Certain symptoms should be assessed promptly to preserve hand function
The hand is an essential organ in daily life — personal, professional and sporting. Certain symptoms should be assessed promptly by a specialist to best preserve hand function. The Institut Européen de la Main, located in Luxembourg-Kirchberg, provides specialist consultations, planned surgery and emergency hand care.
The hand concentrates many fine structures in a small space: bones, tendons, nerves, blood vessels. Damage to any of these structures can lead to significant functional impairment if not treated at the right time. A hand surgery specialist has the necessary expertise to accurately assess the situation and propose appropriate treatment.
Some conditions progress gradually and can benefit from medical treatment or rehabilitation if caught early. Other situations require rapid or even urgent assessment to prevent complications or functional after-effects.
Pain in the hand or wrist that persists beyond a few days, gradually worsens, or interferes with daily activities warrants a consultation. It may be tendinitis, early-stage arthritis, nerve compression or another condition requiring specialist assessment.
Tingling in the fingers, especially at night, or sensory loss can indicate nerve compression such as carpal tunnel syndrome or ulnar nerve compression at the elbow. Early treatment can often prevent deterioration and achieve better outcomes.
Decreased grip strength, difficulty holding a pen, opening a jar or handling small objects may be a sign of a condition requiring assessment. It may be nerve compression, a tendon injury or a joint condition.
A finger that locks in a flexed position and requires traction to straighten, or snaps during flexion-extension, is characteristic of trigger finger. This condition can be treated by injection or surgery depending on severity.
The appearance of a lump at the wrist or fingers may correspond to a ganglion cyst. Although usually benign, specialist examination confirms the diagnosis and allows treatment options to be discussed.
A progressive finger deformity, such as an irreducible flexion, may be a sign of Dupuytren's disease. Deformity at the base of the thumb may indicate thumb basal joint arthritis (rhizarthrosis). A consultation allows the progression to be assessed and appropriate treatment proposed.
After a hand injury (fall, impact, twist), certain signs should prompt rapid consultation even without a visible wound:
If in doubt after a trauma, it is better to seek prompt specialist assessment. Early treatment often optimises functional outcomes.
Certain situations require immediate medical treatment:
Life-threatening emergency
In a life-threatening emergency (e.g. uncontrollable bleeding, severe collapse, respiratory distress), call 112 immediately.
Severe trauma or acute hand injury
Go directly to the nearest Accident & Emergency department. The hospital A&E team will contact the on-call hand surgeon if needed.
Urgent specialist consultation (non life-threatening)
For a rapid appointment, non-life-threatening specialist advice, a check-up or follow-up after initial assessment, contact the IEM secretariat on +352 24 68 41 42.
The initial consultation at the Institut Européen de la Main establishes a precise diagnosis and proposes appropriate treatment for your situation.
Thorough assessment of hand mobility, sensation, strength and function.
Imaging if required: X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, nerve conduction studies.
Explanation of the diagnosis and discussion of treatment options tailored to your situation.
Proposal of a personalised treatment plan: medical, rehabilitation or surgical.
For more information on the full care pathway, visit our patient pathway page.
Depending on the diagnosis, various treatment options may be proposed:
Anti-inflammatory medication, pain relief, injection if indicated.
Custom-made splint to immobilise or support the hand.
Coordination with a physiotherapist specialised in hand rehabilitation.
If an operation is needed, it is performed at Kirchberg Hospital with regular post-operative follow-up.
A specialist opinion is helpful in cases of persistent symptoms (pain, numbness, loss of strength), hand trauma, a locked finger, swelling or progressive deformity. Your GP can refer you to a hand surgeon if needed.
Persistent or unusual pain, numbness or tingling in the fingers (especially at night), loss of grip strength, a locked or triggering finger, swelling or a lump, progressive deformity of the hand or fingers.
Certain situations require immediate medical treatment: partial or complete amputation, deep wound with significant bleeding, complete inability to flex or extend a finger after trauma, major deformity, sensory loss, animal or human bite, deep burn.
Life-threatening emergency: call 112.
Severe trauma or acute hand injury: go to the nearest A&E.
Urgent specialist consultation: contact the IEM secretariat on +352 24 68 41 42.
Waiting times vary depending on urgency. For specialised emergencies, rapid care is arranged. For a scheduled appointment, contact the secretariat on +352 24 68 41 42 or book online via Doctena.
In Luxembourg, you can consult a specialist directly without a prior referral. However, if you have seen your GP, a referral letter can facilitate your care.
Our team is available to assess your situation