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What is Hand Surgery? |
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A hand surgeon is a
subspecialist who has received extensive training in the management of
disorders of the hand and upper extremity. This includes the hand,
wrist, elbow, and shoulder. Hand surgeons treat problems with
involve skin, bones, muscle, tendons, joints, nerves, and blood
vessels. This often involved combining the skills of several
surgical disciplines including plastic surgery, orthopaedic surgery,
vascular surgery, and microsurgery.
Hand surgery as a specialty had its formal beginnings in World War II. Forced with thousands of military personnel returning from the fronts with injuries of the upper extremity, the Surgeon General of the Army established nine centers for hand surgery throughout the United States for the care of these individuals. After the war, many of the lessons learned from these patients were applied to similar injuries seen in civilian life, and since that time knowledge regarding the treatment of hand problems has become increasingly more sophisticated. As stated above, hand surgery does not stop at the wrist, but involves thoughtful coordinated treatment of any injury or disease that causes upper extremity disability or dysfunction. Whether the problem is congenital, acute, or chronic, total care is provided. Many patients referred to our facility do not require surgery. Medication, splinting, therapy, and at times injections are all part of the hand surgeon's armamentarium. |
