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Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center in Raleigh, NC

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What does hand arthritis look like on x-rays?

Hand arthritis on x-rays is very common in our practice. This diagnosis is suspected on physical examination and is confirmed often with x-rays. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. This is caused by wear-and-tear, genetics, injuries, and it is often a normal part of the aging process. An arthritic joint will show decreased space between the bones as the cartilage thins, bone spurs or calcium deposits on the edges of the joint, small cysts within the bone, and sometimes deformity of the joint. “Osteophyte” is another name for a bone spur. This can cause the finger to look larger at the joints and crooked. View the x-ray below to answer the question: what does hand arthritis look like on x-rays?

The first image is a normal hand for comparison

The x-ray below shows common findings in osteoarthritis of the hand. Compare this to the normal hand x-ray above. The joints closest to the fingertip (DIP joints) and the joint at the base of the thumb (thumb CMC joint) are the most common joints in the hand affected by osteoarthritis. Bumps at the joint closest to the fingertip are also called Heberden’s nodes.

moderate hand osteoarthritis x-ray — moderate hand osteoarthritis

Hand Arthritis on X-Rays

severe hand osteoarthritis x-ray — severe hand osteoarthritis

Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center doctors are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of hand conditions including osteoarthritis of the hand. They are members of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.

How is hand arthritis treated? Hand arthritis can be treated with oral and topical anti-inflammatory medications, range of motion exercises, hand therapy, splints, steroid injections, and surgery. Joint replacement and joint fusion surgeries are options and will be discussed by your hand surgeon. A common surgery is thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint arthroplasty for severe pain at the base of the thumb. This thumb surgery can significantly decrease hand pain, improve hand function, and improve the quality of life for most patients.

Why do I have tennis elbow? I don’t play tennis

Tennis elbow, also known as “lateral epicondylitis,” is a painful condition affecting many patients. Tennis elbow is caused by degeneration within the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon on the outside of the elbow. Despite the name, tennis elbow is not just limited to tennis players. In fact, tennis elbow is commonly diagnosed in patients between the ages of 30 and 50 years, many of whom have never played tennis.

Patients experience pain on the outside of the elbow and often point to a very tender spot near the lateral epicondyle bone. Symptoms can be aggravated by a forceful, repetitive activity with the hand and wrist, such as the tennis backhand swing or heavy gripping. Lifting light objects, gripping the steering wheel, and even simple household activities can be painful at times. Fortunately, the majority of patients with tennis elbow improve with non-operative treatment, although symptoms often take several weeks or months to resolve.

Golfer’s elbow, or “medial epicondylitis,” is a similar condition which causes pain on the medial, or inside, of the elbow. Both conditions can be diagnosed in the office based on your symptoms, physical exam, and x-rays. MRI is typically not required to make the diagnosis.

Treatments usually involves stretches, wearing a wrist brace or forearm strap, therapy, oral anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections. Surgery is occasionally needed if the patient does not respond to conservative treatment.

Board Certified Hand Surgeons in Raleigh, NC

All six doctors at Raleigh Hand Center are dual board-certified in orthopedic surgery and hand surgery. Additionally, the physicians have received sub-specialty fellowship training in treatment of hand and upper extremity conditions. They participate in weekly hand conferences as well as regional and national meetings dedicated to care of patients with hand and arm problems, keeping up-to-date with the latest developments in treatment. Raleigh Hand Center is the only physician practice in the area with a board-certified hand specialist on call 24-7.

Hand Injury Treatment in Raleigh NC

The Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center physicians have treated patients with hand and arm problems for three decades. From a minor cut to a severe hand injury, we have been specialty-trained to diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate patients with a variety of hand injuries. The hand is one of the most intricate and delicate areas of the human body. The hand has nineteen bones in addition to joints, tendons, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. As you know, our hands are critical for independent function and livelihood. An alteration in the normal function of the hand can significantly impact a person’s life. At the RHSC, we strive to improve a patient’s quality of life through effective non-surgical and surgical treatments. We work personally with on-site hand therapists to optimize outcomes.

Why see a Hand Surgeon?

The term “hand surgeon” can be misleading. Hand surgeons also treat patients with wrist, forearm, elbow, and often shoulder problems, as well as the hand. Additionally, hand surgeons don’t just do surgery. A hand surgeon is a specialized doctor who is trained in the non-surgical and surgical treatment of most hand and upper extremity conditions.

After completing a residency in general, plastic, or orthopaedic surgery, hand surgeons complete an additional year of fellowship training in the conditions unique to the hand and arm. The complete care of the hand involves specialized techniques in orthopaedic, plastic, neurologic, arthroscopic, and microvascular surgery — combining features from multiple surgical specialties. The hand is one of the most complicated parts of the body, and because of this, extra training is helpful to take care of hand conditions.

Over the last several decades, there has been progress in the treatment of hand and upper extremity conditions. New procedures have been invented and research has been published. Raleigh Hand Center physicians and therapists stay informed of the latest developments in hand care though weekly conferences and national meetings. National board certification is available in both orthopaedic surgery and hand surgery, and all Raleigh Hand Center physicians are board certified.

If you or a loved one has a hand or arm problem, consider consulting with a hand surgeon.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Doctors in Raleigh

Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center doctors are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome as well as many other conditions of the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder, they are carpal tunnel syndrome doctors, as well as upper extremity surgeons.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common nerve problem in the hand and arm. It results from increased pressure on the median nerve at the wrist, within the carpal tunnel. Hand numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain occur if the nerve is pinched in the carpal tunnel. Patients often wake up at night with the hand numb and shake out the hand to help the symptoms.

The carpal tunnel is a space in the wrist which contains the median nerve and tendons of the hand. The carpal tunnel is a tight space. The median nerve is at risk for compression within this tunnel. If there is abnormal swelling or injury to this area, the median nerve can be irritated.

Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome commonly feel “numbness” or “tingling” in the fingers. Some patients feel that the fingers are asleep. Symptoms often wake patients up at night. Some patients report increased symptoms while gripping a steering wheel. Dropping objects, clumsiness with the hands, or a weak grip are also common. Some people also report pain in the forearm, wrist or fingers. In severe cases, the muscles at the base of the thumb can become weak and atrophy.

Often the diagnosis can be made on the basis of your symptoms, medical history, and physical examination. A nerve test can be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options include therapy, splints, steroid injections, medications, and small incision carpal tunnel release surgery.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Doctors

Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center doctors are experts in carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis and treatment. They are board certified by the ABOS. Please call our office for a consultation in Raleigh NC. Surgery and non-surgical care is available.

Dr Erickson Discusses Wrist Fracture Treatment at Conference

Distal Radius Fracture

Dr. John Erickson of Raleigh Hand Center presented at UNC Orthopedic Hand Conference on Monday, 4/23/2018. His talk was titled “Preventing Complications in Distal Radius Fracture Surgery.” Local area hand surgeons, therapists, radiology staff, and ortho residents were in attendance.

Dr Edwards III publishes study on pediatric hand surgery

Dr. George Edwards, III recently published an article in the journal “Advances in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery”. His study involved children with thumb abnormalities from birth, and evaluated surgery which could improve the child’s hand function. Dr. Edwards and colleagues at the University of Southern California performed bilateral pollicization surgeries for children with thumb hypoplasia or thumb absence. Here is a link to the article, click here

Dr. Messer returns from Nicaraguan mission trip

Dr. Terry Messer returns from a week-long medical mission trip to Leon, Nicaragua.

“I recently traveled to Nicaragua with a group of doctors and nurses. We are part of a group called COAN, a Triangle based group founded nearly 20 years ago, whose mission is to improve the quality of orthopeadic care in Nicaragua. On our first day there, we saw more than 80 patients in the clinic with a variety of orthopedic problems, ranging from simple problems like carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger, to more complex problems like distal radius malunions, recurrent shoulder dislocations, severe ankle arthritis, and scoliosis. Throughout the remainder of the week, we performed more than 30 surgeries, and we helped teach the orthopedic surgery residents and attendings at HEODRA Hospital in Leon. In the end, our team left feeling like we received much more than we gave. I look forward to returning to Nicaragua next year!” — Dr. Messer, Raleigh Hand Center

Dr Messer and COAN in Nicaragua

For more information about COAN, please visit our website at coanhealth.org

Dr. Edwards III is now board certified in orthopedics

Dr. George Edwards III of Raleigh Hand Center passed the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery examination. He is officially board-certified in orthopedics. Congratulations Dr. Edwards!