Specialists Discuss The Hand At Medical Town Meeting

DANBURY — Our hands, particularly our thumbs, separate us from other mammals.  Despite the advantages of having highly versatile hand capability, some complications can arise. 

Dr  Sohel Islam, Danbury Hospital department of surgery, section of plastic surgery, and practicing physician at Advanced Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery, spoke of tendonitis along with several other injuries. Tendonitis can reveal symptoms of swelling, clicking, locking, and pain over the effected tendon.  Such injuries that typically occur from overuse rarely require surgery.

Dr  John Thomas, Danbury Hospital department of surgery, section of orthopedic surgery and practicing physician at The Hand Center of Western Connecticut, elaborated on thumb function and arthritis. 

According to Dr  Thomas, “The hand is the number one part of the body injured, which makes up 30 percent of all emergency room visits.” 

Aside from being the second most mobile joint, the thumb is very susceptible to pinching pressure placed on it by the index finger.  Arthritis can dramatically affect the thumb’s mobility, strength, and range of motion.   

Dr  John Lunt, Danbury Hospital department of surgery, section of orthopedic surgery, and also a practicing physician at The Hand Center of Western Connecticut, differentiated between the facts and misconceptions of carpal tunnel syndrome. Despite popular belief, carpal tunnel syndrome does not cause severe disability, always require surgery, involve a long recovery, or is very expensive to treat.

Although certain factors for predisposition are still unknown Dr Lunt said, “Sometimes there is nothing you can do to avoid it.” 

Once a patient has been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, he/she runs the risk of being more susceptible to other conditions such as trigger finger.

Director of the Hand Program at the Danbury Hospital Center for Advanced Orthopedic Care, department of surgery, section of orthopedics, and practicing physician at Danbury Orthopedic Associates, Dr  Joseph DiGiovanni, spoke of hand “lumps and bumps”. 

These growths, also known as ganglion, may require surgical removal. Dr  DiGiovanni’s piece of advice was, “If it doesn’t hurt, leave it alone.”  Surprisingly 98 percent of all growths are benign.

Laurie Plaut OT, MHA, and certified hand and lymphedemia therapist at the Danbury Hospital Main Street Physical Rehabilitation Center, educated the audience on assisted devices that help arthritis stricken patients. 

These devices enable patients to perform daily functions such as effectively use scissors or open jars without causing pain or risking further injury to the effected site. Ms Plaut also spoke of the treatments and modalities used on post operative patients which included splinting and exercise.

For more information, visit danburyhospital.org.