Hand and wrist surgery in Manchester

Pain, stiffness, weakness, or numbness in the hand or wrist can have a significant effect on every day life. Simple tasks such as buttoning a shirt, opening a bottle, or using a computer can become frustrating, while hobbies and sports such as tennis, golf, or the gym may become impossible. 

If you are struggling with persistent symptoms, fast access to and experienced hand and wrist specialist can make all the difference.

At The Alexandra Hospital in Manchester, our consultants provide prompt diagnosis, clear advice, and tailored treatment plan to help you regain confidence in your hands and return to the activities you enjoy.

 

Each hand contains 27 bones, together with a network of ligaments, tendons, nerves and muscles within a very compact space This complexity means problems are common and can arise from injury, overuse, or natural wear and tear.  

Conditions that most commonly cause symptoms in the hand and wrist include:

• Osteoarthritis – the most common type of arthritis in the UK, frequently affecting the thumb base, fingers or wrist. Symptoms include pain, swelling and stiffness, which may worsen over time. Treatments range from splints and injections to joint replacement surgery in selected cases. 
• Carpal tunnel syndrome – Compression of the median nerve at the wrist, causing pain, tingling and weakness. Surgery to release the nerve is highly effective. 
• Ganglion cysts - Fluid-filled swellings around the wrist or hand, sometimes causing pain or restricting movement. 
• Trigger finger –A tendon problem causing the finger to catch or lock in a bent position. Release surgery often provides a lasting solution. 
• Dupuytren’s disease - Thickening beneath the skin of the palm, leading to finger contractures. Treatment options include needle fasciotomy (minimally invasive release) 

 

A private consultation is an excellent way of ensuring you receive tailored care and treatment for your hand or wrist problem.

When you first meet with your Consultant, they will take your medical history and discuss your symptoms. They will ask you questions like:

• What symptoms do you have?
• How long have you had these symptoms for?
• Have they been getting progressively worse (or better) over time?
• If you have pain, is it sharp or dull?
• Is the pain in only one area (localised) or is it spread across your hand and wrist?
• What things are you no longer able to do as a result of your symptoms?

Your Consultant will  then carry out a clinical examination of your hand, wrist and arm in order to assess strength, mobility and flexibility in any affected joints.

Further tests or investigations are sometimes also needed to help confirm a diagnosis or to accurately assess the extent of any injury or disease. This will often be an X-ray of your hand and wrist to help show the presence of any bony abnormalities. Further diagnostic scans like Ultrasound or MRI may be carried out to help look at tendons, ligaments, muscles and nerves. With comprehensive diagnostic capabilities on-site, we can arrange any tests you require quickly and easily.

Once a diagnosis has been confirmed, your Consultant will discuss suitable treatment options with you. These may include rest, bracing of the hand or wrist, pain relief medication, physiotherapy, steroid injections or, if necessary, an operation.

If surgery is needed, your consultant will explain: 

• Minimally invasive procedures such as arthroscopy (keyhole surgery of the wrist).
• Carpal tunnel release and trigger finger release (often performed under local anaesthetic).
• Joint replacement surgery, particularly for thumb base arthritis, allowing many patients to return to daily activities with improved strength and reduced pain.
• Dupuytren's contracture surgery to release affected finger.
• Complex wrist reconstruction for arthritis, ligament injury, or trauma. 

Most procedures are carried out as a day case surgery. Many patients can return to light activities within a few days, will full recovery depending on the condition treated. Our dedicated hand therapy team will support rehabilitation, with tailored exercises and splints if needed.

When you choose The Alexandra Hospital, you’ll benefit from:

• Rapid access – As the largest private hospital in the UK, we can arrange consultations, scans and surgery quickly and at times that suit you. 
• World-class expertise - Our team includes national leaders in hand and wrist surgery, who also teach and train other consultants across the UK and Europe. 
• Comprehensive facilities - From onsite imaging to intensive care backup, ensuring patient safety at all times.
• Patient satisfaction - In an independent survey, over 98% of people said they were likely to or highly likely to recommend The Alexandra Hospital to their friends and family. 
• Personalised case - Every treatment plan is tailored your lifestyle and goals, whether that's returning to sport, playing with grandchildren, or working comfortably again.
• Remote consultations also available - By telephone or video if more convenient. 

 

Take the next step 

If you have hand or wrist pain, weakness, or stiffness, help is available now. 

Book your private consultation with one of our Manchester hand and wrist specialists today!