Fracture (Colles’ Fracture)

This fracture is usually caused when a person falls onto the outstretched arm. It leads to a break in the radius or forearm bone, usually about an inch above the wrist. An intra-articular fracture will extend into the joint, while an extra-articular fracture will not.

 

Distal Ulna Fracture

This fracture is similar to a distal radius fracture, but it involves a fracture of the ulna, which is the second forearm bone.

 

Fracture of the Finger

Even a minor fracture of the finger should be treated in a timely manner to avoid risks such as long-term stiffness, misalignment, pain and impairment of function.

 

Hand Fracture

Long bones of the hand, known as the metacarpals, may break to cause a fracture that accounts for one-third of all hand fractures. A ‘boxer’s fracture’ may occur in the fifth bone of the hand leading to the little finger.

 

Scaphoid Fracture

The scaphoid is a small wrist bone, located where the wrist is bending on the thumb side. This fracture may commonly occur when a person falls onto the palm of the hand.

 

Thumb Fracture

The thumb has vital role in the function of the hand, which makes it important to address even small thumb injury quickly. Thumb injuries can also increase the risk of arthritis. Thumb is made up of several tiny bones, and most severe fractures of the thumb usually occur near the joints.

For more information about the plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Asaf Yalif please call us at 404.822.4402 or click here to schedule a consultation. Offices located in Atlanta, Roswell, and Woodstock, Georgia.

Repetitive Hand Motion Injury | Roswell Hand Surgeon | WoodstockRepetitive motion injuries are among the most common injuries, which typically worsen due to the repetitive actions of everyday life. Particularly, with the widespread use of computers and mobile devices, the incidence of repetitive hand motion injuries has gone up. In extreme cases, hand surgery may have to be performed to correct these injuries.

Repetitive hand motion injuries may also occur due to simple actions such as scrubbing a floor or throwing a ball. More than half of all athletic-related injuries arise due to repetitive motion. Dr. Asaf Yalif is a qualified hand surgeon and plastic surgeon providing treatments for repetitive hand motion injuries to patients in Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and surrounding locations.

 

Types of Repetitive Hand Motion Injuries

Tendinitis and bursitis are the two most commonly types of repetitive hand motion injuries. It can be difficult to distinguish between these disorders and in many cases they may occur at the same time.

 

Tendinitis

A tendon is fibrous tissue connecting the muscle to bone. It enables movement in the joints in every part of the body. When an inflammation occurs in the tendon, it is a case of tendinitis. Elbow, such as a tennis elbow, and biceps and shoulders are common sites for tendinitis.

The inflammation usually takes place at the site of insertion into the bone. Tendons run through a lubricating sheath, which may also get inflamed. This condition is called tenosynovitis. Tenosynovitis is very similar to tendinitis, and is treated in a similar way.

Carpal tunnel syndrome, the most common compression nerve disorder, may occur due to tenosynovitis of the wrist. However, this cause-effect relationship has not been conclusively established. Dr. Yalif is a cosmetic surgery, plastic surgery and hand surgery expert providing treatments for tendinitis to patients in Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and nearby areas.

 

Bursitis

A bursa is a tiny sac or pouch present in an area where friction may occur and serves to lubricate or cushion the area between the bone and tendon. Inflammation of a bursa sac is known as bursitis. The elbow is one of the common areas where bursitis can occur. Bursitis may be traumatic, gouty or infectious in nature. Repetitive motion injuries are usually involved with traumatic bursitis. This is the most common type of bursitis among people below 35 years.

 

Causes of Repetitive Hand Motion Injuries

These injuries occur due to microscopic tears in the tissue. When the body fails to repair the tears as fast as they occur, it will create inflammation, and lead to pain. Repetitive activity, trauma, friction, systemic disease, and crystal deposits are the common causes of repetitive hand motion injuries. The hand surgeon will determine the precise cause before recommending appropriate treatment for these injuries.

 

Symptoms of Repetitive Hand Motion Injuries

Tendinitis: Pain over the injury site is the most common symptom associated with tendinitis. The skin overlying the inflamed tendon may become warm and red.

Biceps: The painful spot may be in the groove where the arm meets the shoulder.

Tennis elbow: This pain is in the elbow and is reproduced by extending the wrist.

Bursitis: Common symptoms include pain, tenderness, redness, swelling, and decreased range of motion over the affected area.

For more information about the plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Asaf Yalif please call us at 404.822.4402 or click here to schedule a consultation. Offices located in Atlanta, Roswell, and Woodstock, Georgia.

What Causes Pain in Arthritis? | Woodstock | Hand Surgeon | RoswellPain is a symptom that informs a person that there is a problem in the body. It is never a good idea to ignore this signal. In case of arthritis, the pain is usually concentrated in the joint areas. This pain can be dull, sharp, stinging, or giving a feeling of tightness with significant discomfort.

Dr. Asaf Yalif  is a cosmetic surgery and hand surgery expert providing treatments for a wide range of conditions, including arthritis pain. Dr. Yalif is a board certified plastic surgeon as well as hand surgeon receiving patients from Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and surrounding locations.

 

Key Causes of Joint Pain

Some of the common causes of joint pain include the following:

  • Inflammation occurring in the tissues in the joints, which could be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis
  • The cartilage becoming worn off and the lubricating fluid in the joint getting depleted, which will result in the bones rubbing against each other with every movement – a sign of osteoarthritis
  • Build-up of uric acid crystals in the joint, causing inflammation – a sign of gout

The patient should get in touch with a surgeon or another medical professional with experience in addressing pain conditions related to arthritis.

 

Acute Arthritis Pain

Acute pain arising due to any reason will usually last for a short while. This could be anything ranging from a few seconds when a person gets burned or injured, to a few weeks, as in a back strain. The treatment for acute pain is primarily pain relieving medications such as opioids, analgesics or NSAIDs. In arthritis and related conditions, acute pain will occur during flare-ups when the disease is highly active.

 

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain lasts longer and occurs persistently for at least three to six months. In some cases, the chronic pain will last for a lifetime. Most arthritic pain is chronic. The cause of this pain in rheumatoid and other inflammatory types of arthritis is ongoing inflammation. This could be a result of the immune system attacking the body’s own tissue. In osteoarthritis, this pain is caused due to mechanical damage to the affected bones.

Chronic pain over time can produce neurological changes, which can make the pain increasingly rooted and more difficult to treat. The continuing inflammation and the damaged created by arthritis will make it hard for the body to switch off the pain response over time. This is the cause of ongoing in chronic arthritis patients even when the underlying issue has been treated.

This kind of pain may be treated with drugs that help maintain chemical balance in the brain. Anti-convulsants and anti-depressants are included in such drugs. Experienced hand surgeon and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Yalif provides arthritis pain treatments to patients in Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and nearby areas.

 

Body Weight

Excess body weight can make a significant impact on the degree of pain a patient experiences from arthritis. The pressure on the joints increases due to extra body weight, particularly in the knee, feet, and hip areas. Losing weight can reduce stress on the joints and decrease pain.

For more information about the plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Asaf Yalif please call us at 404.822.4402 or click here to schedule a consultation. Offices located in Atlanta, Roswell, and Woodstock, Georgia.

What is Tendonitis of the Wrist? | Woodstock Plastic Surgery | RoswellProblems related to the hands or wrists may not always be addressed with cosmetic surgery, and may require specialized treatment. One such condition is wrist tendonitis, which is a common problem marked by inflammation and irritation of the tendons around the wrist joint.

Dr. Asaf Yalif is a trained hand surgeon as well as plastic surgeon providing cutting edge procedures to treatment conditions such as wrist tendonitis. Dr. Yalif provides these treatments to patients in Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and surrounding locations.

 

Where does it Occur?

Many tendons surround the wrist joint. Wrist tendonitis will generally occur in one of these tendons, but it may also involve multiple tendons in some cases. Wrist tendonitis often occurs at points where the tendons cross each other or pass over a bony area.

The tendon sheaths contain a fluid called synovial fluid. When this fluid becomes inflamed, the condition of tenosynovitis or tendonitis is created. Although any tendon can become symptomatic, but tendonitis usually occurs in a few specific tendons as an outcome of the anatomy and the specific hand-related activities an individual performs.

 

Symptoms

Pain in the wrist is the most common symptom of wrist tendonitis. Other key symptoms include:

  • Swelling in the wrist area
  • Redness and warmth of the tendons
  • Grinding sensation when the tendons move

The hand surgery and plastic surgery expert will diagnose wrist tendonitis by identifying the characteristic signs. Depending on the specific tendon that is inflamed, the surgeon may perform tests that involve stretching of the specific tendons to locate the exact source of inflammation. Dr. Yalif receives patients from Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and nearby areas for wrist tendonitis treatment.

 

Treatments

The provider may recommend an appropriate treatment plan to address the condition of wrist tendonitis:

Immobilization

The wrist may be placed in a cast or splint as a first step. When the painful tendon is rested, the inflammation will usually go down.

 

Ice Pack Application

Ice therapy may be used to cool inflammation and stimulate blood flow to the area of tendonitis. The earlier this treatment is start, the more effective it may be.

 

Anti-inflammatory Drugs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help to manage pain symptoms, and more importantly, help to treat the wrist tendonitis. The medications can reduce swelling and inflammation of the soft tissue.

 

Cortisone Injection

In case of a severe condition of wrist tendonitis, cortisone injections may be recommended. This is a powerful anti-inflammatory treatment that involves directly delivery of the medication into the site of inflammation. The extent of treatment should be carefully monitored because it has steroids.

 

Surgery

When all other treatment approaches prove to be ineffective in resolving the wrist tendonitis, surgery may be the only option left. Surgery can be used to release the area of tight tendon sheath that is causing the difficult and painful tendon movements.

Sometimes the surgeon may decide to remove the inflammatory tissue in order to create extra space for the tendon to move freely. Patients should also discuss with the surgeon about steps to prevent future flare-ups of wrist tendonitis.

For more information about the plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Asaf Yalif please call us at 404.822.4402 or click here to schedule a consultation. Offices located in Atlanta, Roswell, and Woodstock, Georgia.

Hand Surgery Risks and Safety Information | Roswell | WoodstockAny cosmetic surgery or another surgical procedure will typically involve certain basic risks. The same also applies to hand surgery, which is a complex procedure that should only be performed by a highly trained and experienced surgeon. The surgeon will discuss about the risks and safety information during the pre-operative consultation to ensure that the patient makes a well-considered decision.

Dr. Asaf Yalif is a leading hand surgeon as well as board certified plastic surgeon providing cutting edge procedures to patients in Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and surrounding locations. Dr. Yalif enjoys an outstanding track record of success in hand surgery and various other procedures, and is able to minimize the risk by using the latest, proven surgical techniques combined with his advanced skills.

 

Common Risks

The patient will be required to sign consent forms before any plastic surgery or hand surgery procedure to ensure that they are fully clear about the procedure they will undergo and the potential risks and complications that may be associated with it. Some of the risks that are common to hand surgery and other surgeries include:

  • Excessive bleeding or hematoma
  • Blood clot formation
  • Infection during or after the surgery
  • Adverse reaction to anesthesia
  • Skin contour irregularities
  • Altered skin sensation
  • Unfavorable scarring
  • Persistent swelling in the hand
  • Skin discoloration
  • Poor healing of the incision areas
  • Allergies to suture materials, glue, tape, topical preparations, blood products or injected agents
  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Cardiac and pulmonary malfunction
  • Damage to nerves, muscles, blood vessels
  • Unresolved pain
  • Possibility of revision hand surgery

An experienced cosmetic surgeon will be able to minimize risks during surgery by operating in a completely sterile environment, performing the procedure will precision, keeping the incisions discreet and minimal, and following the latest safety protocols at every step.

The surgeon will also provide detailed safety and care instructions to the patient for the post-operative recovery phase. If the patient adheres to these instructions carefully, the post-operative risks will be minimized. Dr. Yalif receives patients from Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and nearby areas for hand surgery and various other procedures.

 

Specific Risks

Specific risks associated with hand surgery may include:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome recurrence or non-improvement
  • Failure of tendon repair and inability to restore function
  • Retraction of cut tendons, requiring additional incisions
  • Recurrent tendon scarring
  • Tenolysis
  • Abnormal tendon position
  • Rupture of tendon
  • Trigger finger
  • Wound breakdown
  • Seroma formation

Additional incisions may be required where scarring has occurred. In some cases, new incisions may have to be made to release scar tissue that may be limiting tendon motion.

 

Minimizing the Risk

Hand surgery is a very personal decision, and the patient should take the decision after acquiring a complete understanding of the potential risks and complications. Clear communication and trust between the patient and the surgeon, meticulous surgical planning, skillful execution in the operating room, and diligent follow-up during recovery will ensure a very high rate of success in hand surgery procedures.

 

For more information about the plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Asaf Yalif please call us at 404.822.4402 or click here to schedule a consultation. Offices located in Atlanta, Roswell, and Woodstock, Georgia.

Your Hand Surgery Consultation | Hand Surgeon | Woodstock | RoswellPre-op consultation is a vital aspect of any cosmetic surgery, reconstructive or corrective surgical procedure. It allows both the patient and the surgeon to develop a clear understanding of the condition. The surgeon will create a customized treatment plan based on the engagement with the patient during this consultation process.

Dr. Asaf Yalif is a board certified plastic surgeon with additional advanced expertise in the areas of orthopedic surgery and hand surgery. Dr. Yalif provides various surgical and non-surgical procedures to patients in Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and surrounding locations.

 

Health Evaluation

The safety and success of any plastic surgery or hand surgery procedure will depend to an extent on how candidly the patient shares information about their past and present health conditions, habits and lifestyle. The surgeon will need to know the patient’s medical history, previous surgeries, current medical conditions, ongoing treatments, and known drug allergies, if any.

If the patient is using any prescription medications, herbal supplements, or vitamins, they must inform the surgeon during the consultation. The surgeon will also need to know about the patient’s use of tobacco, alcohol or drugs, and will advise restrictions related to these.

The hand condition of the patient will be examined in detail to determine the course of treatment and assess the risk factors. If required, the surgeon may decide to perform a few diagnostic tests to clearly define the problem. Information about the likely results, and any potential side effects, risk or complications will also be shared with the patient.

Some surgeons may require the patient to fill a detailed questionnaire to ensure all aspects of health assessment are covered in an exhaustive manner. The pain level, physical limitations of the hand, and progression of the hand pain and problems will be evaluated. The surgeon may like to know about specific hand-related activities that the patient finds difficult to perform.

The surgeon will need information on any pre-existing conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, anemia, obesity, diabetes and hypertension. The patient should inform if these existing medical conditions have changed recently. The treatment plan can be impacted due to these conditions.

 

X-ray and MRI

X-rays will be performed as a part of pre-operative consultation process to know details about the health of the hand and extremities. A set of x-rays to examine the wrist may also be requested. The surgeon will compare the x-rays with any x-rays from the past and other health evaluation results. This will help them determine how the hand has undergone a change or has deteriorated over time.

In some cases, an MRI may be requested to look at the inner hand structures more closely. If there are any infections or tendon issues or other complications, these may be assessed with the help of MRI. Leading cosmetic surgeon and hand surgeon Dr. Yalif receives patients from Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and nearby areas for hand surgery.

The surgeon will also discuss about the patient’s personal health and aesthetic needs and goals, and incorporate these into the treatment plan.

For more information about the plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Asaf Yalif please call us at 404.822.4402 or click here to schedule a consultation. Offices located in Atlanta, Roswell, and Woodstock, Georgia.

What is Trigger Finger? | Atlanta Hand Specialist | Roswell |WoodstockTrigger finger is a painful condition wherein a bent finger or thumb gets locked and then intermittently snaps back to a straight alignment. The motion is akin to pulling and releasing a trigger, which gives it the name “trigger finger.” The condition may require hand or cosmetic surgery in exceptional cases, while mostly it can be treated non-surgically.

Dr. Asaf Yalif is triple board certified in orthopedic surgery, hand surgery, and plastic surgery. Dr. Yalif is a highly trained and experienced surgeon providing treatments for conditions such as trigger finger. Patients in Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and surrounding locations have an opportunity to receive treatments from Dr. Yalif.

 

Symptoms

People suffering from a trigger finger will commonly experience the following symptoms:

  • Pain and discomfort
  • Irritation
  • A popping or clicking sensation when flexing or extending the digit
  • A digit locked in a bent or straight position

The cosmetic surgeon and hand surgeon will advise the appropriate treatment for trigger finger according to the severity of symptoms. Advanced cases may need surgical release of the trigger finger to widen the constricted part of the pulley that is preventing the tendon from sliding smoothly. Leading plastic surgeon Dr. Yalif receives patients from Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and nearby areas for trigger finger.

 

Treatment Options

Medications

NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen may provide relief from the pain and discomfort. However, these are temporary solutions and may not provide relief from the swelling constricting the tendon sheath or trapping the tendon.

 

Non-invasive Therapy

  • The patient may be advised to take adequate rest and avoid activities that require repeated grasping or gripping or prolonged use of vibrating handheld machinery for about one month.
  • Icing the palm several times a day may provide relief to some people, while some others may benefit more from warm water soaks.
  • The surgeon may recommend wearing a splint at night to keep the affected finger in an extended position for up to six weeks. Splinting will help rest the tendon and prevent the curling of fingers into a fist while sleeping.
  • Gentle stretching exercises may be performed to support mobility in the finger.

 

Steroid Injections

In more severe cases, injections of steroid medications may be placed in the tendon sheath to reduce inflammation and enable the tendon to glide freely. The treatment is effective in up to 90 percent of non-diabetic patients. Diabetics may benefit from it only in about half the cases. Repeat injection may be needed in some cases.

 

Percutaneous Release

The surgeon will numb the palm and then insert a sturdy needle into the tissue around the affected tendon. The needle will be moved along with the finger will help disrupt the constriction that is blocking the tendon’s smooth motion. The procedure may sometimes be performed under ultrasound control.

 

Surgery

In extreme cases, the surgeon will work through a small incision near the base of the affected finger. The constricted section of the tendon sheath will be corrected through the incision. The procedure is usually performed at a surgical room.

 

For more information about the plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Asaf Yalif please call us at 404.822.4402 or click here to schedule a consultation. Offices located in Atlanta, Roswell, and Woodstock, Georgia.

Atlanta Hand Specialist - Expert Treatments for Arthritis | Roswell GAArthritis is a common condition afflicting millions of people. Inflammation in one or more joints occurs in this condition, leading to cartilage deterioration. The condition may require orthopedic and plastic surgery in extreme cases. A degenerative disease such as arthritis should be treated only by an expert to receive safe and successful results.

Dr. Asaf Yalif holds the distinction of being triple board certified in hand surgery, orthopedic surgery and cosmetic surgery. Dr. Yalif’s insights and experience in soft tissue, joint and bone related problems such as arthritis enable him to offer customized treatment options. He provides various procedures to patients in Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and surrounding locations.

 

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis leads to irritation and inflammation in joints, causing cartilage damage. With this damage, the bones begin to rub directly against each other, and their movement becomes restricted and painful. Arthritis must be treated by a qualified hand surgeon or another orthopedic or cosmetic surgeon with expertise in treating this condition. If arthritis is left unchecked, it can result in severe discomfort, immobilization, and impairment.

 

Types of Arthritis

There are many types of arthritis, but two of the most common forms are:

 

Osteoarthritis

This is the most common type of arthritis. It is also known as wear and tear arthritis or degenerative arthritis because the affected cartilage is worn down by repeated joint movement over a period of time.

 

Rheumatoid Arthritis

This is an autoimmune disease, in which the body’s own defense system attacks the joints. It leads to the joints becoming irritated and inflamed, and eventually resulting in decay and degeneration.

Dr. Yalif is a leading plastic surgeon receiving patients from Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and nearby areas for arthritis and other conditions.

 

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical

Non-surgical treatments are the first line of defense against the degeneration of bone and cartilage. It may include treating the symptoms with pain medication and altered lifestyle. Injectable drugs such as steroids or anti-inflammatories and immobilization, splinting, and physical therapy may also be used. Non-surgical options may not work when the degeneration has progressed to a point where the joints are severely damaged or unresponsive to non-surgical solutions.

 

Surgical

A number of surgical treatment options are available to treat severe forms of arthritis. During the pre-operative consultations, the surgeon will evaluate the patient’s condition and their personal goals. Based on these inputs, a customized surgical plan will be created to achieve maximum benefit in a minimally invasive manner.

Advanced, less invasive arthroscopic techniques are commonly used to treat arthritic joints. In more severe cases of joint damage and cartilage deterioration, traditional open surgery may be performed. Open surgery will be more invasive, involving a longer recovery period.

Surgery is usually required for one or more of the following four purposes: cartilage repair and regeneration, joint reconstruction, joint fusion and joint replacement. If arthritis was caused due to a specific disease, the treatment may have to be more specific. The surgeon will discuss various treatment options with the patient and provide most effective surgical and non-surgical solutions.

For more information about the plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Asaf Yalif please call us at 404.822.4402 or click here to schedule a consultation. Offices located in Atlanta, Roswell, and Woodstock, Georgia.

Hand Arthritis: When do I need Surgery? | Roswell | Woodstock |SurgeonAging effects in the hands can be improved with cosmetic surgery, but a degenerative condition such as hand arthritis will require functional corrections from a hand specialist. A specialist will be able to evaluate the condition accurately and recommend the most appropriate treatments, which may sometimes include surgery.

Dr. Asaf Yalif is triple board certified in plastic surgery, hand surgery and orthopedics. Dr. Yalif has a deep understanding of the hand anatomy, and offers cutting edge solutions for conditions such as hand arthritis. He provides various surgical and non-surgical treatments of the hand to patients in Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and surrounding locations.

 

What is Hand Arthritis?

According to leading experts in orthopedic surgery of the hand, arthritis is a common condition that can afflict most people as they age. An experienced cosmetic surgeon with specialization in hand treatments will be able to offer a range of treatment options to a patient of hand arthritis, and will carefully determine whether surgery is needed.

Arthritis involves inflammation of the joints, which occurs when the cartilage wears down. Cartilage is the Teflon-like coating of the joints, which can wear due to aging, over-use, heredity or other factors. Osteoarthritis of the hand is a commonly occurring form of the disease, which is also called “wear and tear” arthritis.

A typical joint comprises two cartilage-covered bone surfaces that glide smoothly against each other. Arthritis occurs when irregularities emerge between these smooth surfaces and their gliding function is compromised. While arthritis can happen in any area of the body, it is more visible when it affects the hands and fingers.

Dr. Yalif is an experienced plastic surgeon and hand surgeon providing safe, proven and effective treatments for hand arthritis. He will offer surgical solutions in extreme cases where less invasive treatments cannot help. Dr. Yalif receives patients from Atlanta, Roswell, Woodstock, and nearby areas.

 

Need for Surgery

Hand surgery will be used when all other treatment options fail to provide reasonable relief from pain to a patient of hand arthritis. According to researchers, only about one in six to eight patients with hand arthritis may immediately choose surgery because they would first like to try less invasive alternatives. In many cases, the surgeon may be able to avoid or delay the hand surgery.

If the patient suffers from an advanced hand arthritis condition, or does not respond to non-surgical solutions, the surgeon may recommend surgical reconstruction. If the patient is unable to have sound sleep due to persistent pain in the hand, it is a sign that an appointment with the hand surgeon should be made.

In a large number of cases, pain relief is the key reason for performing hand surgery. Patient feedback is critical to this decision because the patient usually knows the best about their pain level. Patients should be forthcoming about their pain condition with the surgeon.

A wide range of surgical techniques are available today to address hand arthritis. The surgeon’s goal is to restore maximum hand function and eliminate or minimize pain to a tolerable level.

For more information about the plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Asaf Yalif please call us at 404.822.4402 or click here to schedule a consultation. Offices located in Atlanta, Roswell, and Woodstock, Georgia.

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