Hand Surgery

We use our hands for many activities during the day. Also, if you think about it, the hands are not even resting while we are sleeping. The hand has a very complex anatomy and function. Any injury to part of the hand or digits will affect the whole function of it. Therefore, hand surgeons train additional years to become experts in this area. Hand surgery involves the treatment of bones, joints, tendons, vessels and nerves injuries or diseases, in some cases all at the same time. The treatment of nerve diseases and injuries in the elbow and arm are also part of the Hand surgery field. Most of these surgeries are performed outpatient. Many of these require occupational hand therapy as part of the recovery process.

What is a Hand Surgeon

Hand surgeons are orthopedic, plastic, or general surgeons whose specialized training provides them with expertise in treatment of the hand, wrist and arm. When a problem takes place in the hand, care must be given to all the different types of tissues that make function of the hand possible. Microsurgery training is also required to become a hand surgeon. Hand surgeons are not restricted to surgery. In fact, they provide nonsurgical treatment before they determine that surgery is required. Many hand surgeons also treat shoulder and arm- related conditions and injuries.