The Hand Center has tailored a full range of services to meet the needs of patients with hand trauma, repetitive injury, congenital hand disorders, nerve defects, obstetrical palsy, and rheumatological reconstruction, among others. Our specialists are trained not just to treat specific injuries, but also to assist patients in the full physical and psychological recovery following hand injury.
Acute Care Clinic
The Acute Care Clinic focuses on repairing hand damage after serious injury. Surgeons at the Acute Care Clinic specialize in reattachment and reconstructive surgeries. They can successfully reattach nerves, arteries, veins and tendons using state-of-the-science microsurgical tools and techniques. The Acute Care Clinic helps patients recover from traumatic injuries including fractures, tendon lacerations, nerve and vascular injuries, amputations, ligament injuries and joint dislocations, burns and brachial plexus injuries.
Cumulative Trauma Disorders Clinic
Repetitive motion of the hands over a long period of time can result in Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs), which affect the muscles, nerves, tendons and arteries of the wrist and arm. Specialists at the Hand Center’s Cumulative Trauma Disorders Clinic utilize a combination of surgical procedures, occupational medicine, psychology and prevention education to treat patients with cumulative trauma disorders. Whether our patients suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, nerve compression or trigger finger, specialists will provide the diagnosis and treatment necessary to restore hand function and prevent re-occurrence of the trauma.
Congenital Conditions
The challenges of birth defects of the hand and upper extremity can be managed with expert treatment and care. Hand Center surgeons and therapists collaborate with Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin to give patients with congenital conditions the best possible treatment. Our staff is trained to treat and support patients with absent fingers, shortened limbs, absent (aplastic) thumb, radial club hand, supernumerary digits and syndactly through surgery, splinting or casting, range-of-motion therapy, and age-appropriate play.
Brachial Plexus Program
A multi-disciplinary team of physicians and therapists at the Hand Center specializes in the evaluation and treatment of brachial plexus injuries. A brachial plexus injury occurs when the nerves controlling the shoulder, arm, or hand are injured at the level of the neck or shoulder, and experienced medical evaluation is essential to recovery. Our brachial plexus team excels in early and appropriate intervention, which, for patients with serious injuries, may include surgery. Our therapists employ specific range-of-motion exercises to prevent the muscles and joints from tightening, and they assist neuromuscular re-education and strengthening to restore functional use.
Rehabilitation Psychology
Returning to daily social interactions after a trauma can be difficult for hand patients. Hand Center psychologists are uniquely aware of the mental challenges facing hand patients, and their expertise is always available to help patients overcome the fears and anxieties that accompany hand injury. For some patients, even a common handshake can be awkward and intimidating. Consulting with experts sensitive to psychological recovery helps patients cope with the aftermath of hand injury.
Prosthetic Training
Our expert staff at the Hand Center will train patients who require prosthetics for full recovery from their hand traumas. Our team evaluates each patient’s daily activities and job tasks and assists in selecting the prosthesis that meets the patient’s functional and cosmetic needs. To prepare patients for the challenges of using prosthetics in their daily lives, our specialists devote time and energy to careful instruction and collaborative practice.
Lymphodema Therapy
The removal of lymph nodes, often necessary in treatment for cancer, can cause a condition of the hands called lymphodema. Therapists at the Hand Center use massage, compression garments and exercise techniques to relieve symptoms of lymphodema following cancer surgery or radiation.