Dramatic advances have been made in recent years in treating patients with hand injuries, degenerative disorders, and birth defects of the hand.

At the forefront of these advances have been plastic surgeons-specialists whose major interest is improving both function and appearance. 

Plastic surgeons undergo intensive training in hand surgery, and they are able to treat patients with a wide range of hand problems.

The most common procedures in hand surgery are those done to repair injured hands, including injuries to the tendons, nerves, blood vessels, and joints; fractured bones; and burns, cuts, and other injuries to the skin. Modern techniques have greatly improved the surgeon’s ability to restore function and appearance, even in severe injuries. Some injuries may require several operations over an extended period of time.

In many cases, surgery can restore a significant degree of feeling and function to injured hands. However, recovery may take months, and a period of hand therapy will most often be needed.