Specialized Hand & Wrist Care in Colorado Springs

Wide-Awake Hand Surgery

Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group

Your hands and wrists play an important role in nearly everything you do, from working and exercising to performing everyday activities. Injuries, arthritis, nerve conditions, tendon problems, and other disorders can cause pain, weakness, stiffness, or loss of function.

CSOG provides comprehensive care for conditions affecting the hand, wrist, fingers, and surrounding structures. Our specialists offer a range of nonsurgical and surgical treatments, including therapy, injections, minimally invasive procedures, and advanced surgical techniques when appropriate.

Whether you are dealing with a new injury or a condition that has gradually affected your function, our team will evaluate your individual needs and develop a treatment plan focused on relieving symptoms, restoring function, and helping you return to the activities you enjoy.

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What is Wide-Awake Hand Surgery?

Wide-awake hand surgery, also known as wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT), is a procedure in which hand surgery is performed without any sedation or general anesthesia.

Indications for Wide-Awake Hand Surgery

Wide-awake hand surgery can be used for:

• Fracture fixation
• Ligament repair
• Osteotomy
• Replacement of finger joints
• Tendon and soft tissue surgery
• Trapeziectomy (removal of a small bone from the wrist)
• Trigger finger release
• Carpal tunnel release

Preparing for Wide-Awake Hand Surgery

Specific instructions will be provided by your hand surgeon. In general, you should:

• Stop smoking as it can slow down the healing process.
• Inform your surgeon about any health conditions, allergies, and regular medications.
• You do not have to fast prior to the surgery as general anesthesia will not be administered.

Procedure for Wide-Awake Hand Surgery

The procedure for wide-awake-hand surgery includes the following:

• Your doctor will instruct you to change your clothes to a patient’s gown.
• Your hand will be cleaned and prepared.
• Your doctor will inject a local anesthesia such as lidocaine with epinephrine to the surgical site.
• This injection will numb the surgical site and minimize bleeding to help your surgeon to easily operate on your hand.
• Depending on your injury, the appropriate surgical repair will be performed while you are wide awake.No tourniquet will be used during the surgery.
• The surgeon may ask you to move your hand during the procedure to get a better idea how the repair will work and thus optimize outcomes.
• The surgical incision will be closed with sutures and covered with a dressing after which you can return home.

Risks and Complications of Wide-Awake Hand Surgery

Wide-Awake Hand Surgery is a very safe procedure; however, there is a minimal risk of bleeding, infection, delayed healing, and failure to heal after surgery.

Advantages of Wide-Awake Hand Surgery

Advantages of wide-awake hand surgery include:

• Enables quicker return to normal activities
• Avoids side effects of general anesthesia
• Better surgical outcomes
• Lower cost