Hand Surgery is a specialized branch of Orthopedic Surgery, which focuses on the treatment of all diseases, injuries and congenital anomalies of the upper limb — from the shoulder to the fingers. The procedures are performed by surgeons with expertise in Microsurgery, using techniques that allow the restoration of even the most microscopic and delicate structures of the hand, such as nerves, vessels and tendons.
The Importance of the Hand Limb in Everyday Life
The upper limbs, and especially the hand (wrist, palm, fingers), play a central role in everyday life. They are used in almost every activity: from basic self-care needs (dressing, eating, hygiene), to the delicate and demanding movements required in many forms of work, such as typing, manual labor, arts or the use of tools.
Their versatility and importance make the hands particularly susceptible to injuries and diseases, while the consequences of an injury are disproportionately significant, directly affecting the quality of life and the ability to live independently.
Common Diseases and Injuries
Diseases and injuries of the hand can occur:
- From accidents (falls, cuts, bruises, amputations)
- From chronic strain (tendonitis, degenerative changes)
- From neurological pressures or congenital limb malformations
- From birth defects
Most common conditions treated with Hand Surgery:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Dupuytren’s disease
- De Quervain’s Tendonitis
- Arthritis and tendonitis of the wrist and fingers
- Trigger finger
- Congenital anomalies (syndactyly, polydactyly, clinodactyly)
- Peripheral nerve compression (ulnar, median, radial)
- Benign and malignant tumors (ganglion, giant cell tumors, neurofibromas)
- Fractures, dislocations and open wounds
- Cross-sections of tendons, vessels and nerves
- Amputations and limb reattachments
- Transferring a finger from the lower limb in cases of loss
Microsurgery at the service of the hand
Microsurgery has revolutionized the surgical rehabilitation of the hand. Through specialized techniques and tools (microscope or loupes), the microsurgeon has the ability to intervene with absolute precision on very small structures, restoring the function of tendons, nerves and vessels completely or as much as possible.
Microsurgery Applications:
- Anastomosis of segments after amputation
- Suturing severed nerves and tendons
- Fracture fixation with minimally invasive methods
- Tissue transplantation or transfer
- Reconstruction of hand function in neglected or complex cases
What is the Procedure?
Each surgical procedure is tailored to the patient’s needs and the condition or injury:
- Diagnosis: Clinical examination, imaging (x-ray, ultrasound, MRI)
- Preoperative planning: Depending on the case, the most appropriate technique is chosen.
- Surgery: Using microtools, a microscope or loupes.
- Rehabilitation: Postoperative monitoring and physical therapy, where necessary, for the gradual restoration of functionality.
Advantages of microsurgical hand surgery
- Minimal intervention time – in many cases under 10 minutes
- Local anesthesia – suitable for patients who cannot receive general anesthesia
- Immediate discharge from the clinic – no need for hospitalization
- No need to stop medication – safe even for patients taking anticoagulant or diabetic medications
- Excellent aesthetic result – thanks to the tiny incisions
- High functional benefit – aiming for full restoration of movement and sensation
Hand Surgery, with the assistance of Microsurgery, is a specialized field of orthopedics that aims to restore the functionality of the upper limb, treating injuries, diseases and congenital anomalies with precision and efficiency. Thanks to advanced techniques, the procedures are performed in a minimally invasive manner, ensuring rapid recovery, excellent aesthetic results and the preservation or restoration of movement and sensation of the hand — elements necessary for the patient’s daily functionality and quality of life.
