Dr. Denise Durant, M.D.

Dr. Durant has over 12 years practice experience in Hand Surgery and Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Durant recently opened Lakeshore Hand Surgery PLLC, her own independent practice, in order to focus more on hand and upper extremity surgery.

Dr. Durant grew up in rural northern New York and did her undergraduate work at St Lawrence University. She received her medical degree from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. In 2001, she began her residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Vermont. Upon residency completion in 2006, she completed fellowship training in hand surgery at the well renowned Mary S. Stern Fellowship in Hand Surgery in Cincinnati, OH. Dr. Durant is thrilled to have the opportunity to offer expert care, in an intimate environment, with her sub-specialty focus, right here in Chittenden County.

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Doctor of Medicine, 2001
University of Vermont College of Medicine, Medicine Residency, 2006
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Orthopaedic Surgery, Hand Surgery Fellowship, 2007

Northwestern Medical Center

Carpal Tunnel Release, Trigger Finger Release, Removal of Ganglion Cysts, Hand and Wrist Fracture Care, Hand and Wrist Arthritis Procedures, Hand and Wrist Tendonitis Procedures.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common nerve disorder located at the wrist that can cause pain in and limit the use of the fingers, wrist and forearm. Nerves and tendons pass through a narrow passageway in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. When this part of the body is injured, swelling of the tissues can cause numbness, tingling and loss of function of the hand. Carpal tunnel release surgery improves the health of the patient by creating more room for the tendon and the nerves to pass through the carpal tunnel thus reducing pain and improving function.

Hand and wrist surgery can provide relief from pain and instability while preserving the range of motion needed for daily activities. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type of autoimmune arthritis and causes pain and swelling in the wrist and small joints of hands and feet. While early-stage arthritis can often be managed with medication, splinting and modification of activities, hand and wrist surgical procedures are an option to improve health for patients with advanced rheumatoid arthritis.

Stenosing tenosynovitis, a condition commonly known as “trigger finger”, occurs when inflammation narrows the space within the sheath that surrounds the tendon of the finger causing general stiffness and pain and, in severe cases, causing the finger to lock in a bent position. When nonoperative treatment fails, surgical release is necessary to create movement of the flexor tendon, allowing it to glide more easily through the tendon sheath to improve the health of the patient.

Ganglion cysts are common, non-cancerous lumps that develop along the tendons or joints of wrists or hands. While many are painless and disappear on their own, some can cause pain and interfere with joint movement. Treatment is often times non-surgical and can include use of splints and anti-inflammatory medication and aspiration of the cyst. If non-operative treatments fail, surgical removal is the next option for care to improve the health of the patient.