Specialty Care for the Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist & Hand
indiana hand center logo indiana hand center home page
indiana hand center physicians
indiana hand center medical problems
indiana hand center locations
indiana hand center research and education
indiana hand center therapy
services offered at the indiana hand center
indiana shoulder institute logo shoulder institute of indiana

 

Services Offered

The Indiana Hand Center specializes in complete care for problems and injuries related to the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand. Together, our multidisciplinary healthcare team provides comprehensive care, individualized solutions and a realistic treatment plan to meet our patients’ needs.

We see patients and provide therapy services at all of our offices located throughout Indianapolis and central Indiana. We operate a Same-Day Emergency Clinic at our main office/surgery center (8501 Harcourt Road) for patients who have traumatic injuries or conditions. This clinic operates on a call-in basis Monday-Friday from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. Our surgeons are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for patient emergencies occurring outside of normal business hours. They can be reached after hours through our answering service by calling [317]-875-9105 or [800]-888-HAND.

Our services include but are not limited to:

• State-of-the art surgical procedures incorporating the latest microsurgical techniques
• Arthritis care and treatment
• Sports injury treatment
• Joint replacement
• Non-surgical treatments
• Occupational therapy
• X-ray
• Neurology services (including EMG and nerve conduction testing)
• Workman’s compensation
• Permanent Partial Impairment Ratings (PPI)
• Independent Medical Evaluations (IME)
• Second opinions
• Educational programs for healthcare professionals and patients

Neurology Services

The Indiana Hand Center provides neurology services such as general exams and pain management programs. We also conduct EMG, Nerve Conduction Velocity and Neurometrix testing procedures to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of certain upper extremity conditions.

  • EMG: An EMG (Electromyography) is a test performed to diagnose diseases of nerves and muscles. A tiny needle is inserted into a specific muscle and records the electrical activity both while the muscle is resting and while it contracts. An EMG provides valuable information and can discover the cause of muscle weakness, spasms, paralysis or pain. It can also detect conditions such as pinched nerves, inflamed muscles and carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Nerve Conduction Velocity Test (NCV): An NCV test often accompanies an EMG and evaluates the health of a nerve by recording how fast an electrical impulse travels through it. The speed of an impulse may be reduced in certain neurological injuries and conditions. The test is typically performed using electrodes placed on various areas of the skin.
  • Neurometrix: This test evaluates nerve function and provides immediate results. It is often performed to diagnose less complex conditions of the upper extremity such as carpal tunnel or cubital tunnel syndrome.

Indiana Hand Center Neurologist Larry R. Lett, MD

Larry R. Lett, M.D., earned his undergraduate degree at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, and his medical degree at the Indiana University School of Medicine. After graduating from medical school in 1977, he served as an intern at Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, Indiana. Dr. Lett completed his residency in neurology through the Indiana University Medical Center in 1981. He was Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in 1982.

Dr. Lett practices general neurology while pursuing specialty interests in EMG (electromyography), NCV (nerve conduction velocity) and the evaluation of neurological disorders of the upper extremity.

How to Prepare For An EMG

If you are scheduled for an EMG at The Indiana Hand Center, here are some instructions to follow before you come in.

  • Prior to scheduling your test, notify us if you are taking aspirin, blood thinners (like Coumadin), have a pacemaker or have hemophilia.
  • If you have myasthenia gravis, ask your Indiana Hand Center physician if you should take any medications before the test.
  • Take a bath or shower before your EMG to remove any oil from your skin.
  • Do not use body lotion or oil on the day of the EMG.
  • Regarding infants and children, physical and psychological preparation will depend upon the child’s age, behavior, and prior experience. Discuss this when making the EMG appointment.