Hand & Wrist Specialists in Delaware

At Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists (DOS), our experienced hand and wrist specialists provide advanced care for injuries, nerve conditions, arthritis, tendon problems, and complex upper extremity disorders.

DOS is the only completely sub-specialized orthopedic practice in Delaware, giving patients access to focused experts who treat hand and wrist conditions every day.


Why Choose DOS for Hand & Wrist Care?

The hand and wrist contain dozens of bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and nerves working together in a highly precise system. Proper diagnosis and treatment require specialized expertise.

Patients choose DOS for hand and wrist care because we offer:

  • Fellowship-trained upper extremity specialists
  • Advanced treatment for common and complex conditions
  • Conservative care whenever possible
  • Minimally invasive and microsurgical techniques
  • Fracture, tendon, nerve, and arthritis expertise
  • Personalized rehabilitation plans
  • Multiple convenient Delaware locations
  • Same-day appointments available when needed
up close of elderly person's hands playing piano

Orthopedic Hand & Wrist Conditions & Treatments

DOS specializes in advanced orthopedic hand & wrist procedures including:

Hand & Wrist Conditions

Our specialists evaluate and treat a wide range of conditions, including:

Non-Surgical Hand & Wrist Treatments

Many hand and wrist conditions can improve without surgery. Our physicians focus first on relieving symptoms and restoring function through conservative treatment whenever appropriate.

Non-surgical options may include:

  • Activity modification
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Bracing or splinting
  • Cortisone injections
  • Occupational or hand therapy
  • Guided stretching and strengthening programs
  • Ergonomic recommendations
  • Ultrasound-guided treatment when appropriate

Surgical Hand & Wrist Procedures

When symptoms persist or injuries are severe, surgery may be recommended. DOS specialists perform modern procedures designed to restore motion, strength, and comfort.

Procedures may include:

  • Carpal tunnel release
  • Trigger finger release
  • Fracture fixation
  • Tendon repair or reconstruction
  • Ligament reconstruction
  • Ganglion cyst removal
  • Thumb joint reconstruction
  • Wrist arthroscopy
  • Nerve decompression procedures
  • Dupuytren’s contracture correction
  • Complex hand trauma surgery

Meet Our Hand & Wrist Specialists

Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists Matthew D. Eichenbaum, M.D.
Matthew D. Eichenbaum, M.D.
Hand & Wrist, Fracture Care, and Elbow
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Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists Dr J Douglas Patterson MD
J. Douglas Patterson, M.D.
Hand & Wrist, Fracture Care, and Elbow
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John "Jack" M. Reynolds, M.D.
Hand & Wrist, Fracture Care, and Elbow
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Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists Dr Peter Townsend MD
Peter F. Townsend, M.D.
Hand & Wrist, Fracture Care, and Elbow
  Book Appointment
 

Advanced Diagnostics & Imaging

Accurate diagnosis is the first step toward lasting relief. Your physician may recommend:

  • Digital X-rays
  • MRI
  • CT scans when needed
  • Ultrasound in select cases
  • Grip strength and motion testing
  • Nerve studies when appropriate

These tools help identify the source of pain and guide the most effective treatment plan.

What to Expect During Recovery

Recovery depends on your condition and treatment plan. Some patients improve within weeks using splinting, therapy, and activity changes. Others recovering from surgery may need structured rehabilitation. Your DOS specialist will guide each stage of healing with the goal of restoring function as quickly and safely as possible. 

Convenient Locations

Finding expert orthopedic care has never been more convenient. With multiple locations throughout Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania, DOS provides easy access to fellowship-trained orthopedic specialists, advanced diagnostics, and comprehensive musculoskeletal care — making it easier to get the expert treatment you need, close to home.

Chadds Ford Location
Chadds Ford, PA
100 Wilmington West Chester Pike
Suite 110
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
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Newark 1096
Newark (1096)
1096 Old Churchmans Road
Newark, DE 19713
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Newark (1082)
1082 Old Churchmans Road
Suites 100 & 101
Newark, DE 19713
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Newark Metro
4923 Ogletown Stanton Rd
Suite 300
Newark, DE 19713
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North Wilmington
3401 Brandywine Parkway
Suites 100, 101 & 202
Wilmington, DE 19803
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Middletown DOS office building
Middletown
252 Carter Drive
Middletown, DE 19709
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Stanton office building
Stanton
1941 Limestone Road
Suite 101
Wilmington, DE 19808
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Hear What Our Patients Have to Say

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    Staff is Friendly

    I would like to thank you all and especially Dr. Patterson for his expertise in surgery. I now have the use of my right hand back with no pain. I can’t wait to have the surgery done on my left hand. The staff is friendly and Beth is wonderful to work with to schedule appointments. Thank you all so much!

    Smiley Face
    Diana S.
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    Never Skips a Beat

    From the very first time my family and I met Dr. Quercetti, we knew he was the right guy for the task at hand. He was my trauma surgeon at Christiana Hospital and handled most of my recovery appointments. He was thorough with the details of my surgery and recovery. Dr. Quercetti has excellent bedside manner and never skips a beat when he works with his patients. I’m proud to say I was in great hands with him.

    Smiley Face
    Jordan A.
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    MARVELED AT THE AMAZING JOB YOU DID

    Dr. Patterson, you truly saved my hand and wrist with your magic reconstruction and creative use of metals. After one year, I am still marveled at the amazing job you did! Thank you DOS and Doug, you are the best!

    Smiley Face
    Debbie C.
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    Miracles Can Still Happen!

    This note is right up there with Miracles Can Still Happen. On November 1, I was out there on the pickleball court playing my 80+ year old heart out. Suddenly I found myself floored...as in on it! My right arm saving my back and head...but not my wrist. Off to Dr. Patterson I was taken. In his quiet manner he assured me that the wrist was indeed badly injured, but that he could help me. He may have uttered "back to normal" or close to it!

    With a minimum of fuss, he re-aligned the errant bone(s), wrapped the wrist and scheduled a surgery for several days later. Surgery occurred in a timely manner. Was given an appointment for a week later. Here, I got the full report and solution to this broken appendage. He was very pleased to have been able to make one 3-l/2" incision and slip in a plate (5 screws) to stabilize the bones. He sent me home without my temporary cast....I pleaded for its return!! He instructed me to do whatever I felt I could, having only minimal pain. I did as suggested! I started physical therapy and dutifully did my exercises. Had minor pain during this period. Bottom line, I was out on the court again on November 30....cautious YES! But being out there again...AMAZING! The physician, the procedure, the whole experience was smooth--totally professional. And yes, I feel I am pretty much "back to normal"!!

    My Thanks to all who were involved!!

    Smiley Face
    Nancy G.

Hand & Wrist Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  When should I see a doctor for hand or wrist pain?

If pain lasts more than a few weeks, interferes with work or daily activities, causes numbness, weakness, swelling, or limits movement, it is time for an evaluation.

Q:  What are signs of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Common symptoms include numbness, tingling, hand weakness, nighttime symptoms, and discomfort in the thumb, index, or middle fingers.

Q:  Can trigger finger go away without surgery?

Some cases improve with rest, splinting, injections, and therapy. Persistent locking or pain may require a simple outpatient procedure.

Q:  What causes wrist pain without an injury?

Wrist pain can result from tendonitis, arthritis, nerve irritation, repetitive strain, or ligament problems.

Q:  How long does hand surgery recovery take?

Recovery varies by procedure. Minor releases may heal quickly, while fracture repairs or reconstructions may require a longer rehabilitation period.