Hand Trauma
Repairing Crushed or Severed Fingers / Thumb
Hand injuries are among the most common workplace incidents in Australia, with around 8,400 Australians hospitalised each year due to hand-related trauma. The most severe cases often involve crushed or severed thumbs and fingers, which can have a major impact on function, mobility, and quality of life.
At the Adelaide Shoulder & Upper Limb Clinic, Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell specialises in advanced surgical treatment for severe hand trauma. Using minimally invasive techniques wherever possible, his goal is to reduce pain, restore movement, and maximise long-term hand function.
Frequently Asked Questions
For serious hand injuries, such as a crush, deep cut, or amputation, apply clean pressure to stop bleeding, immobilise the hand, and seek emergency medical care. Keeping the injured area elevated can help reduce swelling until treatment is available.
Surgical Repair for Crushed Fingers or Thumbs
Hand and wrist conditions are treated by Oscar Brumby-Rendell through various surgeries.
When fingers or thumbs sustain significant damage, such as fractures, severe lacerations, or injuries to nerves, arteries, or tendons, surgical repair is often necessary.
The type and severity of the injury determine the surgical approach, and in most serious cases, surgery should ideally be performed within 24 hours to achieve the best possible results.
Replantation – Reattaching Severed Fingers or Thumbs
Restoration and reattachment of the hand are the primary aims for replantation surgery
In cases of complete amputation, replantation surgery aims to restore both appearance and function by reattaching the severed part to its correct anatomical position.
This complex procedure involves reconnecting bones, tendons, muscles, blood vessels, and nerves.
However, replantation may not be possible if the injury involves severe crushing, in which case the affected part may need to be shortened or reconstructed using alternative surgical techniques.
What Happens During Hand Repair Surgery?
A typical hand repair procedure may involve:
-
Removing damaged or non-viable tissue
-
Repairing or reconstructing tendons, arteries, and nerves
-
Shortening bone ends before reattachment
-
Using skin grafts or tissue flaps from other body parts to protect exposed structures
The goal is to restore circulation, movement, and sensation while minimising scarring and long-term complications.
Recovery After Hand Trauma Surgery
Injury severity, surgery type and motor and sensory nerve regrowth rate dictate the recovery length and requirements.
Recovery time depends on:
-
Injury severity
-
Surgical complexity
-
Rate of nerve regeneration
Sensory nerves transmit messages about pressure, temperature, and pain to the brain, while motor nerves control movement. Nerves typically regrow at about 2 cm per month, so the distance from the injury to the target muscle or skin area largely determines the recovery timeline.
Rehabilitation After Hand or Finger Surgery
Even after the surgical wound has healed, rehabilitation is critical.
Dr Brumby-Rendell provides each patient with a custom exercise program to:
-
Strengthen and protect repaired tendons
-
Maintain flexibility
-
Reduce scar tissue formation
Splints, braces, and physiotherapy may also be used to optimise recovery.
Returning to work after a hand or finger repair
A well-structured return-to-work plan can help you recover faster and regain independence.
In some cases, you may begin with lighter duties before resuming your original role. Regular communication between you, your employer, WorkCover, and Dr Brumby-Rendell ensures a safe, timely, and positive return to work.
If you cannot immediately return to your normal duties, Return-To-Work programs can help you transition back to employment safely. This may involve:
-
Modifying your work tasks
-
Adjusting work hours or days
-
Gradually increasing workload as your hand strengthens
Dr Brumby-Rendell works closely with you, your employer, and rehabilitation specialists to create a suitable duties plan tailored to your capabilities and recovery stage.
How Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell can help
Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell provides consultation and treatment in Adelaide for various hand and wrist conditions.
Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell has extensive upper limb experience in areas of diagnosis, treatment and surgery. In your consultation, Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell will develop a treatment plan with you to ensure the best possible results for your hand or wrist condition.
Click for more information regarding shoulder, hand, wrist, and elbow conditions which Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell has experience in treating.
Ready to learn more?
Learn more about hand and wrist injuries with Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell by watching his videos below.Â
Once you have a referral…
Book your consultation here.