Any Recommendations For A Doctor To Do Hand Surgery?

[rwilem]

Hi, I've been searching the forum but haven't found anything helpful yet, so will post this and see if I could get pointed in the right direction.

Index finger injured about a year ago, so-called "mullet's finger', diagnosed by doctor in Japan as a 'partially torn extension tendon'. Placed in a cast for about a month, after removal the finger was straightened, but the trouble is since then I have been unable to bend it much. Only a few degrees before resistance stops it. It's 'stuck', I can not make a fist. (Not that I'm looking for a fight anywhere, but it is nice to have full use of your hand for gripping things, etc.) Figure the Japanese doc some how messed up, the way it was set, how he set it, whatever. OK, I want to have it fixed, which I imagine will require some surgical procedure if not an outright operation.

No insurance, and I have some bugetary constraints, meaning I probably rule out Bumrungrad and the likes. But as the doctors here do move around hospital-to-hospital, I was wondering if anyone might know of or have a experience with a proficient orthopedic doctor/surgeon who works at one of the 'second-tier'--for lack of a better term--hospitals in Bangkok. A hand specialist, is there a so-called "hands' man" doctor in BKK?

Any pointers on this, or any other suggestions will be appreciated, if anyone has some info to share here.

Thanks.

[FBN]

Mallet finger only involves the last joint or tip of the finger; it seems that you have a problem bending the finger at the mid joint?

It is important to know more about how the injury occurred but, if it is the mid joint, it will require very delicate surgery.

The mallet finger deformity is where the tip of the finger is permanently bent at about 30 degree angle or a bit less. Usually, the acute injury is treated with a "mallet splint" that keeps only the last joint straight or a bit hyperextended to allow some healing.

If the deformity is permanent, the treatment is usually an arthrodesis or surgical removal of the joint with fusion of the last and second digit in about 15 degree angle. This allows for the hand to be closed normally.

There is a hand surgeon in Bumrungrad; search their site but I am sure Sheryl (the mod on this forum) has posted his name in another thread before. Sheryl is the best resource for these referrals; try and contact her.

[Sheryl]

You are in luck. The best hand surgepn in the country (and indeed, one of the best wroldwide) is Dr. Panupan, a Professor at Siriraj where he heads the micro-surgical team (doing limb re-attachments and the like). He has private practice at 2 mid-range price hospitals as follows:

Phyathai 2 Sundays 9 AM - 11 AM (near Sanam Pao BTS Station, walking distance from Victory Monument)

Chao Phya Thuersdays 6- 7 PM (Pinklao area)

Of the 2 hospitals, Phyathai 2 is a bit easier to deal with (you can arrange your initial patient registration by email to [email protected]) and somewhat better equipped, i.e. they nerve stimulation tests if necessary.

I do not recall his last name but if you call either place, ask for othopedics and then inquire about "Acharn Panupan" they know.

You can generally just show up within the hours indicated and see him, but as he has gives manhy klectures and often travels abroad it is best to call first and make sure he'll be there

I have undergone surgery with him as has my "adopted" sister, in her case twice (diofferent hands, different problems). He is an excellent surgeon, US trained and very good about taking time to explain things and make sure you understand etc. I fully recommend him.

Good luck.

[rwilem]

Wow....Thank you so much.

I sent an email to the onestop address there, asking if the doctor would be around this coming Sunday (the 15th), and hope to see him if he will be in.

I only saw this today, and a couple days ago looked at Vejthani Hospital's website. Thay have a Hand Surgery department there, and I requested an appointment with one of the doctors. (Haven't heard back yet, but I would go tomorrow if I can get what I asked for, and will do that, and then hope to see Dr. Panupan as well before decinding anything.)

Also, about my finger, yes, it is also the middle joint whick is relatively 'stuck', I mean just slightly 'bendable', too. Both joints are. Funny thing is though, before the doc in Japan put it in a cast, I didn't feel any problem with the middle joint. It was just the first joint at the tip, where the injuty occured, that I couldn't get straight (the 'mulllet's finger' thing). The cast covered both joints, went to about the base of the finger. But after getting out of the cast then the second joint was a problem area as well.

I'll let you know what happens with this.

I appreciate your help. Hope things can work out, and I can get get my full hand back.