Your hands are among the most complex and frequently used parts of your body. Whether you’re typing, cooking, writing, or simply holding a loved one’s hand, even tiny movements require coordination between nerves, tendons, muscles, and bones. When something goes wrong, whether due to trauma, overuse, or disease, the effects can be painful, frustrating, and limiting. That’s where hand surgery can come in to help.
Dr. Jason Ko, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Chicago, is nationally renowned for his skill in diagnosing and treating both common and highly complex hand conditions. With specialized training in orthopedic hand surgery and microsurgery, Dr. Ko offers a wide range of treatment options to help restore strength, mobility, and comfort. His approach is precise, minimally invasive when possible, and always focused on helping you return to doing what you love.
When Is Hand Surgery the Right Choice?
Surgery is typically considered when conservative treatments, such as rest, bracing, anti-inflammatory medications, or physical therapy, haven’t helped. Some hand conditions will continue to worsen without surgical treatment, while others may improve more quickly with a carefully planned procedure.
You may benefit from surgery if:
- You have ongoing hand or wrist pain that limits daily tasks
- Your fingers or thumb feel weak, numb, or tingly
- You’ve lost range of motion or grip strength
- You’ve sustained a traumatic injury that hasn’t healed properly
- Imaging tests reveal nerve compression, joint damage, or torn tendons
Dr. Ko carefully evaluates each patient to assess whether surgery is necessary. If you do need hand surgery, he determines which approach will lead to the best outcome with the shortest recovery.
What Can Hand Surgery Do For You?
To alleviate symptoms and stop hand problems from worsening, surgical intervention by Dr. Jason Ko may be recommended. Dr. Ko offers the latest hand surgery techniques to restore optimal health, function and appearance to the hands. His goal is to perform surgery in a minimally invasive fashion to help you recover as quickly as possible.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when one of the major nerves of the hand, the median nerve, becomes compressed or squeezed. Symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm are common.
Surgical repair for carpal tunnel syndrome is known as “carpal tunnel release” and involves reducing pressure on the median nerve. A ligament called the transverse carpal ligament is cut to create more room in the carpal tunnel. Although Dr. Ko offers the traditional open carpal tunnel release, he often prefers the minimally invasive one-incision endoscopic carpal tunnel release to minimize pain and improve recovery time.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Like carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when there is increased pressure on a nerve. In this case, the nerve that becomes compressed is the ulnar nerve, located in the cubital tunnel on the inside of the elbow. Pain and numbness in the elbow, along with tingling in the ring and little fingers, are common with cubital tunnel syndrome.
Surgical repair for cubital tunnel syndrome can involve releasing the ulnar nerve through a small incision (approximately 1 inch long), or in some cases, moving it to the front of the elbow.
Tendon Injuries
The tendons of the hand are responsible for helping to bend or straighten the fingers and thumb. They can become inflamed, cut or ruptured due to an accident, injury or conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Tendon repair surgery may involve stitching together the divided ends of a tendon. A tendon graft or transfer may also be needed if there isn’t enough healthy tendon to reconnect.
In cases of tendonitis, when the tendons become inflamed, surgical repair may involve realigning tendons, removing bone spurs that are putting pressure on the tendons, or removing areas of calcium buildup.
Fractures
A break in one of the bones of the hand can be devastating and very painful. Often fractures heal well with non-surgical treatments such as casts or splints. However, if they do not, surgery may be needed to set the broken pieces of bone in proper alignment, sometimes with plates, screws and/or metal wires.
Hand Ischemia
Hand ischemia occurs when there is an inadequate blood supply to the hands. Raynaud’s disease is a type of ischemia in which the arteries that supply blood to the skin narrow, limiting circulation. This can lead to pain and color changes in the fingers in cold temperatures. In cases of severe Raynaud’s disease, surgery can be performed to release the blood vessels so they can dilate and improve circulation to the fingers.
Hypothenar hammer syndrome is a condition in which the arteries in the fingers develop blood clots and blockages; this often occurs due to repetitive trauma to the hand or wrist, such when a person uses his/her palm as a hammer to hit or twist an object. Surgery may be needed to restore normal blood flow.
Arthritis
Arthritis can cause severe pain and deformity that doesn’t respond to conservative treatment measures. There are at least two surgical treatment options: either the bones of the knuckle joint can be fused together to create a stronger and more stable joint, or the damaged joint can be completely removed and replaced with an artificial implant.
Lacerations
Repairing a hand laceration (i.e., a cut) may involve closing the wound with stitches, sutures, glue or adhesive strips. Depending on how deep the laceration is, the tendons, nerves, muscles, blood vessels or bone may need to be surgically repaired as well.
What to Expect at a Hand Surgery Consultation
When you meet with Dr. Ko for a hand surgery consultation, here’s what to expect:
- Medical History and Symptom Assessment: Dr. Ko will ask about your health history, when your symptoms began, and how they’re affecting your daily life.
- Hands-On Exam: A physical examination allows him to check nerve function, circulation, strength, and mobility.
- Diagnostic Imaging: If needed, X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis and understand the internal anatomy of the hand. Imaging can show the nerves, tendons, and other tissues within the hand in great detail so Dr. Ko can determine a diagnosis or verify a suspected diagnosis.
- Review of Treatment Options: Dr. Ko will walk you through both non-surgical and surgical options based on your goals and lifestyle.
- Customized Surgical Plan: If he recommends hand surgery, Dr. Ko explains the procedure, expected recovery time, and post-op therapy plan in detail.
This process ensures you’re fully informed and comfortable with the next steps, whether that means moving forward with surgery or continuing non-invasive care.
Why Choose Dr. Jason Ko for Hand Surgery
Dr. Jason Ko brings an exceptional level of expertise and dedication to every hand surgery case he manages. His patients benefit not only from his surgical precision but also from his thoughtful, individualized approach to care.
As a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who is also fellowship-trained in hand and peripheral nerve surgery, Dr. Ko offers a depth of experience that few others match. His advanced training in microvascular and orthopedic techniques allows him to repair even the most intricate structures in the hand, such as tendons, nerves, and blood vessels, using high-precision, microscope-guided methods when necessary.
Whenever possible, Dr. Ko favors minimally invasive techniques that reduce pain, minimize visible scarring, and support faster healing. He’s known for managing both routine and complex cases, including crush injuries, nerve compression, congenital differences, and trauma-related damage.
Dr. Ko emphasizes long-term function and quality of life. He works closely with physical and occupational therapists to ensure each patient receives coordinated, goal-oriented care from surgery through recovery. Choosing Dr. Ko means placing your hands in the care of a skilled specialist who not only understands the complexity of hand anatomy, but also sees the bigger picture, including hand surgery restores your independence and quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hand Surgery
How painful is hand surgery?
Most patients experience only mild to moderate discomfort following surgery, which is managed with medication and supportive therapies. Minimally invasive techniques often reduce post-op pain significantly.
Will I need physical or occupational therapy afterward?
Yes, therapy is a vital part of the healing process for most patients. Therapy helps rebuild strength, reduce stiffness, and retrain fine motor skills essential to hand function.
How long is the recovery period?
Recovery depends on the type of hand surgery. Minor procedures like endoscopic carpal tunnel release may heal in as little as a few weeks, while more complex tendon or fracture repairs may require several months of therapy.
Will I regain full use of my hand?
While individual results vary, most patients experience significant improvement in pain, mobility, and strength. Dr. Ko will provide realistic expectations and goals based on your specific condition.
Can I return to work or sports after surgery?
Many patients do return to full activity, but timing depends on the surgery performed and the physical demands of your job or sport. Dr. Ko and our team work closely with you to ensure a safe, successful return.
Is hand surgery covered by insurance?
In most cases, yes. Hand surgeries that are medically necessary, such as those performed to relieve nerve compression, repair injuries, or restore hand function, are typically covered by insurance. In general, candidates for insurance-covered hand surgery must first try conservative, nonsurgical treatments before moving forward with a procedure. Our team at Dr. Ko’s office can help verify your coverage and review any out-of-pocket costs during your consultation.
Schedule Your Hand Surgery Consultation
If you’re struggling with pain, weakness, or limited function in your hand, expert help is within reach. Dr. Jason Ko offers advanced surgical care tailored to your specific condition and goals. Whether you need relief from nerve compression, tendon injury, arthritis, or trauma, he brings the high-level expertise and compassion required to guide your recovery.
Call our Chicago office at 312-695-6022 today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Ko and take the first step toward restored hand strength and comfort.