Medical Specialist: Hand Surge... Health Article

Medical Specialist: Hand Surgery

A hand surgeon is a surgeon who has received specialized training in diagnosing and treating all conditions of the hand, wrist and forearm.

Doctors who are board certified in orthopaedic surgery, plastic surgery or general surgery are qualified to pursue an additional year of training in hand surgery. Candidates must pass a rigorous examination in order to become board certified.

To function properly, the joints, ligaments, blood vessels, nerves, skin, muscles and tendons of the hand must all work together. The hand surgeon must be skilled in both surgical and non-surgical hand care for conditions such as:

Associated Diseases

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Sports injuries of the hand and wrist
• Trigger finger
• Nerve injuries
• Arthritis
• Wrist pain
• Birth defects
• Tennis elbow

Reference:

American Society for Surgery of the Hand 2007.