The term “hand surgeon” can be misleading. Hand surgeons also treat patients with wrist, forearm, elbow, and often shoulder problems, as well as the hand. Additionally, hand surgeons don’t just do surgery. A hand surgeon is a specialized doctor who is trained in the non-surgical and surgical treatment of most hand and upper extremity conditions.
After completing a residency in general, plastic, or orthopaedic surgery, hand surgeons complete an additional year of fellowship training in the conditions unique to the hand and arm. The complete care of the hand involves specialized techniques in orthopaedic, plastic, neurologic, arthroscopic, and microvascular surgery — combining features from multiple surgical specialties. The hand is one of the most complicated parts of the body, and because of this, extra training is helpful to take care of hand conditions.
Over the last several decades, there has been progress in the treatment of hand and upper extremity conditions. New procedures have been invented and research has been published. Raleigh Hand Center physicians and therapists stay informed of the latest developments in hand care though weekly conferences and national meetings. National board certification is available in both orthopaedic surgery and hand surgery, and all Raleigh Hand Center physicians are board certified.
If you or a loved one has a hand or arm problem, consider consulting with a hand surgeon.