Bhubaneswar: In a bid to provide comprehensive care for different hand related issues, a special hand clinic has been started functioning at Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery of AIIMS Bhubaneswar. On the occasion of National Hand Surgery Day (23rd Aug) yesterday, the hand clinic started in collaboration with the Orthopaedic and PMR department. This clinic will function on every Tuesday from 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm at the Plastic Surgery OPD complex.

This clinic is the first of its kind in Odisha. It will be helpful for all to get holistic care for different diseases. The importance of hand care can’t be undermined.

AIIMS Bhubaneswar Executive Director Prof (Dr) Ashutosh Biswas has congratulated the Doctors of above three departments for their efforts to start such a clinic. The first of its kind special hand clinic at AIIMS will certainly help people from all age groups to get a complete care like Tendon and nerve injuries, fractures, dislocations and strains, amputations, carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis and other arthritic conditions with many other hand problems. AIIMS Bhubaneswar is always committed to serve people through its innovative approach, added Dr. Biswas.

AIIMS Bhubaneswar Medical Superintendent Dr. S N Mohanty gracing the occasion has expressed his happiness over opening of such a hand clinic. Burns & Plastic Surgery Department HoD Dr. Sanjay Giri, Orthopaedic Dept HoD Dr. Bishnu Patro and PMR HoD Dr. Jagannath Sahoo were also present on the occasion.

Burns & Plastic Surgery Associate Prof Dr. Santanu Suba will be the in-charge of the clinic. The clinic will cover a broad spectrum of conditions including Tendonitis, Hand contractures, soft tissue injuries, Burns, Diabetes, Anomalies present at birth, Brachial plexus Injury, post Radiation and post infected Lymphedema, informed Dr. Suba.

Similarly, there will be a care facility for functional assessment and activities designed to increase motion, dexterity and strength. Compression therapy and edema management, scar tissue management, Desensitization, sensory re-education and sensory compensation techniques will also be provided to patients. Therapeutic modalities for tissue and joint preconditioning to minimize pain and stiffness, joint protection and energy conservation training, techniques and suggestions for assistive devices, manual therapy, custom-made orthotics to help protect hand after a surgery, immobilizing it, correct an injury or deformity, pain management

and training for using prosthetics will also be there in the special hand clinic, said Dr. Suba.