Hand Surgery: Conditions Treated, Techniques & Specialist Training

Scope of Hand Surgery

Hand surgery is a subspecialty addressing trauma, degenerative, congenital, and neoplastic conditions of the hand and wrist. Hand surgeons complete orthopedic, plastic, or general surgery residency plus dedicated fellowship training.

Common Conditions

• Trauma: fractures, dislocations, lacerations, amputations
• Tendon/ligament injuries: ruptures, trigger finger, De Quervain's
• Nerve compression: carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, radial tunnel
• Arthritis: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, post‑traumatic
• Dupuytren's contracture
• Ganglion cysts, soft‑tissue tumors
• Congenital anomalies (syndactyly, polydactyly, thumb hypoplasia)

Treatment Modalities

• Non‑operative: splinting, therapy, injections
• Minimally invasive: endoscopic carpal/tunnel release, arthroscopy
• Open reconstruction: tendon transfers, nerve grafts, free flaps, joint replacement

Goal

Restore function, relieve pain, and maximize quality of life through individualized, evidence‑based care.