Trauma

Yes. As a plastic and hand surgeon, I manage the full spectrum of hand conditions — including both soft-tissue and bony problems. I hold both the British and European Diplomas in Hand Surgery and completed advanced training through the BSSH and the University of Manchester. I also undertook a specialist fellowship in peripheral nerve surgery at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, one of the UK’s leading and most prestigious centres for nerve surgery.

Soft-tissue trauma refers to damage to the skin, tendons, ligaments, nerves, blood vessels, or muscles of the hand or fingers. These injuries can range from simple cuts to complex crush wounds, tendon ruptures, nerve lacerations, degloving injuries, and soft-tissue loss requiring reconstruction.

You should seek prompt specialist review if you have:

• A cut that exposes deeper tissues (fat, tendon, bone)
• Loss of movement or inability to bend/straighten a finger
• Numbness or tingling after an injury
• Excessive bleeding or a wound that won’t close
• A crush injury
• Contamination with dirt, machinery grease, or glass
• Signs of infection (redness, swelling, heat, pus)

Delays can increase stiffness, infection risk, and long-term functional problems.

No. Some minor lacerations, sprains, or closed tendon injuries can be managed non-operatively with splinting, dressings, and therapy. Surgery is recommended when there is:

• A tendon or nerve laceration
• Deep or contaminated wounds
• Exposed bone or loss of tissue
• Joint instability
• Vascular injury

Your assessment will determine the safest and most effective route.

Depending on the injury, treatment may include:

• Tendon repair using microsurgical techniques
• Nerve repair or grafting
• Artery repair to restore blood flow
• Skin grafts or local flaps for coverage
• Debridement (cleaning the wound)
• Fixation of associated fractures

The aim is always to restore as much movement, sensation, and function as possible.

Often, yes. Splinting helps protect the repair, reduce pain, and support the hand in an optimal healing position. Splints are usually provided on the day of surgery and are often custom-made by a specialist hand therapist. They can be adjusted throughout your recovery as your movement and strength improve.

Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort, which is well controlled with simple pain medication. Swelling is common in the first few days. Elevation, gentle movement, and therapist-guided exercises help minimise pain and stiffness.

Recovery depends on the structures involved:

• Skin-only injuries: 1–3 weeks
• Tendon repairs: 10–12 weeks of protected rehab, with further strengthening beyond this
• Nerve repairs: sensation may take months to return
• Soft-tissue reconstruction: recovery may extend over 3–6+ months

Complex injuries may require a longer rehabilitation period.

Almost always. Soft-tissue injuries around the hand are highly prone to stiffness. Hand therapy plays a major role in:

• Protecting the repair
• Regaining movement
• Controlling swelling and scar sensitivity
• Restoring strength and dexterity

A tailored programme prevents long-term loss of function.

This varies significantly by injury:

• Desk work: often 1–2 weeks
• Light manual duties: 4–6 weeks
• Heavy manual work: 8–12+ weeks
• Driving: when you can safely grip and control the wheel

Your plan will be shaped around the demands of your job and the nature of your injury.

Potential long-term effects include:

• Reduced movement or stiffness
• Altered sensation
• Scar sensitivity or thickening
• Weakness or reduced grip strength
• Chronic pain in complex or nerve-related injuries

Prompt treatment and dedicated rehabilitation significantly reduce these risks.

If tissue is lost or severely damaged, reconstruction may involve:

• Local tissue flaps
• Skin grafts
• Regional or free-flap reconstruction for larger defects
• Nerve or tendon grafting where needed

The approach will depend on the extent of injury and the functional needs of the hand.

In most cases, yes. Facial lacerations generally heal best when they are carefully cleaned and sutured. Precise closure aligns the skin edges, reduces tension, lowers infection risk, and leads to a finer long-term scar. Because the face is highly visible and the skin is delicate, it is preferable for these injuries to be assessed and repaired by plastic surgeons. Early, accurate suturing gives the best chance of an excellent cosmetic and functional outcome.