Good hand function depends on healthy and intact bones and joints. 31 bones from the skeleton of the hand and wrist. Between the bones are joints that allow the fingers and wrist to move. Muscles and tendon attach to the bones, moving the joints when they contract and relax. The nerves and blood vessels are supported and protected by the solid bones.

Hand Anatomy

With sudden forceful impact or twisting, the bones may break causing a fracture. This can happen when one breaks a fall with the hand; during sporting activities particularly contact sports such as marital arts, basketball or football; in traffic accidents, or when working with tools. When this happens, pain, swelling and deformity will severely impair hand function. In more severe injuries, the soft tissues such as nerves and blood vessels may be injured, jeopardising the entire finger or hand. All fractures and dislocations must be treated quickly and properly to ensure that good hand function is restored.

How do I know if There is a Fracture?

If you have hit or twisted your finger or wrist, or fallen hard on your hand, you may have fractured a bone. If the hand or wrist is obviously deformed and looks abnormal, then there is probably a bad fracture or dislocation. However, even if there isn’t any obvious deformity but there is swelling, bruising and pain when trying to move a finger or wrist, then you should suspect there is a fracture.

Wrist Fracture

When Should I see a Doctor?

If you think you may have a fracture or dislocation, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible to have an X-ray taken. X-rays show the bones and joints under the skin, revealing any breaks in the bone or dislocated joints. You should see a doctor immediately if you also have an open wound, numbness in the injured finger or hand, or if the injured finger is turning blue or pale. These are signs that there is also injury to the skin, nerves and blood vessels respectively, all of which need urgent surgical treatment.

Hand & Wrist Orthopaedic Specialist – Dr Kevin Yip

Dr Kevin Yip Orthopaedic Surgeon Gleneagles Singapore
Dr Kevin Yip, Orthopaedic Surgeon

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Brief Outline of Wrist Tendinitis

Wrist tendinitis is due to irritation and inflammation of one or more tendons around the wrist joint. Wrist tendinitis tends to occur in areas where the tendons cross each other or pass over an underlying bony structure, and affects individuals involved in strenuous and repetitive training.

Anatomy and physiology

The joint of the wrist is formed at the proximal end by the distal surfaces of the radius and ulna and a disc of fibrocartilage, and at the distal end by the scaphoid, lunate, and triquetral bones. The wrist helps orient and support the hand. Tendons of the wrist are encased in tendon sheaths known as the tenosynovium. Such sheaths provide for the smooth, friction-free sliding of tendons in the wrist. Swelling, irritation, and inflammation of the tenosynovium causes a thickening of the sheath, which constricts proper movement of the tendons, resulting in pain and a related affliction, tenosynovitis. Most wrist tendinitis occurs where a tendon passes through constricted tunnels of fascia. Four common sites of tendinitis are the first dorsal compartment (De Quervain’s tenosynovitis), digital flexors (trigger finger), flexor carpi radialis tendinitis, and lateral epicondylitis, (the latter associated with tennis elbow). The abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis are also commonly affected.

De Quervain's Disease

Cause of Wrist Tendinitis

Sports involving wrist overuse, including all ball sports, racket sports, rowing, weightlifting, gymnastics, etc. Repetitive stress from typing. Other wrist overuse, as is common to nursing mothers.

Signs and symptoms of Wrist Tendinitis

Pain in the wrist, particularly at the joint. Inflammation in the region of the affected tendon(s). Limited mobility in the affected wrist.

Complications if left Wrist Tendinitis unattended

If the activity causing tendinitis is continued and the condition left untreated, the inflammation and associated pain can worsen. The condition can also lead to permanent weakening of the tendon(s).

Hand & Wrist Orthopaedic Specialist, Dr Kevin Yip

Dr Kevin Yip Orthopaedic Surgeon Gleneagles Singapore

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Brief Outline of Wrist Ganglion Cyst

A ganglion (Greek: knot of tissue) cyst is a bump or mass that forms under the skin. They can occur at any joint or tendon sheath, but most often on the back of the wrist or on the fingers. Ganglion cysts are probably the most common lumps that occur in the hand. Most often, ganglion cysts occur in the 25-45 year old age group, and they are more common in women than they are in men. Ganglion cysts are benign tumours (so do not spread to other body areas), and their cause is unknown. Sometimes they are also called synovial hernias or synovial cysts because of their relationship to the synovial cavities in the joint. Also known as subchondral cysts.

Ganglion Cyst Wrist

Anatomy and physiology

Ganglion cysts are thin, fibrous capsules containing a clear, mucinous fluid, and feel soft and moveable. Ganglion cysts have a smooth translucent wall, generally connected to an underlying joint capsule or ligament via a think stalk. Ganglion cysts can involve any joint in the hand or wrist, mainly occur on an aponeurosis  or tendon, and are palpable between the extensor tendons. The ganglion cyst forms when tissue around the joint becomes inflamed and swells with fluid. As this happens, the balloon-like ganglion grows in the connective tissue of the joint or even in the membrane that covers the nearby tendon. Often, cysts associated with the scapholunate ligament or scaphotrapezial joint of the wrist. Most cysts occur at the dorsal wrist, volar wrist, and volar retinacular of distal interphalangeal area.

Cause of Wrist Ganglion Cyst

Flaw in the joint capsule. Flaw in the tendon sheath. Tissue trauma.

Signs and symptoms of Wrist Ganglion Cyst

Swollen sac-like area, which changes size. May or may not produce pain. Wrist weakness.

Complications if left Wrist Ganglion Cyst unattended

Most ganglion cyst disappear without treatment, though in some cases, they recur over time. Such cysts generally do not pose a serious health risk, even if left untreated, though pain and weakness of the wrist may persist without medical care.

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Dr Kevin Yip Orthopaedic Surgeon Gleneagles Singapore

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Brief Outline Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a progressive affliction caused by direct trauma or repetitive overuse, which results in squeezing or compression of the median nerve at the wrist. The condition is three times more likely to affect women, largely due to occupational tasks such as keyboard work.

Anatomy and physiology

The carpal tunnel is a narrow, rigid structure composed of ligament and bone at the base of the hand. This nerve runs from the forearm to the hand and transmits sensation from the palm side of the thumb and fingers, as well as impulses to certain small muscles of the hand involved in movement. The tunnel surrounds the median nerve (which enters the hand between the carpal bones), and tendons. A narrowing of the tunnel may occur as a result of irritated or inflamed tendons, leading to pressure and compression of the median nerve, causing pain, weakness or numbness in the hand, which gradually radiates up the arm. The conditions is one of a variety of entrapment neuropathies – afflictions involving compression or trauma to peripheral nerves.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Sporting activities that involve repetitive flexion and extension of the wrist, e.g. cycling, throwing events, racket sports, and gymnastics. Congenital predisposition. Trauma or injury including fracture or sprain. Occupational tasks.

Signs and symptoms

Burning, numbness or itching in the palm of the hand and fingers. Sensation of finger and wrist swelling. Decreased grip strength. Pain that may wake the individual during the night.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Complications if left Carpal Tunnel Syndrome unattended

Left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to decreased or absent sensation in some fingers and permanent weakness of the thumb, as muscles of the thumb degenerate. Proper sensation of hot and cold temperatures may also be diminished in untreated CTS cases.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment Without Surgery

  • Oral Medicines
  • Injection
  • Physiotherapy
  • Surgery if all conservative treatment fails

Rehabilitation and prevention for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Halting the repetitive sport or activity and allowing for rest and rehabilitation time following diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome is essential. A bandage or splint may be used to stabilise the injured hand. Releasing the tension in the wrist and hand during sports and periodic exercises to retain mobility and retard stiffness in the hands may help prevent the onset of CTS.

Long-term prognosis for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Recurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome following treatment is rare, (except in cases of underlying disease, diabetes, endocrine disorders, etc.). The majority of patients properly attending to the injury recover completely.

Orthopaedic Specialist Major in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Dr Kevin Yip

Dr Kevin Yip

Dr Kevin Yip Orthopaedic Surgeon Gleneagles Singapore

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Brief Outline of Wrist Dislocation

Most dislocations of the wrist involve the lunate bone, though other bones may also be involved. When a bone is dislocated, it no longer properly makes contact with adjoining bones. The injury affects the soft tissue surrounding the region of dislocation, including muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels.

Anatomy and physiology

The wrist consists of a series of radio-carpal and intercarpal articulations. However, most wrist movement occurs at the radio-carpal joint, an ellipsoid joint. The distal surface of the radius and articular disc articulates with the proximal row of carpals, which are the scaphoid, lunate and triquestral (triquetrum). Movements are in combination with the intercarpal joints. The intercarpal joints are a series of plane joints, which have articulations between the two carpal rows (midcarpal joint), plus articulations between each bone of the proximal carpal row and of the distal carpal row. The distal radio-ulnar joint is immediately adjacent to the radio-carpal joint. A cartilaginous disc separates the distal ulna and radius from the lunate and triquetral bones. An elaborate complex of ligaments holds these bones together and allows for their proper coordination. Dorsal ligaments of the wrist are weaker and more likely to be involved in dislocations.

Wrist Anatomy Bones

Cause of Wrist Dislocation

Complication of a severe wrist sprain. Hard fall on an outstretched hand. Congenital abnormality, including malformed joint surfaces.

Signs and symptoms for Wrist Dislocation

Loss of hand and wrist dislocation are largely unpredictable, with some cases of full recovery and restoration of movement. Complications however may restrict motion of the wrist and produce ongoing pain, joint stiffness, discomfort, and impaired flexibility and movement. Arthritis may develop in the injured region.

Hand & Wrist Orthopaedic Specialist, Dr Kevin Yip

Dr Kevin Yip

Dr Kevin Yip Orthopaedic Surgeon Gleneagles Singapore

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