Understanding Hand Trauma
Traumatic injuries to the hand can involve a combination of damaged bones, tendons, nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissues. Even a seemingly small injury can have a major impact on function, dexterity, and sensation—making timely and expert care essential. Common mechanisms include lacerations, crush injuries, fractures, and high-impact trauma from tools or machinery.
Dr. Iyengar specializes in the comprehensive surgical management of hand trauma, with the goal of restoring function, preserving tissue, and helping patients return to work, sports, and daily life with as much mobility and strength as possible. Every injury is unique, and treatment is tailored to the specific structures involved.
When should I consider treatment?
If you’ve suffered a hand injury with deep cuts, exposed bone or tendon, loss of sensation, uncontrolled bleeding, or difficulty moving the fingers, you should seek prompt evaluation. Even less dramatic injuries may require surgical attention to avoid long-term stiffness, weakness, or chronic pain.
Early intervention is key to preserving function and preventing complications such as infection, tendon adhesions, or nerve scarring.
What are my treatment options?
Bone and Joint Repair
Fractures of the hand and wrist are treated based on their location and severity. Dr. Iyengar uses advanced fixation techniques, including pins, plates, and screws, to restore alignment and enable early motion when appropriate.
Tendon and Ligament Repair
Flexor and extensor tendon injuries can severely limit finger and wrist movement. Dr. Iyengar performs precise tendon repairs using microsurgical technique, often followed by early protected motion protocols to reduce the risk of stiffness and scarring.
Nerve and Vessel Repair
In cases where nerves or blood vessels are cut or crushed, microsurgical repair is performed using fine sutures and magnification to restore sensation and circulation. Prompt repair is essential to preserve long-term hand function.
Soft Tissue Reconstruction
For injuries involving large soft tissue defects or skin loss, Dr. Iyengar uses local flaps, skin grafts, or advanced reconstructive techniques to close wounds and protect vital structures beneath the skin.
Why choose Dr. Iyengar for hand trauma care?
As a fellowship-trained hand and upper extremity surgeon, Dr. Iyengar is highly skilled in managing complex injuries to the hand and wrist. His background in plastic and reconstructive surgery allows him to address both the functional and aesthetic aspects of traumatic injuries—helping patients recover strength, coordination, and confidence.
What does recovery look like?
Recovery after hand trauma depends on the severity of the injury and structures involved. Most patients require a period of immobilization followed by a customized course of hand therapy. Dr. Iyengar works closely with certified hand therapists to ensure optimal recovery, with a focus on regaining motion, strength, and fine motor control.
While hand trauma can be life-altering, expert surgical repair and early rehabilitation can lead to excellent outcomes. With timely care, many patients are able to return to work, sports, and daily activities with restored function and minimal long-term limitations.
Check out how our patients looked before and after.
Check out galleryWhat our patients have to say.
Michael W
Dr Iyengar did a repair on an old eyelid surgery. Him and his staff were a pleasure to work with and I could not be happier with the results!
Laurie A.
Dr. Raj Iyengar is awesome!!! I had 3 areas of botox today (glabella, crow's feet, and forehead). I had absolutely no pain and zero bruising. He was very informative throughout the procedure, and very kind. A great experience
Christina R.
I am 6 days post brow lift, blephraplasty, nanofat transfer, and neck lipo with Renuvion, and I already see a significant difference. I am SO excited already, and I’m still healing. Dr Iyengar has an incredible bed side manner, remembers little details about his patients, and has an impeccable résumé. I made the right choice trusting him with my face!
Ron L.
I’m glad to have this doctor and his staff on my side. When I heard the words skin cancer I went through a WIDE verity of feelings. I got worse case scenario and it scared me. After some reassurance I felt much better. I’m amazed at the complexity of the surgery and how well everything went. Just 6 weeks after surgery I’m feeling much better about the future look that everyone will see when they see my smiling face. Thanks Dr. Iyengar. I’ll share photos with anyone interested.
Jenny M.
I’m incredibly grateful that I was referred to Dr. Iyengar for my breast reconstruction surgery. From the very first consultation, he has been an absolute blessing throughout the entire process. His kindness, super friendliness (a rare trait), helpfulness, caring nature, and outstanding service are truly remarkable. Additionally, his extensive knowledge and confident responses to my questions, along with his ability to treat me with personable care, make him an exceptional surgeon.
Quality care in all realms of plastic and reconstructive surgery.
We see our patients as individuals, not just cases on the schedule. Dr. Iyengar makes every effort to get to know his patients personally and thoroughly understand their goals. This personalized approach ensures that every patient receives the highest quality care and achieves the results of their dreams! Dr. Iyengar executes every procedure with precision, integrity and utmost care.
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