Hand Surgery in Allentown, PA

Dr. Guarino is a hand surgery specialist helping individuals in the Allentown area restore their hand appearance following trauma or a serious injury. Hand surgery is considered a specialized procedure that not only treats a disfigurement following an injury or birth defect, but also repairs function that may be limited due to a specific hand condition. Sometimes, a reconstructive process may be necessary to help save damaged tissues, which may involve a tendon repair. Dr. Guarino is an experienced hand surgeon and will work with each patient to repair hand function, and restore a natural appearance.

There are numerous conditions of the hand that may require surgery. In each case, the surgery is a specialized procedure performed to help restore function and a normal appearance. Some common hand conditions include:

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Birth Defects
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Dupuytren’s Contracture
• Fractures and Malunions
• Tumors, Cysts and Cancers of the Hand
• Traumatic and Crush Injuries
• Open Wounds, Scars and Burns

The surgical approach taken will depend on the condition or injury being treated. Hand injuries that include tendon trauma may require a tendon repair, which involves treating the torn tendon and reconnecting it to the original anatomical site. Certain birth defects, such as syndactyly, may require a bone fusion, whereas trauma-related injuries may need to be addressed with microsurgery, a bone or skin graft, a tissue transfer, or z-plasty. The goal is to eliminate pain, restore function, and produce a normal appearance.

Hand surgery is performed in an accredited surgical facility as an outpatient procedure. The condition or injury being treated will dictate the surgical technique used and will vary by case. The recovery period will also vary. However, physical therapy could be prescribed to help patients regain strength, function and mobility. An experienced hand surgeon will be able to apply progressive reconstructive approaches to help patients overcome even the most traumatic hand injuries, allowing them to resume a normal life.

The cost for hand surgery will depend on the complexity of the surgical case. The cost will increase if certain techniques are performed (such as a tendon repair, a skin graft, etc.). The good news is that health insurance is likely to cover a portion of the cost for the surgery, as well as any related complications that may arise. Our benefits coordinator will work with your insurance provider to understand your coverage so we can prepare a surgical plan specific to your case.

Microsurgery is a common component of hand surgery when severe trauma has occurred. It involves high magnification to assist and repair severed tendons and nerves. It is almost always used when severed fingers require reattachment.

Hand surgery, by nature, has always been a part of plastic surgery. A skilled plastic surgeon will understand both the dynamics of hand functions, as well as the technique needed to restore aesthetics. However, some injuries may, in fact, be better suited for an orthopedic surgeon. Orthopedic doctors specialize in the joints of the human body. During the initial consultation, after a full assessment has been provided, this will be discussed in greater detail.

The most common hand surgeries performed by plastic surgeons often revolve around a hand injury. This can include fractured bones, cuts, burns, severed fingers, and trauma injuries that damage internal tendons, nerves and blood vessels. Modern techniques such as grafting, transplantation, and flap surgeries have greatly improved the surgeon’s ability to restore normal hand function and a natural appearance.