A range of hand and upper limb procedures are available depending on the condition being treated.

These include:

• Hand trauma surgery: management of tendon injuries, lacerations, soft tissue injuries and complex hand trauma.
• Hand fracture treatment: management of fractures involving the hand, fingers and wrist, including both operative and non-operative treatment where appropriate.
• Carpal tunnel surgery: decompression of the median nerve at the wrist to relieve numbness, tingling and weakness. Both open and endoscopic carpal tunnel release techniques are available depending on patient anatomy and suitability.
• Cubital tunnel surgery: decompression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow to address numbness, weakness and nerve irritation affecting the hand.
• Trigger finger release: release of the constricted tendon sheath causing painful clicking, locking or triggering of the finger or thumb.
• Dupuytren’s surgery: correction of finger contractures caused by Dupuytren’s disease through excision or release of diseased tissue in the palm and fingers.

As part of your assessment, Dr Cameron will work with you to determine the most appropriate surgical approach to restore function while minimising recovery time and recurrence risk where possible.

At Morphē Clinic, preparation for hand surgery includes careful assessment of:

• hand function and range of motion
• nerve symptoms and muscle strength
• tendon integrity
• fracture pattern or soft tissue injury
• skin quality and circulation
• occupational and lifestyle demands
• overall health and medical history.

Investigations such as X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans or nerve conduction studies may be recommended depending on the condition being treated.

All hand surgery is undertaken in close collaboration with hand therapists from SA Hand Therapy.

The goal is to optimise healing, minimise complications and restore durable long-term function.

Hand surgery may be performed under local anaesthetic, regional anaesthetic or general anaesthetic depending on the procedure and patient preference. Most hand procedures are performed as day surgery.

Dressings, splints or protective casts may be required following surgery depending on the procedure performed and the structures being treated.

Upper blepharoplasty commonly involves removing excess upper eyelid skin and, in selected patients, a small amount of underlying muscle or fat. Incisions are carefully placed within the natural upper eyelid crease so scars are usually very well concealed once healed.

Early rehabilitation and hand therapy often form an important component of recovery following surgery, particularly after tendon repair, fracture treatment or nerve decompression procedures. That’s why all hand surgery at Morphē Clinic is performed in close collaboration with hand therapists from SA Hand Therapy.

In some patients, lower eyelid surgery can be performed through an incision hidden inside the eyelid, known as a transconjunctival approach. This technique avoids an external lower eyelid scar and is particularly useful in younger patients with under-eye puffiness but minimal skin excess.

Dr Cameron performs hand surgery procedures at Burnside Hospital, St Andrew’s Hospital and Glenelg Community Hospital.

The goals of hand surgery are to relieve pain, improve function, restore movement and support return to normal daily activities.

Many patients experience significant improvement in comfort, strength, sensation and hand function following surgery.

Outcomes vary depending on:

• the condition being treated
• severity of injury or nerve compression
• chronicity of symptoms
• rehabilitation
• overall patient health.

The best outcomes are usually achieved through a combination of careful surgical management and structured rehabilitation.

Recovery following hand surgery varies depending on the procedure performed and the complexity of the condition treated.

Some patients return to light daily activity within days, while more complex tendon, nerve or fracture surgery may require longer periods of splinting, rehabilitation and graduated return to activity.

Swelling, stiffness and temporary discomfort are common during the early stages of recovery.

Hand therapy with therapists from SA Hand Therapy forms an important component of rehabilitation following surgery and may involve:

• splinting
• scar management
• swelling control
• range of motion exercises
• strengthening programs
• return-to-work planning.

A series of follow-up appointments are scheduled throughout your recovery, however Dr Cameron is happy to review you at any stage if you have concerns or would like your progress checked.

All surgery carries some degree of risk. These risks are reduced through careful preparation, surgical planning, post-operative care, rehabilitation and the experience and judgement of Dr Cameron and the Morphē team.

Specific risks vary depending on the procedure being performed, however general risks associated with hand surgery may include:

• Scarring. Scars are permanent, although most soften and fade over time.
• Stiffness. Temporary or persistent stiffness may occur following surgery or injury.
• Infection. Rarely, infection may require antibiotics or further surgery.
• Complex regional pain syndrome. Rarely, abnormal pain sensitivity and stiffness can develop following surgery or trauma.
• Tendon adhesions or rupture. Tendon repairs may occasionally scar, weaken or re-rupture.

General risks associated with hand surgery: (cont.)

• Delayed healing or non-union. Fractures may heal slowly or incompletely in some patients.
• Altered sensation. Temporary or permanent numbness or altered sensation may occur depending on the condition being treated and the structures involved.
• Need for revision surgery. Some patients may require additional procedures to improve function, release scar tissue or address recurrent symptoms.