Hand, Wrist and Elbow surgery

We currently have four consultant hand, wrist and elbow surgeons working at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. These are Mr Southgate, Mr O'Connor, Mr Richards and Miss Higgins. A dedicated team of surgeons support the consultants and will ensure you receive the best treatment possible.

The types of procedures we offer are outlined below:

Joint replacement for elbow, wrist and finger joints

Joint replacement involves removing arthritic bone and replacing it with metal implants. This is usually performed under a general anaesthetic with no inpatient stay required.

Elbow and wrist arthroscopy

In an arthroscopy, a small telescope is inserted into the relevant area to examine it. Some types of treatment can be given at the same time. This procedure is normally carried out under general anaesthetic with no inpatient stay required.

Carpal tunnel decompression and other nerve compression syndromes

Carpal tunnel release surgery involves dividing the carpal ligament to relieve pressure and ease symptoms. The procedure is usually carried out as a day procedure using local anaesthetic.

Dupuytren's contracture

Dupuytren's is a condition where a type of scar tissue forms on the palm and in the fingers, causing the fingers to contract and curl round into the palm. Surgery is aimed at correcting the deformity of the hand and removing the Dupuytren's tissue. Hand therapy is needed following the operation and is provided as an outpatient service.

Thumb base arthritis

Arthritis is a very common condition. Occasionally medicines or steroid injections can control the symptoms of arthritis, though sometimes surgery is required. There are often many different procedures that can be done, so these options will be discussed if surgery is appropriate.

Trigger finger

Trigger finger is caused by a thickening of the tendon that allows the fingers to bend. Surgery is required if an initial steroid injection is unsuccessful. The procedure involves making a small cut to prevent the tendon catching. This can be done under local anaesthetic.

Soft tissue lumps (ganglions) and tumours

A ganglion is a fluid filled sac connected either to a tendon lining or a joint. Sometimes surgery is needed if they become too painful and this is done through arthroscopy (keyhole surgery).

Fusion of joints for arthritis

In fusion surgery, the operation is intended to stop movement of the wrist, but not prevent rotation of the forearm. Cartilage is removed from the bones and bone grafts are placed around the joints. The bones are then held in place by plates and screws. In a partial fusion, a few small bones are removed, and a smaller plate is used to stabilise the remaining bones. These operations are normally carried out under general anaesthetic, though occasionally a regional anaesthetic is used, and an inpatient stay isn’t usually needed.

Ligament reconstructions

During wrist or thumb ligament reconstruction, an incision will be made over the area affected. The ligament will be repaired directly or by using another tendon, and often small bone anchors, to secure the repair. This procedure is normally carried out under general anaesthetic and an inpatient stay isn’t usually needed.

Trapeziectomy

The trapezium is a small bone in the wrist at the base of the thumb. This can be commonly affected by arthritis. A trapeziectomy procedure is the removal of this bone with the aim of providing pain relief.