tendon

tendon

Tendonitis

What is it? Inflammation or irritation of a tendon, the thick fibrous cords that attach muscle to bone. Common types in the upper extremity include De Quervain’s tenosynovitis (thumb side of the wrist) and Tennis Elbow.

Common Symptoms: A dull ache, tenderness, and mild swelling around the affected tendon.

Our Approach: Our focus is on reducing inflammation and allowing the tendon to heal. This typically involves rest, splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, and specialized hand therapy. Corticosteroid injections can be very effective for providing relief. Surgery is rarely needed but is an option for chronic cases that do not respond to conservative care.

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dupu

dupu

Dupuytren's Contracture

What is it? A hand deformity that usually develops over years. The condition affects a layer of tissue that lies under the skin of your palm (fascia). Knots of tissue form under the skin, eventually creating a thick cord that can pull one or more fingers into a bent position.

Common Symptoms: Thickening of the skin on the palm, painless lumps or nodules, and cords of tissue that pull fingers (most commonly the ring and pinky fingers) toward the palm.

Our Approach: Treatment depends on the severity of the contracture. For early stages, we monitor progress. For more advanced cases that limit function, Dr. Traverso offers multiple solutions, including enzyme injections (collagenase) to dissolve the cord and minimally invasive surgical procedures to release it, restoring finger extension.

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hand-wrist

hand-wrist

Hand, Wrist & Forearm Fractures

What is it? A fracture is a broken bone. These are common injuries affecting the many bones in the hand, wrist (like the distal radius), and forearm, often resulting from falls or direct trauma.

Common Symptoms: Severe pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, and inability to move the hand or wrist.

Our Approach: Accurate diagnosis with X-rays or CT scans is critical. Dr. Traverso specializes in both non-surgical and surgical management. Many fractures can be treated with custom casting or splinting. For more complex fractures, Dr. Traverso uses advanced surgical techniques, including plates and screws, to precisely realign the bone and ensure optimal healing and functional recovery.

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arthritus

arthritus

Arthritis of the Hand & Wrist

What is it? Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints, causing pain and stiffness. In the hand, it can be debilitating, affecting the small joints of the fingers and the base of the thumb (rhizarthrosis).

Common Symptoms: Joint pain, stiffness (especially in the morning), swelling, limited range of motion, and a grinding sensation during movement.

Our Approach: Our goal is to manage pain and preserve function. Treatment plans are highly personalized, starting with activity modification, splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, and targeted injections (Steroid, PRP). For advanced cases, Dr. Traverso performs state-of-the-art procedures like joint replacement and fusion to relieve pain and restore stability.

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nerve

Nerve Injuries

What is it? Damage to the nerves of the hand and arm, which can result from pressure (compression), stretching, or cutting. This includes conditions like cubital tunnel syndrome and traumatic nerve lacerations.

Common Symptoms: Numbness, a “pins and needles” feeling, weakness, or sharp, burning pain in the area supplied by the nerve.

Our Approach: Dr. Traverso’s expertise in microvascular and nerve surgery is critical here. After a thorough diagnosis, treatment may range from splinting for mild compression to complex surgical procedures for severe injuries. These can include nerve decompression, direct nerve repair, nerve grafts, and tendon transfers to restore lost function.

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