Hand Surgery
Important Benefits of Choosing a Hand Specialist
Restored Function
If you are struggling with carpal tunnel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, an athletic injury, or another hand problem, you know how difficult it can make everyday tasks like typing, writing, or cooking. Attention from an expert orthopedic surgeon like Dr. Vagner can rehabilitate your hand and radically improve its function.Improved Appearance
Injuries or conditions like osteoarthritis can affect the appearance of your hands, making them embarrassing. Hand surgery can reduce swelling around the joints in the hand, eliminate noticeable lumps, and help your hands recover natural-looking movement.Less Pain
Living with dysfunctional hands usually means living with some level of chronic pain. Thanks to modern orthopedic technologies and techniques, you don't have to live life this way anymore. Dr. Vagner can use both non-invasive methods and surgery at his offices in Austin and Cedar Park, TX, to greatly reduce the pain in your hands.Hand Surgery with Gregg A. Vagner, M.D.
Dr. Vagner has been an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hands, wrists, and elbows in the Austin, TX, area since 2005. He is double board-certified in both orthopedic surgery and hand surgery, a unique achievement that positions him as one of the premier hand surgeons in all of Texas. He also has experience handling everything up to level 1 trauma injuries.
Dr. Vagner's approach combines the latest techniques and technologies with evidence-based medicine to achieve superior results for his patients. He strives to be as conservative as possible in all treatment plans, always considering non-invasive methods before turning to surgery as a last resort. If surgery is the best treatment option for you, you can put your trust in Dr. Vagner's experience and extensive knowledge to produce excellent results.
If you recently injured your hands, or you are living with chronic hand pain, schedule an appointment at one of Dr. Vagner's orthopedic practices in Austin or Cedar Park, TX, today so the surgeon can examine your case and determine what will be the best treatment option for you. You can schedule a consultation by booking online or by calling us at:
(512) 454-4561
Highly Recommended
"I am a hand therapist who has treated Dr Vagners patients and I would highly recommend him. Great work and fast recovery time." Yelp Review from Kellie M. - March 6, 2017
Why Choose Dr. Vagner for Your Hand Surgery?
Conservative Care
Dr. Vagner will always consider non-invasive treatment methods like cortisone injections or physical therapy before recommending hand surgery.Advanced Technology
He is constantly updating the technology at his practice locations in the greater Austin, TX, area to provide his patients with the most modern and advanced care available.Specialized Focus
Dr. Vagner specializes in treating issues in the elbow, wrist, and hand. The hand is a remarkably complex system of nerves, tendons, ligaments, and bones, and our surgeon has spent his career studying its intricacies.How does the hand work?
The Anatomy of the Hand
Our orthopedic surgeon provides a quick summary of the complex construction of the hand.
My hand is causing me pain. What could be wrong?
Common Hand Problems
Fractures
The bones in the hand can break easily due to any number of factors, such as a bad fall, a car accident, or contact sports. If you injured your hand and are experiencing pain and swelling, one of your bones may be fractured and you should seek the attention of an orthopedic physician. If you wait too long to have your hand professionally examined, the bones may heal incorrectly, which can cause long-lasting pain and impaired functionality.
Dr. Vagner is able to diagnose and treat both mild and severe hand fractures at his practices in the Austin, TX, area. He is usually able to set the bone and provide a cast or splint without the need for surgery. In the case of advanced fractures that require surgery, Dr. Vagner uses safe and modern tools and techniques to conservatively repair the hand.
Arthritis
Arthritis involves swelling and tenderness in the joints. The most common and noticeable symptoms are pain and stiffness in the joint. This can occur in any joint, and it typically gets worse as you age. Our surgeon treats many forms of the condition, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, wrist arthritis, thumb arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis. The most common form is osteoarthritis, which occurs when the cartilage between the bones wears down over time.
If you come to Dr. Vagner's practices in Austin or Cedar Park for a consultation, he can use imaging technology and possibly lab tests to definitively diagnose the issue. If he identifies your condition as a form of arthritis, he can recommend the best routine for managing your symptoms. In most cases, non-invasive methods like over-the-counter pain medication and physical therapy are sufficient. In rare cases, joint replacement surgery may be a treatment option.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a fairly common condition caused by a pinched nerve in the wrist. The nerve can become pinched because of a fracture, rheumatoid arthritis, improper positioning of the wrists when typing or using a computer mouse, and other factors. Common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are occasional tingling, numbness, or weakness in the hand.
At his offices in Austin and Cedar Park, TX, orthopedic surgeon Gregg Vagner, MD, addresses carpal tunnel syndrome first by thoroughly examining the hands and wrists. If he determines that the nerve is being pinched, the surgeon can treat the issue non-invasively with bracing or cortisone shots. In extreme cases, surgery may be required, and Dr. Vagner can perform surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome either endoscopically or with an open method.
No More Pain
"All of the symptoms are GONE. I can ride the SeaDoo without hands going numb. My hands don't hurt anymore. I got both done in a good time span, and they are both symptom and pain free. There are no limitations." Yelp Review from Jason M. - October 10, 2018
Don't Settle for Joint Pain
With the kind of orthopedic care available today, there is no reason for anyone to settle for a life with joint pain. If your hands cause you discomfort, attention from Dr. Vagner, one of Texas's foremost hand specialists, can relieve your pain and enable you to type, grip, and lift with much less difficulty.
We encourage you to schedule a consultation today to begin the process of healing. The longer you wait, the more pain you'll experience. Dr. Vagner practices at offices in Austin and Cedar Park, and he is always ready to receive new patients. You can schedule a consultation by booking online or by calling:
(512) 454-4561
How is hand surgery performed?
Hand Surgery Techniques
Endoscopic
Endoscopic surgery, often employed to alleviate carpal tunnel syndrome, is Dr. Vagner's preferred approach to hand surgery. It is a minimally invasive method that involves the surgeon making a small incision in the hand, wrist, or arm. He then inserts a tiny camera through the incision to provide a visual aid as he works on the affected ligaments, tendons, or nerves of the hand.Arthroscopic
Arthroscopic surgery is a more specific form of endoscopic surgery in which the surgeon uses a small camera to treat a joint. Dr. Vagner can use this method to address wrist conditions.Open
Traditional surgery involves the surgeon making a larger incision on the hand to expose the bones, tendons, and ligaments. Open surgery produces the most scarring and requires the longest recovery time.What does hand surgery cost?
Paying for Hand Surgery
Costs vary from procedure to procedure, however, Dr. Vagner strives to make orthopedic care as accessible as possible to all patients who enter his practice locations in Austin and Cedar Park, TX. The practice accepts many, but not all, insurance plans. Before coming in for a consultation, we recommend reviewing your coverage with your insurance company so you have a full understanding of what your plan does and doesn't cover.
Dr. Vagner offers payment plans for most treatments. For more information about insurance and the cost of hand surgery, contact us online or give us a call at (512) 454-4561.
Is the surgery safe?
Understanding the Risks of Hand Surgery
When performed by an advanced specialist like Dr. Vagner, hand surgery is relatively low-risk. However, any surgical procedure involves some risk of complications. The most common include excessive bleeding, complications from anesthesia, or infection. There is a small chance of tendons or nerves becoming damaged, but Dr. Vagner's experience and advanced techniques make the likelihood of this occurring incredibly small.
If you are struggling with a debilitating hand condition, the benefits of orthopedic surgery far outweigh the risks. Trust your care to an expert surgeon like Dr. Vagner at his practices in Austin, TX, to renew the utility of your hand and dramatically improve your quality of life.
What are the alternatives to surgery?
Gregg A. Vagner, M.D.
Dr. Vagner is a double board-certified orthopedic and hand surgeon who combines the latest research and techniques to treat the hands, wrists, and elbows. His accolades and roles in his field include:
- Distinguished Surgeon of the Year Award - Austin Area Association of Perioperative Medicine
- Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery in Perioperative Care - Dell Medical School
- Hand Surgery Consultant - University of Texas Athletic Department
To schedule an appointment at any of our office locations, reach out to us online or call (512) 454-4561.
Visit One of Our Four Convenient Locations
Dr. Vagner has three locations in Austin and one in Cedar Park for your convenience. Our South office opens at 7:30am and our other offices open at 8:00am. All of our locations are open until 5:00pm every weekday. If you are experiencing hand pain now, Dr. Vagner's staff can schedule you for an appointment swiftly so that your hand can be examined.
Our double board-certified hand surgeon may be able to correct your hands with non-invasive treatment. If you do need surgery, you can rest easier knowing that you're in the care of a specialist.
Request a consultation today or call:
(512) 454-4561
Real Patient Testimonial
" I needed immediate surgery on both hands for severe carpal tunnel and Dr Vagner's office accommodated my scheduling needs with a next day appointment. Within a week of first visiting Dr Vagner I had the surgery with only minor discomfort over a 24 hour period. Within 9 days, the stitches were out and I have seen improvement from the nerve damage. His staff was always friendly. He was either early for my appointment or right on time." Yelp Review from Mark R. - March 23, 2019
The Healing Process
After your hand surgery, you may be given strict instructions to help you heal correctly. Our orthopedic surgeon in Austin, TX, may instruct you to:
Moving your hand after surgery could slow down the healing process. A splint will help keep your hand in place.
You may also be instructed to wear bandages for a time to help minimize swelling.
While you may be required to keep your hand as immobile as possible immediately after your surgery, you will need to exercise the muscles in your hand during the healing period. If your hand is experiencing mobility issues following your surgery, physical therapy may help. Dr. Vagner will let you know when it is safe to use your hand more often.
Your hands should progressively heal following your surgery if you follow your post-procedure instructions correctly. However, it is important to attend follow-up appointments with Dr. Vagner so he can make sure the bones, tendons, and muscles in your hand heal correctly. This is also an opportunity for you to bring up any questions or concerns you may have after surgery.
How to Manage Hand Pain
Arthritis and carpal tunnel are two conditions that cause chronic pain in your hand. While you're awaiting surgery at one of our three Austin locations or our facility in Cedar Park, TX, the following can help manage discomfort:
Arthritis
- Minimize your stress levels as much as possible
- Wear protective gear like gloves and wristguards
- Choose activities that are low- to no-impact on your hands, like walking
Carpal Tunnel
- Reduce repetitive hand movements
- Don't hold an object in the same position for a long time
- Wear splints at night to keep your wrist straight
- Minimize the number of activities that require strain on your hands
If you have arthritis, carpal tunnel, or another condition that affects your hands, physical activities have been known to reduce pain and improve your mood. Talk with Dr. Vagner for his recommendations on what activities are safe for your hands.
Another Patient Testimonial
"Dr. Vagner is awesome. I ended up at Vagner's office, two weeks after breaking a wrist. He listens. He actually makes eye contact and smiles. He gently felt my wrist and ordered an MRI. He is now going to be my Ortho-hand guy for when I need him. I never thought I would need one, but since I do, Vagner is super duper fantastical." Yelp Review from Jenny L.
