From left to right: Thomas Ferlic, MD; M. Andrew Thompson, MD; Nicholas Bruggeman, MD; Alex Lesiak, MD; Todd Gaddie, MD; Michael Coffey, MD; Michael Otten, MD.
A hand or wrist injury can happen in seconds, but waiting days or weeks to see the right specialist can make recovery much more complicated.
At OrthoNebraska, patients with hand and wrist injuries are getting faster access to fellowship-trained specialists, helping them receive the right diagnosis and treatment sooner. Whether it’s a sports injury, a fall or an unexpected accident at home, early evaluation can make a significant difference in recovery.
“Sometimes what looks like a simple jammed finger is actually an injury that needs treatment right away,” said Dr. Todd Gaddie, orthopedic surgeon at OrthoNebraska. “The sooner we see patients, the sooner we can determine what they’re dealing with and develop the right treatment plan.”
To make it easier for patients to get the right care when they need it most, OrthoNebraska has expanded same-day appointment availability, increased orthopedic urgent care options and placed fellowship-trained hand surgeons at locations throughout the Omaha metro. Patients can often be evaluated within 24 hours, avoiding unnecessary delays that can occur when injuries pass through multiple providers.
While not every injury requires surgery, knowing which ones do, and acting quickly when they occur, can improve outcomes and help patients return to work, sports and everyday life sooner.
“If something doesn’t move the way it should, moves when it shouldn’t, looks deformed or you’re experiencing numbness that isn’t improving, it’s time to get evaluated," said Dr. Gaddie.
For patients who do need surgery, convenience is another advantage. Many common hand procedures, including corrective surgeries for carpal tunnel or trigger finger, can now be performed using a “wide-awake” approach with local anesthesia.
Patients remain awake during the procedure, can drive themselves home afterward and often spend about an hour at the surgery center instead of several hours undergoing traditional anesthesia.
Recovery is also streamlined through OrthoNebraska’s integrated model of care. Certified hand therapists work alongside surgeons in the same clinics, allowing patients to begin therapy quickly while providers collaborate closely throughout recovery.
“Our therapists and surgeons are constantly communicating,” said Dr. Gaddie. “That collaboration helps us make adjustments in real time and gives patients a more seamless experience.”
As Omaha and Council Bluffs continue to grow, OrthoNebraska is expanding access to specialized orthopedic care where patients need it most. With one of the region’s largest teams of fellowship-trained hand surgeons, the organization is focused on making expert care easier to access and helping patients get back to the activities they enjoy as quickly and safely as possible.
Visit orthonebraska.com for more information.
