Why is managing complex hand injuries so... complex?

Hand surgeons perform a wide variety of operations, some of which include fracture repairs, as well as nerve, tendon and ligament repairs, tendon transfers, replanting digits and skin grafting. They also perform nerve decompression and releases.

At The Centre, P.C. our three, board certified plastic surgeons work closely with their team of hand therapists to ensure maximum functional return for the patient. Immediately following an injury, the patients are sent to the surgeons where a treatment plan is ordered. If the patient is in need of further diagnostics it is ordered and read by the treating physician that day. A FlouroScan unit is available in the office to assist in their assessment.

The Centre, P.C. provides on-site therapy which allows the patient to be seen following their doctor’s appointment for emergent wound care or custom made splinting.

At The Centre, P.C. the physicians work closely with the patient’s employer, nurse case manager and family members. The team may also include a psychiatrist or psychologist. Many times after suffering a traumatic hand injury the patient has difficulty dealing with their loss and feels a sense of hopelessness. If these feelings are not addressed by the appropriate medical professionals it can and does affect the patient’s overall outcome.

Maximizing function with a safe and timely return to work, independence in daily activities and participation in avocational interests is our ultimate treatment goal.

At The Centre, P.C. the physicians will make every effort to return the patient back to work. In most cases, the patient is able to return to work with limited use while continuing therapy. The goal for the patient is always a full return to work without restrictions. However, there are several factors that can influence the patient from returning to his job.

If the employer is able to accommodate the employee with limited use of the injured hand, the patient usually will return 1-2 days following the injury/surgery.

Many of the patients we treat at The Centre have a complex injury. This type of injury can involve nerves, tendons, open wounds and fractures. Therefore, the length of treatment and return to unrestricted work is largely dependent on the severity of the injury. Other contributing factors can be unrelated medical issues, cigarette smoking or noncompliance.

Ensuring a safe and functional return to work for the complex hand injury requires a team dedicated to the same goal. At The Centre, P.C. we are committed to working as a team to ensure this goal while providing high skill set managed care.