Hand Surgeries

Expert Hand Surgery Sheffield

Your hands are vital to everyday life—whether you’re typing, lifting, cooking, or simply holding a loved one’s hand. So when pain, stiffness, or restricted movement starts to affect them, it can impact everything you do.

Hand surgery covers a wide range of procedures designed to treat painful or limiting conditions of the hand and fingers. Whether you’re struggling with nerve compression, locked tendons, or tightening of the skin and fascia, these conditions can usually be treated safely and effectively through surgery.

Here in Sheffield, I offer expert care for common hand problems such as Dupuytren’s contracture, trigger finger, and carpal tunnel syndrome. My aim is always to restore comfort, movement, and quality of life—with minimal downtime and excellent outcomes.

What is Dupuytren’s Contracture? (Fasciectomy & Fasciotomy)

Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition where thickened tissue under the skin of the palm tightens and pulls the fingers inward, making it hard to fully open your hand. It typically affects the ring and little fingers but can involve any part of the hand.

There are two main surgical options for treating this:

• Fasciotomy: A minimally invasive procedure where the tight cords are cut to release the fingers.

• Fasciectomy: A more extensive approach where the thickened tissue is surgically removed.

Both aim to restore hand function and reduce tightness. The choice depends on the severity and progression of the contracture, which we’ll discuss in detail during your consultation.

What is Dermofasciectomy?

Dermofasciectomy is a variation of the fasciectomy procedure where both the diseased fascia and the overlying skin are removed. This is typically recommended in more severe or recurring cases of Dupuytren’s, where standard treatments haven’t provided lasting results.

After the removal, a skin graft is used to close the area. Although this is a more involved procedure, it often results in a lower chance of the contracture coming back.

Trigger Finger Release

Trigger finger happens when a tendon in your finger becomes stuck due to inflammation, causing your finger to lock or “snap” when you try to straighten it. It can be painful and frustrating, especially when it interferes with everyday tasks.

Surgical trigger finger release involves a small incision to cut the tight portion of the tendon sheath, allowing the tendon to move freely again. It’s a quick and effective procedure with a high success rate—and most people regain full motion soon after.

Carpal Tunnel Release

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the wrist, leading to numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand—particularly in the thumb, index, and middle fingers.

Carpal tunnel release surgery involves relieving pressure on the nerve by dividing the ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel. It’s a small procedure with a big impact, and many patients experience immediate relief of symptoms and improved hand function.

Who Should Have Hand Surgery?

You might consider hand surgery if you:

• Are experiencing pain, numbness, or reduced hand strength

• Have difficulty with everyday tasks due to stiffness or finger locking

• Are seeing progressive symptoms that no longer respond to non-surgical treatments

• Want to improve mobility and reduce discomfort

• Have been diagnosed with conditions like Dupuytren’s, carpal tunnel, or trigger finger

I’ll help you weigh up the benefits of surgery versus conservative treatment, so you can make an informed decision that feels right for you.

What to Expect When You Have Hand Surgery

Most hand surgeries are done under local or regional anaesthetic and can often be performed as day cases—meaning you can go home the same day. Before surgery, we’ll go through everything together, including the expected outcome, recovery plan, and what to avoid during healing.

The procedures are often short but can have a profound impact on your quality of life—especially when pain or immobility has been a long-standing issue.

Risks of Hand Surgery

As with any operation, hand surgery carries some risks, including:

• Infection

• Bleeding or swelling

• Scarring

• Stiffness or temporary weakness

• Nerve damage (rare)

• Recurrence of the original condition (especially with Dupuytren’s)

We’ll go through all of these thoroughly before your procedure, and I’ll make sure you feel fully informed and confident in your decision.

Hand Surgery Recovery

Recovery times vary depending on the type of surgery. Many people return to light activities within a few days, while others may need a few weeks off—especially for more complex procedures like fasciectomy or dermofasciectomy.

You’ll likely need to wear a bandage or splint for a short period and may be referred for hand therapy to help restore strength and movement. I’ll provide full aftercare instructions and see you for follow-ups to monitor your progress.

Most of my patients are amazed by how quickly they regain comfort and function—many wishing they’d done it sooner!

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What To Expect

Hand surgery is usually a straightforward day procedure, and knowing what to expect can help put your mind at ease. Here’s how the process typically unfolds:

Hand Surgery Questions

Thinking about hand surgery? It’s completely normal to have questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked: