subject: Hand Surgeon: For Hand Surgery, You Want A Specialist [print this page] There are many issues that cause pain, loss of function and malformations of the hand. Osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and trigger finger are just some of the debilitating conditions of the hand.
Sometimes these are so severe that the only relief is going to come from surgery. But, not just anyone is qualified to do this. You really want a hand surgeon to perform the procedure. Here are just a couple of reasons why a specialist is better than a general surgeon.
First of all, a hand surgeon specialist has had the specific training to work with the hand and wrist. He has been through not only training in orthopedic, reconstructive or plastic surgery, but also received Certificate of Added Qualifications for Hand Surgery.
For certification, the Joint Committee on Surgery of the Hand oversees a rigorous exam. By the time he is ready to start practicing, a certified hand surgeon already has 125 practical surgical cases under his belt. Membership in the American Society for Surgery of the Hand is another important qualification to further ensure proper training.
Why is this additional training so important? Look at your hand. There are 27 bones, 15 primary working muscles and so many joints it is hard to count. Mixed in with all of these moving parts are tendons, cartilage, blood vessels and nerves.
Now, put all of that into the small space that is your hand and you know that these are all tiny bits of the body. Because of this, surgery is very delicate and intricate. Small instruments are used and total concentration is important. One little slip can damage some small nerve or joint in a second.
Now, an experienced hand surgeon is very familiar with all the intricacies of the procedure and the nuances of the hand. He performs these techniques day in and day out. If you go to a general surgeon, he does not have the same experience. Maybe he has performed one or two in his practice or maybe none at all. He may be a fabulous surgeon, but without the right training, the chance of something going wrong is increased.
So when you are looking for a plastic surgeon to correct your carpal tunnel or other hand issue, be sure to look for one that is a specialist. As a plastic surgeon, he can pursue the additional certification which gives him the knowledge and expertise in the field.
The wrong surgeon can leave you in more pain and even less mobility if a mistake is made. You use your hands every day and proper care is essential. Whether your problem is in the fingers or wrist, a certified hand surgeon can relieve the pain and improve your mobility.
