Hand Surgery Zurich: Prof. Dr Maurizio Calcagni

Prof. Dr Maurizio Calcagni is a specialist in hand surgery and partner of the Handchirurgie.ch practice. He also works as a medical consultant in the Department of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery at the University Hospital Zurich in the field of research and teaching.

Prof. Calcagni always treats congenital, traumatic, degenerative, inflammatory, or tumorous problems of the hand and wrist to restore the function of the hand. This requires a broad spectrum of surgical skills guaranteed at Handpraxis.ch.

Specialist in Hand Surgery in Zurich: State-of-the-Art Treatment Methods for Hand and Wrist Problems

Restricted movement of the hand and wrist can significantly limit the quality of life of the patients, and the problems can have very different causes. Inflammation and degenerative diseases, congenital causes, and tumors, can lead to hand disorders.

Prof. Dr Calcagni offers the patients comprehensive diagnostics and advice at Handpraxis.ch. Detailed discussions take place about the causes and treatment options, and the choice of therapy is individually adapted to the wishes of the patients. Patients and relatives are actively involved in the decision-making process all the time.

Treatment for hand disorders aims to restore functionality so that everyday tasks can be carried out without any problems. Prof. Calcagni's many years of experience and expertise in this field, combined with treatment based on the latest research findings, results in complex treatment at the highest level.

Prof. Calcagni has already been able to learn and work in various countries and clinics and has advanced a wide range of research subjects. In practice, he is dedicated to implementing a patient-oriented and individual treatment concept. Besides hand surgery, he also specializes in microsurgery and nerve surgery.

Prof. Calcagni was an expert in developing the ICHOM standards (International Consortium for Health Outcome Measurements) for hand and wrist disorders in adults. These standards are the basis for the outcome-oriented treatment of patients in hand surgery. Patients complete several questionnaires before and after treatment (Patient Reported Outcome Measurements, PROMs), expressing their opinions and perceptions of the treatment results. This data is collected in a result register. In this way, treatment can be adapted to the specific needs of individual patients. The patient is involved in the decision-making process, and there is maximum transparency between the surgeon and the patients.

Treating Post-Traumatic and Degenerative Changes (Arthrosis) of the Joints of the Fingers, Thumb, and Wrist, Including Joint Replacement

Whenever possible, the approach to treating joint disorders begins with conservative measures. Only if these are ineffective can surgery be discussed, taking into account the patient's needs and all the particularities of their condition. Movement without pain is the primary goal whenever possible. In the last 10-15 years, several implants have been developed that have completely changed the approach to treating painful changes in the hand and wrist joints. Prof. Calcagni only implants endoprostheses with excellent results and a lifespan of over 90% after ten years.

Most Extraordinary Expertise in Treating Flexor Tendon Injuries

A flexor tendon injury requires prompt surgical treatment to avoid consequential damage. Therefore, the tendon stumps should ideally be sutured together within the first two days, but at the latest within the first three weeks after the accident, as rapid injury correction is associated with a significantly improved outcome.

Adaptation of the tendon outside this time frame is usually no longer possible due to degenerative processes in the tissue. Alternatively, the tendon can be reconstructed using tendon material from other parts of the body, or surrounding hand tendons can be repositioned. If infections or inflammation cause the tendon defect, a silicone replacement is initially chosen to ensure the digital canal can heal.

The surgical techniques for tendon adaptation and the healing processes of tendon injuries are among Prof. Dr Calcagni's primary research focuses. Intensive aftercare treatment is carried out professionally at Handpraxis.ch, and regular checkups of the operated hand are very important.

Those affected initially receive a splint and are connected to physiotherapeutic hand therapy. Sufficient hand movement is essential to prevent the freshly operated tendons from sticking together. At the same time, however, the hand should not be overloaded within this framework under any circumstances so that another tendon rupture cannot result. Experienced physiotherapists carry out this particular therapy. Nevertheless, despite great care and appropriate aftercare, adhesions can occur in a few cases, which may make a follow-up surgery necessary.

Surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The carpal tunnel, which is in the area of the carpus, is bordered by a connective tissue roof, and is ran through by nerves and tendons. If there is a thickening of the connective tissue at this narrow point, this can lead to problems. The so-called median nerve, in particular, is locally affected, so the nerve bottleneck symptoms are mainly limited to the corresponding innervation area of the median nerve. Patients describe tingling sensations, numbness, pain, limited hand motor skills, and muscle loss.

Initially, conservative treatment can be attempted if the condition is less severe. This includes appropriate hand immobilization and administration of pain and anti-inflammatory medication. If this does not lead to sufficient relief of symptoms or if the symptoms are more pronounced, with symptoms such as loss of sensitivity and muscle atrophy in the small muscles of the hand, surgery should be planned.

During the surgery, experienced hand surgeons cut the tendon ligament that borders the carpal tunnel. This creates more space for the structures running through it, which are relieved. This minor procedure can be carried out either through a small incision in the skin or endoscopically with a camera, whereby local anesthesia is usually sufficient.

Afterward, the affected hand is protected, weight is slowly built up, and hand therapy is possible. The prognosis depends on how early the treatment is carried out; if nerve damage persists, loss of symptoms may remain in the long run.

Many Years of Experience in Therapy & Surgery for Dupuytren's Disease

Increased production of connective tissue and scar tissue in the palm leads to reduced extensibility of the hand in Dupuytren's disease. The flexion deformity can lead to significant restrictions in hand function and is treated by the hand surgery team with the utmost expertise.

The disease is treated by surgically separating the connective tissue cords, causing the deformity to restore the hand's ability to stretch. In some cases, the procedure can be carried out through the skin using special needles, but this requires a very superficial situation. Otherwise, larger incisions are used to reach the troublesome connective tissue cords in the best possible way.

The extent of the procedure can vary greatly depending on the progress of the disease, but the aim is always to improve hand function. To achieve a satisfactory result, patients are advised to wear a splint at night for around two to three months, which should also be worn during the day. Additional physiotherapy of the hand is recommended in any case.

Unfortunately, the probability of a relapse of Dupuytren's disease is given and is therefore discussed in detail with the patient in advance. Patients can discuss their questions and concerns during the consultation hours and will receive comprehensive advice from Prof. Dr Calcagni. A patient-oriented and individualized approach is very important to the hand specialist.

Surgical Therapy for Broken Bones in the Thumb, Finger & Metacarpal

If an accident results in a fracture of the carpal bones or fingers, the original shape of the bone should be restored as soon as possible. This can be realized either by splinting and immobilization or, in the case of more difficult fractures, by surgery.

The affected bone is then fixed so that the healing process can take place in the correct position. Screws, plates, and wires are used intraoperative for this purpose, and a plaster cast can then be applied for immobilization. Aftercare is also critical here; hand therapy after the healed bone is supposed to restore mobility. Sometimes, the material used is removed in a second surgery after some time, as some patients experience an unpleasant, disturbing, or painful feeling.

The practice for hand surgery specializes in the entire spectrum of hand and wrist fractures. Prof. Dr Calcagni has published a wide range of papers in this field, focusing on the biomechanics of fractures.

You will find more information about Prof. Calcagni on the Handpraxis.ch website.