Hand and Wrist Surgery

Hand and wrist injuries should never be ignored

With all the bones, ligaments, tendons, blood vessels, and joints required to keep the wrists and hands supple, there is ample opportunity for injury. Some of the most common hand and wrist injuries include:

Hand and wrist injuries can occur from any number of common occurrences, including hand injuries from boxing or at work, a wrist injury from golf or tennis, or traumatic accidents.

The treatment plan for the hand and wrist issues depends on the injury’s location, type, duration, and severity. My team of plastic surgeons and I will determine the best surgical procedures for your specific condition. We take into account short-term and long-term damage, deformities, range of motion, stiffness, abnormalities, and the overall appearance of the hand.

As a talented hand surgeon, I completed my fellowship in hand surgery and microsurgery — meaning the delicate procedures required to return the full use of your hand are my specialty. If your hand injury has resulted in amputation of a digit, reconstructive microsurgical replantation (reattachment) repairs and rebuilds bone, skin, and nerves.

What hand and wrist treatments are there?

As a reconstructive surgeon, I have to know many hand and wrist surgeries, as well as which surgery is best for which problem. These are just a few of the surgeries I perform.

Carpal tunnel surgery

Carpal tunnel syndrome is an orthopedic ailment caused by pressure on the median nerve. This nerve passes through a narrow passage surrounded by small bones, soft tissue, and ligaments on the palm side of the hand. When the nerve is compressed, symptoms can include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand or arm – affecting your quality of life.

Common causes include the anatomy of the wrist, health problems, and repetitive hand motions.

Hand and Wrist Reconstructive Surgery

In an outpatient surgery setting, I cut the wrist nerve and release the tension. After a carpal tunnel release, the nerve grows back, and the hand should return to normal and remain pain-free. Physical therapy with a hand therapist is often suggested after surgery.

If you’re prone to carpal tunnel and work at a computer, a splint may be beneficial. Available from drug stores or health care providers, a splint supports the wrist, preventing future strain or compression.

Drainage and debridement surgeries

Treatment for hand infections may include rest, heat, elevation, antibiotics, and surgical techniques. If there is a sore or abscess on the hand, surgical drainage may help remove any pus. If the infection or wound is severe, debridement may be used to clean dead and contaminated tissue from the wound. This prevents further infection and helps promote healing with a better blood supply.

Occasionally, skin grafts or flap surgery are used by taking skin from another part of the body.

Hand infections

Hand infections are, unfortunately, an everyday occurrence. There are multiple types and causes of infections of the hand. Therefore, the treatment of these infections varies. It is important to recognize that serious long-term complications can occur if hand infections are not properly treated. Early and aggressive treatment of hand infections is essential.

Hand infections can cause severe problems that persist even after the infection has resolved. These symptoms include:

  • wrist and hand pain
  • stiffness
  • loss of strength
  • swelling

In a worst-case scenario, injection may lead to loss of tissues such as skin, nerves, and bone that may require surgical amputation.

Surgery may include simply opening the infected area to promote drainage. Or it may require the removal of highly infected, devitalized, or dead tissue to reduce the number of bacteria and allow the antibiotics a chance to work.

A sample of the infected tissue from surgery can be sent for laboratory testing to determine the responsible bacteria. Additional testing of the infection in the laboratory can determine what antibiotics are effective or ineffective against the organism.

Removal of foreign bodies

If you have a wound and feel like there’s something in your hand, a doctor should look at it. The presence of wood, vegetative material, graphite, and pain indicates a foreign body that needs removal. We can use X-rays to locate foreign bodies for removal, and ultrasonography for more advanced localization these foreign bodies. Injuries at high risk of infection include organic foreign bodies or dirty wounds.

These should be treated immediately with plain water irrigation and complete removal of retained fragments. If a patient presents with an infected wound, the possibility of a retained foreign body should be considered.

Hand and Wrist Reconstructive Surgery

Treating De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

If it hurts to apply pressure to the thumb side of the wrist, you may be suffering from De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. An agonizing ailment, it causes pain in the tendons when you turn your wrist, grasp an object, or make a fist.

The cause of de Quervain’s tenosynovitis (thumb tendonitis) is unknown. It is believed that activities that rely on repetitive hand or wrist movement, such as working in the garden, playing golf or racket sports, or lifting your baby, can cause hand and wrist pain.

To evaluate the condition, we’ll perform the Finkelstein test. Dr. Saber will perform that Finkelstein test. You’ll bend your thumb across the palm of your hand then bend your fingers down over your thumb. From that position turn the wrist over the little finger. If this causes pain on the thumb-side of your wrist, you most likely have contracture and should undergo tendon repair.

Treatment for de Quervain’s tenosynovitis reduces inflammation while preserving movement in the thumb and preventing recurrence. Symptoms should improve within four to six weeks so you can pursue your daily life. If your De Quervain’s tenosynovitis begins during pregnancy, symptoms are likely to end after delivery or after the onset of breastfeeding.

Why choose Dr. Saber for hand and wrist reconstructive surgery in Los Angeles?

Dr. Sepideh Saber, MD, FACS, and the Valley Institute of Hand & Reconstructive Surgery offer a more sensitive, female perspective for patients of all ages, genders, and orientations. Patients from all walks of life have praised their outcomes and their caring, thoughtful approach to all types of appearance and health-related matters.

Dr. Saber is a board-certified plastic surgeon and earned her medical degree from Stanford University’s world-renowned medical school and did her reconstruction and plastic general surgery residency at the University of Southern California. She then completed a fellowship at New York University (NYU) in the extremely challenging and delicate area of hand surgery and microsurgery.

Please call (877) 205-4100 or schedule a consultation online. We also offer virtual consultations.

The Valley Institute of Hand & Reconstructive Surgery and Dr. Saber is located in Encino. The best hand and wrist surgeons near me are for patients throughout the Los Angeles County area. We are convenient to Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Northridge, North Hollywood, Malibu, Topanga, Canoga Park, Reseda, Valley Glen, Chatsworth, West Hills, Winnetka, Universal City, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Santa Monica, Downtown Los Angeles, Silverlake, and Echo Park.

The plastic surgery practice of Dr. Saber, also in Encino, is a cosmetic surgery practice that specializes in numerous procedures, including breast augmentation, breast reconstruction, liposuction, mommy makeovers, rhinoplasty, body contouring, and facelifts.

What patients say about Dr. Saber

4.8
Over 16 Reviews

I was fortunate to find Dr. Saber after researching board-certified surgeons who specialize in breast cancer reconstruction revision surgery. I knew I was in good hands from the moment I spoke with the lovely and efficient Marlene, Dr Saber's office manager. Dr Saber patiently listened to my concerns and, after examining me, explained what I could realistically expect the outcome to be from another surgery. She also explained to me that she would need to review my previous surgery notes before we could discuss a possible further surgery, which I found comforting and highly ethical. I also discussed a couple of other procedures that I would like done, including fat removal from my large upper arms that had caused me great embarrassment for several years. Dr. Saber is an excellent surgeon who is incredibly kind and genuine. She truly understands the female body and the emotional aspect of body insecurities yet, she is transparent about what can and cannot be done and takes time to discuss realistic expectations and outcomes. My breast reconstruction revision surgery will take place in the New Year, but in the meantime, I have the most fabulous upper arms that I recently flaunted in a strapless dress (something I have not done in years). Dr Saber is truly one of a kind, and I still cannot believe how fortunate I am to have found her. I highly recommend Dr Saber.

Linda DeCarlo November 29, 2023

I don’t have enough wonderful words to describe Dr Saber and Marlene! I had a tummy tuck done this year and from start to finish the entire experience was amazing. Marlene is always so helpful and works so hard to make every detail a breeze for you. When I had my consultation with Dr Saber I was at a point of complete agony with my body. She instantly took that stress and frustration off my shoulders! As a woman not being heard by doctors for years I left that consultation with happy tears knowing I had finally found my Dr. It was a major surgery and I felt completely zen and at peace going in because she really does make you feel that safe. I didn’t think I would ever look the way I do now! She gave me the gift of having the body I kept fighting for. I will never stop recommending her.

Monica Prusa October 9, 2023

I saw Dr. Saber when I broke my wrist. I ended up having to have surgery. She did an excellent job and I am healing nicely. She was very professional, but was also very kind and compassionate. I would highly recommend her!!

Sandy Schaupp September 13, 2022

I LOVED DR SABER!!! There are a few reasons why I chose her. One was because she’s a female Doctor that was my goal who also did a good job (which I was able to confirm with all her before and after photos) and what sold me was my safety in mind. She made me feel like I was in the best hands ever along with Marlene who coordinated everything THANK YOU LADIES! Dr Saber helped me get back the body I have always desired. I had a lot of stomach fat from weight gain and I lost weight so a lot of my weight was in my front lower and upper abdomen. Now I have a super beautiful curvy body like an hourglass after a tummy tuck and lipo she did. She understood the assignment hahaha . I’m 32 years old no kids just wanted to enjoy my younger body looking and feeling beautiful and she really took good care of me. Even after hours I had an emergency due to my fault but she was there and got back to me very quickly and I’m very grateful. I also think her work says a lot because I stopped taking pain medication on the 3rd day after surgery and was fine with very minimal pain I was able to tolerate the healing process. Highly recommend going with her I just had a wonderful experience and would do it all over again if I had too. Maybe after I have kids. Thanks Dr Saber and team <3

STEPHANIE d July 15, 2022

Dr.Saber is by far one of the best plastic surgeons. I love how she takes her time to explain any procedure to the patients understanding. She always makes sure to answers any and all questions.From fillers to body contours she’s the one you want.

Katherine Melara February 15, 2022

Dr Saber is amazing! She is caring and very informative. I went in for fillers and she explained procedure step by step. I highly recommend her and look forward to future visits.

Amanda Vazquez December 18, 2020

Dr. Saber was friendly, knowledgeable and professional. She took time to listen, answer all my questions and was forthright in her recommendations. Her staff was friendly and helpful. I was very happy with the results and plan on going back. If you are looking for a first rate professional experience look no further she is the doctor for you!

T R December 18, 2020

Dr. Saber is one of a kind plastic surgeon with a heart of gold. She is a well verse plastic surgeon that puts her patient's needs before anything else. She genuinely cares about every single patient, and her work speaks for itself. I notice every post-operative result on her Instagram (@saberplasticsurgery) the patients have this glow that radiates through. I have been going to Dr. Saber for my Botox for the past 3 years, and love the results every time. I know who I will be going to for any future plastic surgery needs, and will confidently refer family and friends to Dr. Saber for any Botox, fillers, and plastic surgery consultations.

Rudy Garcia December 16, 2020

I have nothing but great things to say about Dr. Saber! I am so pleased with my results from a breast augmentation she performed on me back in late June! She answered all my questions and concerns before and after my surgery. She’s very easy to get in contact with and she’s so nice. She made feel so comfortable throughout the whole process. 100/10 Lover her work!!

Amanda Villegas October 15, 2020

Dr Saber is hands down the best surgeon! She took her time answering my questions and explained procedure in detail. After doing liposuction six months ago, I am extremely happy with my results and I appreciate her so much.

Marlene Cosentino October 15, 2020

Dr. Saber is so kind and thorough with her patients! She is an amazing doctor and genuinely cars about everyone she comes in contact with. I would recommend her to anyone for any hand surgery or cosmetic procedure.

Rachel Meach October 15, 2020