Trauma Hand Care Procedures
Conveniently located to serve Monterey
Trauma hand care procedures performed by Dr. David Morwood In Monterey, California deliver optimal results when it comes to restoring function and appearance after a serious hand injury. A highly experienced reconstructive microsurgeon, Dr. Morwood is an expert at treating the most challenging genetic malformations and is frequently called upon to provide treatment for a wide range of injuries to the hands, wrists, and fingers.
If you or a loved one have experienced a traumatic hand injury and are concerned with long-term healing and hand function or are in need of trauma treatment right now, please contact us at Dr. Morwood’s office to schedule a consultation. Early intervention is essential to achieving the best outcome.
Understanding Hand Trauma
Hand trauma encompasses any injury affecting the fingers, hands, or wrists, and can involve damage to tendons, bones, ligaments, or nerves. Common causes include:
- Accidents – Recreational activities, sports, or car accidents.
- Work-related injuries – Tasks involving heavy machinery or repetitive strain.
- Everyday mishaps – Falls, cuts, or burns at home.
Prompt treatment is essential, as untreated injuries may lead to long-term complications, including loss of function or chronic pain.
Symptoms of Hand Trauma
Sometimes injuries are more severe than we realize, particularly in individuals who have a higher tolerance for discomfort. To protect long-term hand functionality, patients who notice the following symptoms after a traumatic hand injury should seek a professional consultation with a microsurgery and hand injury specialist like Dr. Morwood.
- Deformity or disfigurement
- Pain, swelling, or tenderness
- Limited range of motion
- Redness, pallor, or discoloration
- Numbness or tingling
- Wounds that don’t heal
Traumatic Hand Injury: The Importance of Early Treatment
Timely treatment of hand trauma can significantly improve outcomes, preventing further complications such as infection, stiffness, or nerve damage. Dr. Morwood emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and intervention to restore function, reduce pain, and ensure a smooth recovery.
Traumatic Hand Injury: Treatment Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Morwood will assess the cause and severity of your hand injury. The diagnostic process includes:
Detailed Consultation – Discussing the mechanism of injury (e.g., lacerations, burns, pressure, or direct trauma).
Physical Examination – Identifying signs of damage, including swelling, deformity, or vascular impairment.
Imaging Tests – Utilizing X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to detect fractures, tendon tears, or the presence of foreign materials.
Trauma Hand Care Procedures
Dr. Morwood employs advanced plastic and microsurgery techniques to address a variety of hand injuries, ensuring optimal restoration of function and appearance. Common procedures include:
Grafting – Transfers skin, bone, nerves, or other tissues from healthy parts of the body to repair damaged areas.
Flap Surgery – Relocates skin, fat, muscle, and blood vessels from another part of the body to cover and repair the injured area.
Replantation or Transplantation – Reattaches or replaces amputated fingers or hands using microsurgery, a highly precise technique performed under magnification. Modern advancements in trauma and surgery make it possible to restore sensation, movement, and aesthetics, even in severe cases. However, recovery often involves several stages, including follow-up surgeries and physical therapy.
Trauma Hand Surgery: What to Expect Before and After the Procedure
Trauma hand surgery is tailored to the specific injury and patient needs:
Pre-Surgery – Dr. Morwood will discuss the procedure, outline goals, and provide preparation instructions.
During Surgery – Depending on the complexity of the injury, the surgery may take several hours. Local or general anesthesia will be used to ensure comfort.
Post-Surgery – Initially following the surgery, patients can expect to have sutures and bandaging, and the surgical area may be immobilized in order to provide physical support during healing. A structured rehabilitation plan that includes a physical therapy schedule that is essential for regaining strength, mobility, and dexterity is provided.
Trauma Hand Surgery: How to Achieve the Best Outcome
Individuals who choose Dr. Morwood for their procedure have taken the first of two essential steps towards achieving the best outcome. The second essential step involves the patient strictly adhering to all aspects of their recovery and rehabilitation plan. Recovery from reconstructive hand surgery after a traumatic injury can take weeks to months of healing and physical therapy. The reward for strictly following the recovery plan is the full or optimal restoration of hand functionality and faster incision healing that will minimize the potential to develop thicker scar tissue.
What is the Cost of Traumatic Hand Injury Surgery?
The cost of trauma hand care procedures depends on the complexity of the injury, the specific treatment required, and the extent of rehabilitation needed. In many cases, procedures to repair hand trauma may be covered, fully or partially, by health insurance. Dr. Morwood’s office works with patients to determine insurance eligibility and provide the necessary documentation for claims.
For those without insurance coverage or seeking elective procedures, financing options may be available to help make treatment more affordable. Detailed cost information, including any out-of-pocket expenses, will be provided during your consultation, tailored to your individual treatment plan. Contact us today to learn more or schedule your appointment.
Trauma Hand Care Procedures: Frequently Asked Questions
Will I regain full use of my hand after surgery?
While many patients achieve excellent results, full recovery depends on the severity of the trauma, the procedure performed, and adherence to rehabilitation. Dr. Morwood will provide a realistic outlook during your consultation.
Can surgery with Dr. Morwood improve hand functionality from an older injury.
Yes, However, the degree of recovery often depends on the extent and location of the original injury and how much time has passed. While surgery can help, the presence of secondary complications like severe arthritis can still impact functionality. A consultation with Dr. Morwood will provide information on the potential for results and what the best treatment approach is.
Schedule a Hand Surgery Consultation with Dr. David Morwood
Dr. David Morwood is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Monterey who has an extensive background in microsurgery and treating traumatic hand injuries. Dr. Morwood’s expertise and passion for helping patients improve their quality of life and achieve their goals is why he has been a trusted provider of plastic and reconstructive surgery for over thirty years, serving patients from all areas of California and beyond.
If the functionality of your hands, wrists or fingers are impacted by a recent or past traumatic injury or other medical issues like ganglion cysts or carpal tunnel, we can help. Contact us today to schedule a hand surgery consultation with Dr. Morwood in Monterey.
