The practice of Hand Surgery involves all aspects of diagnosis and treatment of wrist and upper extremity disease and injury including all orthopedic wrist and hand pathology. As example, this includes paralytic conditions, congenital, acquired, rheumatoid, osteoarthritic pathology and all aspect of trauma including orthopedic, vascular, plastic, replantation of amputated parts, microvascular repair and microsurgical nerve repair and reconstruction to allow for the maximal achievable return of function and integrity to the hand and upper extremity. This is accomplished by using a combination of surgical techniques including reconstructive procedures, wrist arthroscopy, total joint replacement, endoscopic mini-invasive carpal tunnel release, replantation, osteosynthesis, microsurgical procedures and non-surgical treatments.
Note that not all problems treated by a hand surgeon need surgery. Hand surgeons often recommend non-surgical treatments such as medication, splints, and therapy.