Fletcher Allen, a Vermont university hospital and medical center, serves all of
Vermont and the northern New York region. Located in Burlington, Fletcher Allen is a regional, academic healthcare center and teaching hospital in alliance with the University of Vermont.
Hand Surgery
Fletcher Allen Plastic Surgery treats a number of conditions related to the hand.
Congenital Hand Anomalies
Up to 0.18% of children in the United States are born with congenital differences of the hands. Two of the most common of these are syndacyly (webbed fingers) andpolydactyly (extra fingers). For more information on congenital hand anomalies, see Dr. Laub's article.
Dr. Laub treats children with upper extremity anomalies; he offers surgery to improve the child's function and cosmesis when possible, and works with parents to develop a treatment plan based on what is and is not possible with surgery.
Tendon Transfers
Paralysis, tendon injury, or degenerative neuromuscular disease can dramatically reduce a person's ability to perform normal activities of daily life. Function may be restored by transfer of a muscle-tendon unit. Tendon transfers may also be useful in restoring function in patients with spastic disorders due to stroke or cerebral palsy.
Nerve Compression Syndromes
Weakness, loss of function or sensation may be seen in people whose vocations require repetitive motion to complete work-related tasks. How repetitive motion, force, posture, and vibratory influences nerves is poorly understood but are contributing factors to the development of symptoms.
The history of a person's symptoms, patterns of findings, and tests of nerve function (a electromyogram [EMG] or nerve conduction study) help to make the diagnosis of nerve compression syndrome, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Treatments include splinting, ergonomic changes to the workplace, corticosteroid injections, and surgical decompression. Dr. Laub is experienced working with these complex factors to develop a treatment plan.
Dupuytren's Disease
Dupuytren disease is a benign disorder of fibrous tissue hand that may progress to limit the motion of fingers (a contracture). It often runs in families, but its progression may be very different in different individuals. Properly timed surgery may offer return of motion and function to affected hands. Indications for surgery depend on the patient’s requirement for hand function, the patient’s age, the severity of contractures, and the joints involved.
