People who smoke tobacco have an increased risk of fracture due to decreased bone mineral density or osteoporosis. Broken bones in the wrist, hip, and spine are more common in these patients who are smoking before surgery. Additionally, smokers sometimes can take twice as long or longer to heal their fractures.

Many CHTs have brought their services online using safe and secure platforms since the onset of the pandemic to accommodate patients during these uncertain times. This means that now people in rural areas or those choosing to stay home to reduce the spread of COVID have access to hand therapy specialists. 

 Amar A. Patel, MD answers your questions about wide awake surgery, a surgery performed with the patient completely awake using only local anesthesia. It can be used for many hand and wrist surgeries such as trigger finger surgery, arthritis surgery and more.