Ligament Reconstruction of the Hand and Wrist

Ligament reconstruction is a surgical procedure that repairs or rebuilds injured ligaments in your hand or wrist to restore stability, reduce pain and improve how your joint works. It’s often recommended when a ligament has been torn or stretched by injury, sports activity or long-term overuse and no longer supports the joint the way it should.

At Novant Health, our hand and wrist surgeons focus on helping you regain strength, movement and confidence in your hand so you can get back to the activities you enjoy. We create a personalized plan that fits your injury, your goals and your everyday routines.

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Overview

When surgery may be the best option

Your hand and wrist specialist may recommend ligament reconstruction if:

Pain, weakness or instability continues despite splinting, therapy, medication or activity changes
Your joint feels loose, shifts out of place or limits your ability to grip, lift or use your hand safely
Imaging and exam show a significant tear or long-standing looseness that isn’t likely to heal on its own
The injury is increasing your risk of ongoing joint damage or future problems

They will talk with you about your symptoms, examine your hand and wrist, and learn about your work, hobbies and daily activities before recommending the treatment that’s right for you.

Wrist ligament reconstruction

Some wrist injuries and long-term instabilities happen when ligaments can no longer keep the small wrist bones in proper alignment. Reconstruction may use sutures, anchors or tendon grafts to restore stability and protect the joint. In many cases, minimally invasive techniques can be used to reduce disruption to surrounding tissue and support recovery.

Hand & finger ligament reconstruction

Depending on your ligament injury, your specialist may recommend direct repair, reconstruction or another procedure to restore alignment and strength. Your care team will explain your options and help you understand what will best support your goals and daily activities.

Before any procedure, we will review the benefits, risks and alternatives with you — including how treatment may affect your movement, strength and return to work or hobbies.

Recovery expectations

Recovery after ligament reconstruction is gradual and designed to protect your healing joint while restoring motion and strength. At first, you may wear a splint, brace or cast. Some swelling, stiffness and soreness are normal early in the process.

Our certified hand therapists guide you through a personalized rehabilitation plan focused on restoring movement, rebuilding strength and helping you return to everyday activities with confidence. Many people return to light activities within a few weeks and continue to improve over the following months, depending on the type of repair and their activity level.

Take the next step

Our board-certified specialists are here to help you heal. They can often diagnose the problem in one visit and get you started with a personalized treatment plan. We offer a wide variety of treatment options.