Hand Procedures
Dr. Vu and Dr. Madsen’s exceptional knowledge in their field comes from surgical experiences, as well as their dedication to continuing their education by attending local and national meetings in the field of plastic surgery throughout the year. Dr. Vu and Dr. Madsen also have a background in hand trauma, a valuable complement to their work with plastic and cosmetic surgery. While very different in some respects from carefully choreographed cosmetic procedures, the emergency surgeries they perform on hand trauma patients keep their surgical skills at the highest level.
“Our work in cosmetics and trauma complement one another. Trauma keeps me attuned to the minute level of detail that will restore function to an injured hand, while cosmetic work requires an aesthetic, almost artistic, appreciation of how the body works.”
The use of our hands is essential to our day-to-day functions, from typing on a keyboard to grasping a cup of water. When pain or injury limits our hands from these everyday tasks, it can take a toll on our lives. Dr. Vu is here to help. Hand injuries and conditions that Dr. Vu can provide treatment for include, but are not limited to: fractures, lacerations, tendon or nerve damage, carpal tunnel syndrome, and trigger finger. Dr. Vu accepts most major insurances, and her staff will gladly assist you in your insurance authorizations and verifications.
Fractures / Dislocations
A hand fracture is a break or crack in the bones of your hand, also known as your metacarpals. Fractures can also occur in the bones that make up your fingers. Hand fractures are commonly caused by some kind of forceful impact to your hand or fingers. Some examples include car accidents, sports injuries, falling and landing on your hands, or punching a hard object.
Lacerations / Open Wounds
Lacerations and open wounds are types of injuries where the skin is torn, cut, or punctured (an open wound), or where blunt force trauma causes a contusion (a closed wound). In pathology, these types of injuries specifically refer to a sharp injury that damages the dermis of the skin. Wounds are commonly caused by accidents or injuries, or physical, muscle, or skin conditions.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissues in the hand include tendons, ligaments, vessels, and nerves which all help with the movement, sensation, and stabilization of the hands. Injuries to these soft tissues typically cause weakness to the hand and fingers and disable simple motions, although, symptoms can be even more severe. Soft tissue injuries can be strained by overloading and excessive everyday use of the hands and fingers, but are typically caused by lacerations and cuts from sharp objects.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The carpal tunnel is a small area/tunnel in the wrist. It is filled with ligaments, blood vessels, and the median nerve, which all pass through the carpal tunnel from the arm into the hand.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is when the ligaments that make up the carpal tunnel become swollen and irritated. This causes painful pressure on the median nerve.
Ganglion Cyst
A ganglion cyst is a lump under the skin that is filled with a thick, jelly-like fluid. It may grow on the thin outer covering of a tendon. A tendon is a tissue that connects muscle to bone. It may also grow on a joint capsule, which is an area where two bones join together, such as the wrist or fingers. Ganglion cysts may also grow on the back of the knee, the foot, the ankle, or the finger. The cause of a ganglion cyst is unknown. However, certain people may be more likely to develop a ganglion cyst. These people include those who overuse, injure, or bump their hand, wrist, fingers, or ankles more frequently than others.