At UTMB Health, Dr. Baijing Qin, a plastic surgeon specializing in hand and wrist surgery, is dedicated to restoring and revitalizing hand and wrist health. Her expertise spans a wide range of conditions, offering patients comprehensive solutions for both functional restoration and aesthetic needs.
Dr. Qin’s expertise: precision meets complexity
Dr. Qin’s specialization stems from a profound understanding of the hand and wrist’s complexities, honed through her plastic surgery training.
“The hand is a very intricate area with diverse tissues, including tendons, nerves, muscles and bones,” Dr. Qin said. “Plastic surgeons are trained in handling tissue in an intricate and delicate manner, allowing me to precisely manipulate the tissues to restore function and appearance.”
Dr. Qin provides comprehensive care for a wide spectrum of hand and wrist conditions affecting patients of all ages. This includes common issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis and trigger finger.
Some of the hand and wrist disorders Dr. Qin treats include:
- Fractures
- De Quervian’s tenosynovitis
- Deformities
- Mucous cysts
- Stiffness
- Pain
- Dupuytren’s contracture
Treatment options
Prolonged pain and stiffness can severely diminish one's quality of life, hindering daily activities and emotional well-being. Furthermore, the negative impacts on health from untreated joint dysfunction can lead to progressive deterioration, limited long-term functionality and potential secondary complications.
Before considering surgical interventions, Dr. Qin explores all appropriate non-surgical options, including physical therapy, splinting and injections, to manage pain and improve function. However, when these conservative approaches prove insufficient, she provides a variety of surgical options tailored to individual patient needs.
These procedures range from joint replacements and fusions for arthritis to nerve release for carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendon repairs for injuries. Her expertise ensures patients receive comprehensive surgical care to restore hand and wrist function and alleviate pain.
“To ensure patients can make informed decisions, I discuss all available options, including those I don’t personally provide,” Dr. Qin said. “I take the time to sit with each patient and thoroughly review the pros and cons, giving them the information they need to exercise their autonomy.”
Identifying hand conditions
Recognizing the signs of hand pain or dysfunction is crucial. Dr. Qin advised seeking professional help when symptoms persist.
“If you’re having a hand or wrist issue that persists for longer than a week or two and interferes with daily activities, it’s important to see a doctor,” Dr. Qin said. “Anything that hinders your ability to perform tasks or enjoy hobbies should be taken seriously.”
Hand and wrist dysfunction and pain are often caused by overuse or exacerbated by underlying medical conditions. Dr. Qin noted that occupational overuse is a significant factor in many hand and wrist conditions. Individuals with jobs involving frequent hand and wrist movements are particularly susceptible. Medical conditions such as diabetes and autoimmune diseases can predispose patients to neuropathic disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
“Listen to your body and take breaks to avoid overstressing your joints,” Dr. Qin said. “For those with underlying conditions, managing the primary condition can help alleviate hand and joint symptoms.”
In addition to functional restoration, Dr. Qin provides hand rejuvenation services and brachioplasties, enhancing overall hand aesthetics.
“We offer fillers, lasers and fat grafting to improve hand appearance,” Dr. Qin said. “These procedures can also help maintain tissue elasticity and volume, which can indirectly support joint health.”
Appointments with Dr. Qin can be scheduled online or by calling the UTMB Health hotline at 800-917-8906.
To learn more about Dr. Qin and other plastic surgery providers, visit UTMB Health’s plastic surgery page.
The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
