Your hands and wrists are in constant use as you type, cook, play sport or drive. Each hand contains 27 bones, representing nearly a quarter of all the bones in your body. Those bones are supported by a delicate network of nerves and soft tissues that give your hands and wrist the dexterity required for everyday movements.
Because the hands and wrists are so central to daily life, they are also particularly vulnerable to injury and strain. Some common issues include:
Dr Daniel Williams is a specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeon with fellowship training in hand, wrist and microsurgery. To arrange an appointment, see how to book a consultation — a GP referral is required.
Falls onto an outstretched hand (often called FOOSH injuries) can cause fractures, ligament tears or dislocations in the wrist and hand. This can include work related injuries, with “work cover’ of interest.
Everyday activities, sports, or occupational tasks can lead to overuse injuries, including tendon inflammation or small cumulative stresses that weaken the joint over time.
Compression of the median nerve at the wrist may cause pain, tingling, and weakness in the hand.
A finger or thumb catches in a bent position before suddenly straightening, due to the tendon not being able to glide smoothly through its protective sheath.
A challenging condition that can develop after injury or surgery, leading to persistent pain and functional difficulties.
Perform “scarless surgery” to treat Dupuytren’s with fat grafting to replace the fat lost from the disease
Microsurgical techniques can be useful to solve difficult problems in hand and wrist pathology
Dr Williams performs arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery of the wrist, a minimally invasive technique that allows diagnosis and treatment of cartilage, ligament and bone conditions through small incisions.
Arthroscopy may be considered for injuries, instability, ganglions and certain types of chronic wrist pain.
Dr Williams specialises in complex hand reconstruction and the management of conditions affecting hand function, including Dupuytren’s contracture, nerve compressions and peripheral nerve palsies.
In some cases, procedures such as trigger finger release may also be recommended to restore smooth tendon movement and relieve pain when non-surgical treatments are not effective.
A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis of 119 studies involving more than 1 million children found that around 1 in 5 young people experience chronic pain.
In some cases, that pain is diagnosed as complex regional pain syndrome. Imaging may appear normal and yet the pain persists despite conservative treatment. In carefully selected cases, surgical treatment may help address these underlying issues and improve function.
Dr Williams is one of the few plastic surgeons with advanced expertise in exploratory arthroscopy for assessing and managing complex wrist conditions. His interest in this area developed during his time with Piñal & Asociados at Hospital La Luz in Spain and was further strengthened through subspecialty training in hand, wrist and microsurgery.
All patients will need post-operative hand therapy with our experienced team of hand therapists who work closely alongside Dr Williams at Mudgeeraba Hand Clinic.
Dr Williams consults for hand and wrist surgery through the Mudgeeraba Hand Clinic or at Gold Coast University Hospital.
To arrange an appointment, you will need a referral from your GP.
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Microsurgery involves the use of an operating microscope and specialised instruments to repair delicate structures such as nerves, blood vessels, tendons and soft tissue defects, including taking toes to reconstruct fingers.
It is often required in trauma, reconstruction, or complex conditions affecting hand function.
Arthroscopy can be used to both diagnose and treat conditions such as ligament tears, cartilage damage, or chronic wrist pain. It typically involves smaller incisions and shorter recovery compared to open procedures.
Not always. Many patients improve with splinting, physiotherapy, or injections. Surgery may be recommended if symptoms persist or significantly interfere with daily activities.
Recovery depends on the type of procedure. Some surgeries involve only a short period of immobilisation, while others may require weeks of rehabilitation. Dr Williams works closely with hand therapists to support recovery and restore function.
If you would like to refer a patient, please complete the form below.
