Treatment overview
What this treatment can — and cannot — do.
Hand surgery can address selected injuries, scars, tendon or nerve problems, contractures and reconstructive conditions that affect hand function or form. Because the hand contains small joints, tendons, nerves and vessels working together, the treatment plan depends on the exact structure involved and whether rehabilitation is needed.
GoalRestore or improve hand function, movement, coverage or contour where surgery is appropriate.Restore or improve hand function, movement, coverage or contour where surgery is appropriate.
Best fitPatients with a defined hand injury, scar, contracture or reconstructive problem that has been assessed clinically.Patients with a defined hand injury, scar, contracture or reconstructive problem that has been assessed clinically.
PlanFunctional examination, diagnosis of the involved structures, surgical planning and coordinated rehabilitation-aware follow-up.Functional examination, diagnosis of the involved structures, surgical planning and coordinated rehabilitation-aware follow-up.
RecoveryRecovery depends on the structure treated. Splinting, wound care, hand therapy and staged return to use may be required.Recovery depends on the structure treated. Splinting, wound care, hand therapy and staged return to use may be required.
The consultation separates the concern this treatment can address from problems that need another approach, so treatment is not recommended simply because a procedure is popular.
Who may benefit
Who may benefit — and what we assess first.
Patients with a defined hand injury, scar, contracture or reconstructive problem that has been assessed clinically.
Potential fitWhen Hand Surgery may make sense
Realistic expectationsWhat Hand Surgery cannot promise
Treatment pathway
A clear plan from assessment to follow-up.
Functional examination, diagnosis of the involved structures, surgical planning and coordinated rehabilitation-aware follow-up.
01AssessmentAssess movement, sensation, circulation, scars and the exact structure causing the problem.
02PlanningDefine the surgical goal and whether therapy, splinting or imaging is also needed.
03TreatmentPerform the planned repair or reconstruction in the appropriate setting.
04Follow-upCoordinate wound care and rehabilitation to protect the repair while restoring function.
Recovery & expectations
Recovery, downtime and what to expect.
Recovery depends on the structure treated. Splinting, wound care, hand therapy and staged return to use may be required.
EarlyFollow your aftercare planRecovery depends on the structure treated. Splinting, wound care, hand therapy and staged return to use may be required.
Short termProtect healing tissueAvoid activities that could irritate, stretch or traumatize the treated area until the advised stage of recovery.
ProgressJudge the result at the right timeSwelling and healing can temporarily distort the early appearance, so final assessment should follow the treatment-specific healing timeline.
Long termMaintain realistic expectationsHand surgery cannot guarantee full restoration of movement or sensation, especially after severe injury or longstanding damage, and rehabilitation may be essential.