Hand and wrist surgery : Specialists

About the hand and wrist

The hand and wrist are delicate and yet fascinating structures which can perform a whole range of movements. The human hand contains 27 bones in total which are arranged as follows:

• 14 bones in the fingers: known as ‘phalanges’
• 8 bones in the wrist: known as ‘carpals’
• 5 bones in the palm: known as ‘metacarpals’

Movements of the hand are possible by a series of muscles and tendons. These enable the hand to perform as series of gestures, such as making a fist or grasping an object.

Men have larger hands than women.

This orthopaedic specialty deals with conditions of the hand and wrist.

What is a hand and wrist surgeon?

This is an orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in problems of the hand and wrist. This includes:

• Sports injuries
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
• Lacerations and puncture wounds to the hand and/or wrist
• Joint damage
• Fractures to the hand and/or wrist
• Trigger finger
• Dislocation
• Arthritis

What does a hand and wrist surgeon do?

He or she will perform surgery to treat a range of conditions which includes reconstructive work following an accident or injury. Surgery on the hand or wrist includes:

• Carpal tunnel decompression (relieve pressure on a trapped nerve in the wrist).
• Wiring a broken wrist
• Trigger finger (releasing a tendon so that a finger can straighten properly)
• Tendon repair
• Ganglion cyst removal