Hand and Shoulder Problems: Neglect Threatens Movement and Sensation

In an interview with "Al-Rai," he emphasized that delayed diagnosis and treatment of nerve and tendon injuries may lead to muscle atrophy, loss of movement or sensation, and complications that may become difficult to treat even surgically.

Kheir explained that shoulder injuries, tendon tears and inflammation, hand and elbow fractures, carpal tunnel syndrome, and ulnar nerve compression are among the most common cases seen by the hand and upper limb surgery specialty, noting an increasing number of young patients due to incorrect exercise techniques and excessive muscle and tendon strain.

He added that prolonged use of mobile phones and electronic devices, along with poor posture while sitting at computers, may contribute to thumb tendonitis, neck and shoulder pain, and muscle strain.

He noted that hand numbness may result from pressure on the median nerve at the wrist or the ulnar nerve at the elbow, while shoulder pain is linked to tendon inflammation or tears, recurrent dislocations, and joint degeneration.

Kheir indicated that treatment usually begins with conservative methods, including physical therapy, medical splints, medications, and injections when needed, with surgery considered only based on diagnosis, injury severity, and response to treatment.

He considered weak hand grip, dropping objects, muscle atrophy, and loss of movement control as potential indicators requiring surgical intervention, warning that delayed treatment of nerve compression may result in permanent muscle weakness and sensory loss.

He pointed out that some shoulder tendon tears may worsen over time, leading to joint stiffness and muscle atrophy, making treatment more difficult.

Kheir criticized some patients’ reliance on painkillers without consulting a doctor, emphasizing that early diagnosis could spare patients from surgery that could have been avoided.

Regarding the status of the specialty in Jordan, Kheir confirmed advancements in hand and upper limb surgery and a growing number of specialized professionals, noting an increase in the number of physicians in this field at the Royal Medical Services from one to 13.

He added that microsurgical techniques for repairing nerves and fine blood vessels are available in several Jordanian hospitals, while the cost of modern equipment and the need for training and scientific research remain major challenges.

Kheir revealed that the 15th International Conference of the Jordan Orthopedic Surgeons Association, to be held from November 4 to 7 under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Muna Al-Hussein, will include around 266 lectures and 36 scientific sessions, with participation from experts from Arab and foreign countries.

He added that the conference will cover various subspecialties, including hand and upper limb surgery, joint replacement, sports injuries, and spine surgery, along with training workshops and educational surgical procedures.

According to Kheir, emerging topics will include robotic surgery, surgical navigation, and artificial intelligence in medical imaging analysis and joint replacement surgery planning, in addition to regenerative therapies and plasma treatments.

He stressed that modern technology does not replace the surgeon but helps improve precision and reduce complications, emphasizing the importance of leveraging the conference for knowledge exchange, physician training, advancing scientific research, and enhancing healthcare quality in Jordan.