You rely on your arms and hands every day: For work, daily tasks, hobbies, and simply living comfortably. When pain, weakness, or loss of movement interferes, it can derail everything.
Dr. Lindsay E. Janes offers advanced surgical treatments to alleviate discomfort and restore function when other options haven’t been effective.
Some of these procedures don’t fit into a single category, but they remain essential tools in helping patients feel and move better. This page covers a few of those important solutions, including bone fusion and nerve decompression.
Bone Fusion for Stability and Pain Relief
When joint pain becomes severe and other treatments haven’t worked, bone fusion surgery can offer long-lasting relief.
In this procedure, Dr. Janes joins two or more bones together so that they heal into a single, solid structure. Although this eliminates motion at the joint, it also stops the pain caused by movement.
Types of bone fusion Dr. Janes regularly performs include:
CMC Joint Fusion
The carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, at the base of the thumb, is a common site of arthritis, particularly in people who frequently use their hands for gripping or pinching.
As cartilage wears down over time, bones can grind together, causing pain, swelling, a catching sensation, and a loss of strength.
Some patients respond well to splinting, injections, or joint replacement; however, others may benefit more from fusion.
CMC fusion locks the bones in place to stop the bone-on-bone grinding that causes your pain. Although CMC fusion reduces thumb movement, it preserves functional strength for daily tasks.
CMC fusion may be particularly well suited for younger, more active patients or those with jobs that require a strong grip.
By stopping the motion at the arthritic joint, fusion allows the bones to heal as one, providing a durable and stable solution that can last for decades. After recovery, most patients can resume regular routines with considerably less pain.
Total Wrist Fusion
Total wrist fusion may be a good option for patients with widespread arthritis, joint collapse, or severe wrist deformities. In this procedure, Dr. Janes fuses the small bones of the wrist (the carpal bones) to the radius, creating a single, solid structure that no longer moves.
After surgery, the wrist is unable to bend; however, the fingers and elbow remain fully functional.
This type of fusion could be the next step if medication, splints, or limited joint fusion aren’t effective. Total wrist fusion may be especially helpful for patients with rheumatoid arthritis or traumatic wrist injuries.
Dr. Janes performs wrist fusion with precision to ensure the hand is positioned for optimal everyday use, like carrying items, pushing off a surface, or performing light lifting. Though motion is sacrificed, the trade-off is a reliable, pain-free wrist with improved strength.
With the right rehab and care, many patients find they regain better control and use of their hand than they had before surgery.
Every patient has unique surgical needs. Dr. Janes carefully selects candidates for fusion based on the severity of damage, lifestyle needs, and functional goals. Her goal is to help you get back to what you enjoy.
Nerve Decompression to Restore Function
When a nerve is trapped or squeezed, it can’t signal properly. This can cause a variety of frustrating symptoms, including pain, numbness, and tingling. Over time, nerve compression can lead to weakness and permanent damage if left untreated.
One common example of nerve compression is carpal tunnel syndrome, which happens when a nerve in your wrist (the median nerve) gets pinched, often causing numbness, tingling, or weakness in your thumb, index, and middle fingers.
Another example is cubital tunnel syndrome. It affects a different nerve (the ulnar nerve) as it passes through your elbow, leading to similar symptoms in your ring and pinky fingers. Both conditions involve nerve compression, but in different parts of the arm.
During nerve decompression surgery, Dr. Janes employs a range of specialized surgical techniques to relieve pressure on the affected nerve, allowing it to recover over time. Depending on the location and severity, Dr. Janes may perform a release, reposition the nerve, or remove nearby tissue that’s pressing on it.
Many patients with nerve compression notice improved strength, reduced pain, and better sensitivity within weeks or months after surgery.
Personalized Hand and Nerve Surgery in Chicago, IL
Dr. Lindsay E. Janes confidently provides thoughtful, personalized care tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy and goals. With fellowship training in complex hand and nerve surgery, she possesses the unique skills necessary for upper extremity procedures, including joint fusion and nerve decompression.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Janes in Chicago, IL, please call (312) 695-6022.