Hand surgery

Hand Surgery is a specialized field of surgery that deals with the complexities of the hand, wrist, and forearm. It encompasses a variety of procedures aimed at restoring hand and wrist function, treating injuries, and correcting deformities.

Overview

Hand surgeons are trained to treat conditions affecting the bones, joints, connective tissues, muscles, blood vessels, and nerves of the hand and arm. They work to improve not only the functionality but also the appearance of hand and arm structures.

Conditions Treated

Hand surgeons address a wide range of conditions, such as:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis of the hand
• Dupuytren's contracture
• Congenital limb differences
• Fractures and injuries of the hand and wrist
• Tendon injuries and tendonitis
• Nerve compression syndromes
• Ganglion cysts and tumors of the hand and wrist

Procedures Performed

Some of the surgical procedures in this specialty include:

• Carpal tunnel release
• Tendon repair
• Reconstruction for rheumatoid hand deformities
• Fracture fixation
• Nerve repairs and nerve grafting
• Microvascular surgery, such as reattachment of amputated fingers or hands

Subspecialties

Within hand surgery, there are subspecialties focusing on:

• Microsurgery
• Orthopedic hand surgery
• Plastic and reconstructive hand surgery

Training and Certification

Training for hand surgery involves completing a residency in orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery, or general surgery, followed by a specialized fellowship in hand surgery. Surgeons can obtain certification through the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery or the American Board of Plastic Surgery, often with an additional Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in hand surgery.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Hand surgeons often collaborate with other specialists such as occupational therapists to provide comprehensive care that includes rehabilitation and physical therapy.

Innovations and Research

Ongoing research in hand surgery includes advancements in prosthetic hand design, techniques for nerve regeneration, and innovations in minimally invasive surgery.

List of Hand Surgeons (USA)

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

US territories

• American Samoa
• Guam
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Puerto Rico
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• District of Columbia

See Also

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Plastic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Occupational Therapy
• Plastic surgery

Hand surgery Resources
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