Services Offered

• Hand Surgery Remove
  Hand Surgery

  The Hand Center of Western Massachusetts is the only multi-physician medical practice dedicated solely to the practice of the Hand and Upper Extremity in Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut. At our offices in Springfield and Ware, MA and Enfield Connecticut we care for problems of the fingers, hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, arm and shoulder

Procedures Performed

• Dr Wint Remove
  Dr Wint

  Dr. Wint cares for all topics related to the Hand and Upper extremity. He is especially interested in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, including Endoscopic carpal tunnel release, as well as Peripheral Nerve Compression, Hand Fractures and Wrist Fractures, and Tendon Injuries. His strong interest in Workers Compensation care has been demonstrated in his presentations to the Case Management Society of New England. Dr. Wint also offers selected patients needle aponeurotomy for Dupuytren's Disease and as a hand surgeon in Western Massachusetts with a wealth of experience treating Dupuytren’s disease is excited to offer this method of treatment. His practice also involves Post Traumatic Reconstruction as well as Congenital Hand Differences. Dr. Wint is also involved in an online forum for families of children with Congenital Hand and Upper Extremity Differences called limbdifferences.org.
• Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Remove
  Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel

  Endoscopic carpal tunnel release uses an endoscope, an instrument attached to a video monitor to visualize the undersurface of the transverse carpal ligament. This avoids the need to make an incision in the palm. Instead the surgeon makes the incision in the wrist crease near the base of the palm. The endoscopic carpal tunnel view gives the surgeon performing carpal tunnel release a detailed magnified high resolution view. Here, to the right, a simple gauze bandage as viewed through the endoscope. The surgeon has control over variables to allow a full release under direct visualization. The surgeon essentially releases the ligament from the inside out, avoiding damaging the tough tissues called fascia in the palm that give the palm its shape and contour. In addition the palm skin incision is avoided. For many this reduces the immediate problem of using the hand more fully in the early post operative period. It does not mean that there will be absolutely no discomfort but many feel it is less.
• Needle and Incisional Aponeurotomy Remove
  Needle and Incisional Aponeurotomy

  For Dupuytren's disease, The Hand Center of Western Massachusetts is one of the few places in the region where needle and incisional aponeurotomy and incisional fasciotomy for Dupuytren's disease is being performed. While not all patients are candidates for needle aponeurotomy, there are many patients who may benefit from this technique. The surgeon essentially releases the pathologic cords through a number of small puncture wounds thereby avoiding larger skin incisions more typical of the "open" procedure. In addition to avoiding more extensive skin incisions the need for formal surgery, extensive healing time and postoperative rehabilitative course is also avoided. For many patients undergoing this procedure, this reduces the immediate problem of using the hand more fully in the early post operative period. It does not mean that there will be absolutely no discomfort, but many patients feel less initial pain. One must also realize that there are many people who undergo so called regular "open" Dupuytren's fascial excision who ultimately experience similar good results after several months. It is also felt that an open procedure carries a lesser risk of recurrence over a number of years. However, those patients who undergo needle aponeurotomy, on average, have less palmar discomfort and greater functionality sooner than their "open" surgery counterparts. These benefits are measured often in days to weeks rather than weeks to months.
• Arthritis at the base of the thumb Remove
  Arthritis at the base of the thumb

  Less severe thumb arthritis will usually respond to non-surgical care. Arthritis medication, splinting and cortisone injections may help alleviate pain. A hand therapist might provide a variety of rigid and non-rigid splints which can be used while sleeping or during activities. However a rigid splint may irritate the skin if there are prominent bone spurs and can cause increase pain if too much immobilization occurs. Recently topical medications such as a prescription anti-inflammatory gel have had some success. Patients with advanced disease or who fail non-surgical treatment may be candidates for surgical reconstruction. A variety of surgical techniques are available that can successfully reduce or eliminate pain. Surgical procedures vary and may include a combination of removal of arthritic bone and joint reconstruction , joint fusion, bone realignment, capsulodesis, tendon transfers, ligament reconstruction, release of contractures and even arthroscopy in very rare select cases. A consultation with your hand surgeon can help decide the best option for you.

Conditions Treated