There are three main options for Dupuytrens contractures in the hand: collagenase injections, needle aponeurotomy, and Dupuytrens fasciectomy surgery. Most patients request non-surgical treatments, if possible, since the recovery is much quicker. However, not all patients are candidates for the non-surgical treatments. How long is the recovery after surgery? The incisions take 2-3 weeks to […]
BB guns are not toys. Bodily harm can occur with improper use. Several times per year patients are referred for retained BBs within the hand. Some BBs are simple to remove in the office, others require surgery. Infections, fractures, and injuries to the tendons, nerves and blood vessels of the hand can occur. Children using […]
Dr. John Erickson received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for prevention of illness. His physician partners and therapists at the Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center are all fully vaccinated. Most of the office staff have received the COVID-19 vaccine as well. Updated 4/12/2021
A “skier’s thumb” is a common injury to the hand. Skier’s thumb refers to an acute injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint. This often occurs from a sudden, force, such as when the thumb is bent backwards or jammed. This injury is referred to as a “skier’s thumb” […]
Dr. John Erickson of Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center gave a talk to several urgent care providers on 1/5/2021. At the virtual meeting, he discussed the recommended treatment of patients with common hand and wrist problems in the urgent care setting.
This patient sustained a broken wrist after a fall as he landed on the outstretched hand. This is called a distal radius fracture. Surgery was recommended and the patient underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Plates and screws were used to stabilize the distal radius fracture, while the ulnar styloid fracture healed with splinting. […]
Do you have a bump in your wrist? A wrist ganglion cyst is a very common reason for this. These cysts usually arise near a joint or tendon. The most common location is the back of the wrist (see image below). They can occur in people of all ages and are common in young adults. […]
Dr. John Erickson was named a Top Doctor in 2020 by Castle Connolly. The selection process is merit-based, and top doctors are recommended by other physicians. Only 6% of board-certified physicians in the US are selected for this award.
The thumb is responsible for about 50% of all hand function. When the thumb is painful or injured, it becomes very difficult to use the hand. During normal life, we take our thumbs for granted. When the thumb is not working properly, we realize how important it is. There are several causes of thumb pain […]
It is difficult to comprehend the vast amount of human suffering caused by SARS-CoV-2. As I type these words, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused illness in almost 2 million Americans and over 100,000 deaths. Over 40 million people in the United States have now applied for unemployment benefits due to the economic fallout of the […]
