In The Media Archives - Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center Archive

Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center in Raleigh, NC

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COVID-19 in Raleigh, North Carolina, Update on 4/15/2020

COVID-19 Update on 4/15/2020: Our office remains OPEN during the COVID-19 outbreak in Raleigh, NC. Medical practices are considered “essential” in North Carolina. Elective surgeries have been canceled, but urgent or emergent surgeries can be performed safely. For patients who do not wish to visit the office, Telemedicine or “Virtual Visits” are available. If you have a smart phone or home computer, this service can be used from the comfort of your home. Please call our office to learn more.

The Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center physicians and staff are concerned about the spread of Coronavirus, COVID-19 disease. We are following recommendations by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention by frequently washing our hands with soap and warm water, using hand sanitizer, wiping down frequently touched surfaces, using face masks, and maintaining 6 feet distance between others when possible. We are screening patients on the phone and at the check-in area for symptoms and fevers. Our office staff are wearing face coverings and we request that patients and their guest also cover their faces with a mask or scarf, based on new CDC guidelines.

We are asking patients to reschedule their appointment if they are having fever, cough, shortness of breath or other flu-like symptoms, or if they have been in close contact with someone suspected of having Coronavirus. Our physicians and staff are monitoring themselves for symptoms and will stay home if they are showing concerning symptoms. We are asking patients to bring only one other person with them to their appointment to limit the potential spread of the virus.

We are all doing our best to keep the community safe and healthy while taking care of patients with hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder problems.

Coronavirus Update

For the latest information about this disease, please visit the Centers for Disease Control website.

The Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center physicians and staff are concerned about the spread of Coronavirus, COVID-19 disease. We are following recommendations by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention by frequently washing our hands with soap and warm water, using hand sanitizer, wiping down frequently touched surfaces, and maintaining 6 feet distance between others when possible. We are now screening patients on the phone and at the check-in area for symptoms. We are asking patients to reschedule their appointment if they are having fever, cough, shortness of breath or other flu-like symptoms, or if they have been in close contact with someone suspected of having Coronavirus. Our physicians and staff are monitoring themselves for symptoms and will stay home if they are showing concerning symptoms. We are asking patients to bring only one other person with them to their appointment to limit the potential spread of the virus. We are all doing our best to keep the community safe and healthy.

Infectious disease experts have recommended frequent hand washing with warm water and soap for 20 seconds, avoiding sick contacts, staying home if you are sick, using a disposable tissue for sneezing, avoid touching your face, and wiping down frequently touched surfaces. Face masks have not been recommended for healthy people trying to avoid getting sick.

If you have flu-like symptoms, please call to reschedule your office appointment and notify your primary care physician by phone.

Flu-like symptoms include: Fever, cough, fatigue, body aches, sore throat, chills, or shortness of breath

Updated 3/16/2020

Dr Post gives lecture on shoulder examination

Dr James Post of Raleigh Hand Center gave a lecture on the physical exam and radiologic evaluation of patients with shoulder problems at WakeMed conference on 9/10/2018

Avocado Hand Injuries

Avocado related hand injuries are on the rise. Chefs and celebrities recently have been injured while attempting to cut the fruit, bringing increased attention to the risks involved. Most people accidentally cut their non-dominant hand which is holding the avocado. The knife can slip quickly through the soft flesh and into the hand which is holding the fruit. Nerve and tendon damage are common with this type of injury. This can result in several weeks or months of recovery after surgical repair of the lacerated structures.

In order to avoid a hand injury, cut the avocado only on a stable, flat surface. Do not cut towards your hand.

If you have a hand laceration, clean the wound in running water, place a clean bandage on the wound and hold pressure to stop bleeding. If the bleeding does not stop after 5-10 minutes of firm pressure on the wound, or if you have numbness in your hand or finger, or limited finger range of motion, seek medical attention promptly.

httpss://www.cbsnews.com/news/avocado-hand-injuries-on-the-rise/

Here is a video showing safe cutting technique…

Metacarpal fracture treatment in Raleigh NC

Metacarpal fractures are common hand injuries. They can occur from a variety of injuries such as a fall, a motor vehicle collision, or striking the fist against a hard surface. There are five metacarpals, one for each finger and the thumb. The metacarpals contribute to the bony architecture of the hand. Satisfactory healing of this fracture is important to restoring hand function. A fracture of the 5th metacarpal neck (the small finger) is sometimes called a “boxer’s fracture,” as they can be seen in punching injuries.

The treatment plan will depend on the severity of the fracture and the patient’s medical condition and activity level. Most people have fractures which are well-aligned, and, therefore, do not require surgery and are treated in a splint or cast. Follow-up x-rays are obtained to evaluate how the fracture is healing. Hand therapy is sometimes necessary to improve strength and range of motion of the hand.

Some patients with displaced fractures can be treated with manual realignment of the fracture. This is performed in the office or emergency room with local anesthesia such as lidocaine (numbing medicine). Once the bones are “set,” a splint is placed to maintain the alignment for a few weeks.

Surgery may be recommended to patients with more severe fractures, such as those fractures with poor alignment or when the bone breaks through the skin (open fracture).

WHAT IS INVOLVED WITH SURGERY?

The surgery is performed as an outpatient often using regional anesthesia or a nerve block. During surgery, the bones are realigned and stabilized. In some cases, a low-profile plate and screws are used to fix the bones internally. This is called “open reduction and internal fixation” and requires an incision on the back of the hand. In other cases, temporary pins are placed through the skin to stabilize the bones while they heal. This is called “closed reduction and percutaneous pinning.” The pins can be removed in clinic after a few weeks. Other options include intramedullary nail fixation and external fixation. Which technique is used depends on the fracture pattern and is often determined in the operating room. The bone healing process takes about 6 weeks, but full recovery for maximizing hand function can take a few months.

Call Raleigh Hand Center for a consultation on treatment of your metacarpal fracture

4th and 5th metacarpal fractures

Open reduction and internal fixation of 4th and 5th metacarpals

Surgeons return from National Hand Conference

Drs. Edwards Jr, Edwards III, Erickson, Messer, and Post of Raleigh Hand Center attended the American Society for Surgery of the Hand annual meeting in Austin, Texas in October 2016. The doctors are committed to staying up-to-date with the latest developments in hand and upper extremity care.

Dr. Erickson lectures on Local Anesthesia Techniques

Dr. John Erickson of Raleigh Hand Center discussed the use of local anesthesia with epinephrine during hand surgery. Dr. Erickson led the orthopedic hand conference on 10/17/2016 at WakeMed hospital.

Dr Post lectures on Nerve Repair Techniques

Dr. James Post of Raleigh Hand Center discussed treatment of patients with nerve injuries at orthopedic hand conference. Updates on the current treatment recommendations were discussed.

Dr. Erickson presents Duke Raleigh Hospital grand rounds

Dr. John Erickson of Raleigh Hand Center presented at Duke Raleigh hospital orthopedic grand rounds on 3/9/2016. Local area hand surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, mid-level providers, and nurses were present for the discussion of treatment and prevention of infections.

Dr. James Post discusses Scaphoid Fractures at conference

Dr. Jim Post of the Raleigh Hand Center discusses Scaphoid Fractures at Hand Conference on Monday March 7th at WakeMed Raleigh campus