What kind of surgeon works on hands?
A hand surgeon is a subspecialist; they complete a year of additional training in addition to the required training to be either a general surgeon, orthopedic surgeon, or plastic surgeon. These surgeons are extremely specialized, and many focus on one area of the hand, certain types of injuries, or specific procedures.
When should you see a hand surgeon?
While a severe injury to the hand is obviously best treated by a hand surgeon, there are many reasons to see a hand surgeon. Some of the most common situations that lead to hand surgery referrals are:
- Frostbite
- Burns
- Complex fractures
- Amputation of a finger or hand
- Poorly healing wounds
- Cuts that damage the muscles, nerves, or blood vessels of the hand
- A reduced ability to move part of the hand
What do hand surgeons look for?
Hand surgeons are focused on restoring or maintaining the function of the hand. They seek to prevent existing injuries from getting worse and to restore function lost due to any previous injury or medical condition.
An appointment with a hand surgeon generally involves tests that assess the strength, sensation, and blood flow in the hand. Everything from a simple physical exam to complex MRIs and CT scans of the hand may be required based on the specific injury or condition being treated.
What is the most common hand surgery?
One of the most common hand surgeries is a tendon release for carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel is a condition that causes pain and cramping in the hand due to compression of the nerves in the wrist that lead to the hand. A hand surgeon can cut away the tissue that is compressing the nerves of the hand which rapidly relieves symptoms with few side effects.
How long does hand surgery take?
The length of a hand surgery varies greatly based on what the surgery is being done for. While the hand is a very small area of the body, surgeries on the hand can take many hours. The large number of complex and delicate structures within the hand means that surgeons must move slowly to avoid damaging structures within the hand.
Most patients that are receiving hand surgery get general anesthesia (they are put to sleep). This helps patients remain still during long surgeries and prevents any movement that could lead to accidental injury.
What is the difference between a hand surgeon and an orthopedic surgeon?
A hand surgeon has additional training compared to an orthopedic surgeon. Many orthopedic surgeons become hand surgeons by completing an additional year of training after they finish their training in orthopedic surgery. While some basic hand surgeries can be performed by a general orthopedic surgeon, more complex procedures benefit from the experience of a formally trained and board-certified hand surgeon.
