Hand Surgery in Boise
From The Boise Hand Center
Boise Plastic Surgery and Hand Center is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care in hand surgery. Led by Dr. Patrick Cole, an Orthopedic Hand fellowship-trained, board-certified Plastic Surgeon with extensive experience in carpal tunnel and trigger finger surgeries. Through cutting-edge technology and treatments, Dr. Cole helps restore mobility and reduce pain for those suffering from a variety of issues, including carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, fractures and tendon lacerations, as well as Dupuytren’s Contracture.
While a wide range of treatment options are available, and these range from non-surgical to operative, one thing can be guaranteed: patients receive the most effective care to ensure optimal results. From diagnosis and treatment to post-operative follow-up visits, Boise Plastic Surgery and Hand Center strives to provide a personalized experience every step of the way. And at every single appointment you will be seen and evaluated personally by Dr. Cole. With decades of combined experience treating various hand conditions, Dr. Cole is highly qualified to offer exceptional care for even the most complex cases.
What Are Common Hand Disorders That Require Surgery?
Dr. Cole specializes in treating some of the most common hand disorders requiring surgical intervention, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, Dupuytren’s contracture, and painful arthritis. He can diagnose and treat these conditions effectively due to his advanced training and experience as an orthopedic hand fellowship-trained surgeon, as well as in-house real-time imaging technology.
With cutting-edge techniques and specialized knowledge, he can alleviate and correct pain, numbness, deformity, and restore mobility and function through a wide variety of nonoperative or possibly surgical means. It just depends on which treatment is right for you. Like Dr. Cole alway says: “Every job is a custom job if I do my job correctly”.
These are the most common hand disorders that often require treatment:
- “No-Stitch” Carpal Tunnel Surgery
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when there is increased pressure on the median nerve at the wrist. This nerve passes through the carpal tunnel, located at the palm side of the wrist, surrounded by bones and ligaments. The condition can be caused by repetitive motion in hands and wrists or trauma to that area of the body. Symptoms may range from numbness and tingling to a weakening strength when grasping things as well as pain in the wrist and forearm.
Fortunately, Dr. Cole’s cutting edge “no-stitch” carpal tunnel surgery provides a minimally invasive, permanent to release the carpal tunnel and alleviate pain with no external stitches required. This endoscopic procedure involves making a tiny, 3mm access port at the wrist that results in far less discomfort post-surgery while minimizing scarring and reducing your recovery time to regular activity levels. Dr. Cole also employs innovative methods tailored to each patient’s unique needs to ensure optimal success rates following treatment.
- Trigger Finger
Trigger Finger is a condition where the tendons in the fingers become irritated, resulting in a clicking sensation or locking with pain at the affected finger. It occurs when the tendon that controls the finger can’t glide smoothly in its sheath due to inflammation and swelling of he tendon. The symptoms of this condition include pain, discomfort, and an inability to straighten out the affected finger without help. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent stiffness and impairment of movement. Trigger Finger is a common condition affecting people of all ages but is more prevalent in older people or those who do repetitive manual tasks. In many cases, trigger finger may be addressed with nonsurgical means. However, if necessary, Dr. Cole can easily treat more advanced cases in the Procedure Area of Boise Plastic Surgery Boise Hand Center, thereby avoiding unnecessary stress and cost of the Operating Room.
- Hand Arthritis
Hand arthritis is common among those over 45, with the base of the thumb, wrist and joints of the fingers being common sites. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis are all types found in the hands. While treatments such as splints/braces, medications, steroid injections, and lifestyle choices can help manage symptoms, more advanced cases often do very well with surgical treatments.
- Dupuytren’s Contracture:
Dupuytren contracture is a condition that causes one or more fingers to bend towards the palm. The affected digits cannot fully straighten out, caused by thick tissue cords that form beneath the skin. These cords tighten and pull the fingers into a bent position over time and can be painful when attempting to straighten them. This condition typically affects those over fifty years old and is more common in men than women, though anyone can experience this disorder. Treatment for this condition usually involves injections of collagenase enzyme or surgery if more severe cases are present.
What is the Recovery Process After Hand Surgery?
Recovery from hand surgery can vary in time frame depending on the extent of the procedure and need for physical therapy post-surgery. Generally, patients can return to work after surgery; however, there may be restrictions at the surgical site limiting their ability to participate in certain activities until full healing.
Restrictions following surgery usually include:
- avoiding stress or strain on the area
- not lifting anything heavier than 5 lbs
- ensuring that any splint or brace they are wearing remains dry and is never removed
A patient’s need or desire to undergo physical therapy following surgery can also affect how long it takes to achieve optimal results. A comprehensive physical therapy program can help regain strength and range of motion in the affected area.
It is important to note that some post-operative discomfort at the operative site after surgery is common and should not be a cause for alarm. In most cases, Dr. Cole performs a nerve block during surgery, which helps with pain management, and prescribes post-operative medication to help reduce overall discomfort throughout the recovery process. Dr. Cole is proud to say he does not skimp on pain medications. If you need them: you need them. Like Dr. Cole always says: “We have a big job -we need to get you home, get you comfortable and keep you that way so we can get started on the right healing pathway.”
While recovering, it is essential to leave any splint or dressing intact and dry as well as avoid stress and strain at the surgical site. After hand surgery, it’s important to sleep in a comfortable position, being careful not to rest directly on the affected area. Driving after surgery depends on the patient’s comfort level and ability to drive, as well as if they’ve been taking any post-op narcotics. Generally, it’s advised that you wait until off all post-op narcotics before getting back behind the wheel.
Hand Surgeon in Boise
Dr. Cole is a highly esteemed and award-winning hand surgeon who has achieved much recognition throughout Boise and Idaho for his plastic and orthopedic hand surgery expertise. He has been voted Most Outstanding Plastic and Orthopedic Hand Surgeon from 2015 to 2022 and was awarded “Top Doctor in both Idaho and Boise” for his specialty.
These awards are a testament to Dr. Cole’s commitment to excellence in hand surgery. Moreover, he is an honored member of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand with distinction as an Order of the Complus Manus Member. His extensive experience includes publishing over 200 surgical articles, over 20 surgical textbook chapters, and surgical training videos. With such exemplary credentials, it is no wonder that Dr. Cole is considered Boise’s best hand surgeon by many patients and medical professionals alike!
Contact Boise Plastic Surgery & Boise Hand Center to schedule your hand surgery consultation.