Hand Surgery

Modern hand surgery developed as a separate surgical discipline during the Second World War by a combination of plastic surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, general surgeons, vascular surgeons and neurosurgeons.  Hand surgery is unique among surgical specialties because it continues to be a regional specialty rather than a tissue specific specialty.   Because plastic surgeons are trained to handle nearly all tissue types, they are uniquely positioned as a specialty to manage all aspects of hand surgery from congenital soft tissue reconstruction to replantation.  Plastic surgeons undergo extensive training in hand surgery during their residency.    

Our hands are important for many reasons, and without their complete function, we may have difficulty in performing everyday tasks such as eating, dressing ourselves, and working, which allow us to be independent.  Optimum hand function requires intact sensation, and also requires that our muscles be able to contract and move our tendons; and our tendons be able to glide and move our joints.    Diseases that cause pain, decrease strength and range of motion and impair function may be improved with surgical or non-surgical management by a hand surgeon.