Top Orthopedic Hand Surgeon

A hand surgeon is a medical specialist trained in diagnosing, treating, and performing surgery on conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and forearm. These surgeons have extensive knowledge of the complex anatomy of the hand, including bones, nerves, tendons, and ligaments. They treat a wide range of issues, from carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis to fractures, nerve injuries, and congenital deformities. Hand surgeons may have backgrounds in orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery, or general surgery, with additional fellowship training focused on the hand and upper extremities. While they are skilled in performing surgical procedures, they also emphasize non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, splinting, and medication when possible. Their goal is to restore function, reduce pain, and improve mobility for patients dealing with hand and wrist conditions.

You should see a hand surgeon if you experience persistent pain, numbness, weakness, or limited movement in your hand, wrist, or fingers that affects your daily activities. Common reasons to consult a hand surgeon include carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, arthritis, tendon or nerve injuries, fractures, or persistent swelling or stiffness that does not improve with rest or home treatments. If you have suffered a traumatic injury, such as a deep cut, broken bone, or dislocation, immediate medical attention is necessary to prevent long-term damage. Additionally, if you notice a loss of grip strength, difficulty performing fine motor tasks, or tingling that worsens over time, a hand surgeon can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend treatment options, whether surgical or non-surgical, to restore function and alleviate pain.

The most common hand surgeries are carpal tunnel release (which I perform endoscopically, with the least invasive technique) This surgery relieves pressure on the median nerve by cutting the transverse carpal ligament, treating carpal tunnel syndrome, which causes numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand.  trigger finger release This procedure involves releasing a constricted tendon in the finger to restore smooth movement, addressing trigger finger, where a finger gets stuck in a bent position. Cubital tunnel release (which I perform endoscopically), DeQuervain’s release This surgery relieves pain caused by inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. and surgical fixation of hand and wrist fractures. Surgery may be needed to realign and stabilize broken bones in the hand or wrist using pins, screws, or plates. As a Hand & Upper Extremity surgeon I also do many arthroscopic shoulder procedures, most commonly arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs.

Generally no. All of my surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis, without an overnight stay. We work hard to minimize recovery time and focus on minimally invasive surgery.

Determining the seriousness of a hand injury involves assessing several key factors. First, evaluate the level of pain: severe or persistent pain, especially if it worsens over time, may indicate a significant issue. Check for visible signs such as deep cuts, excessive swelling, bruising, or deformity, which could suggest fractures, dislocations, or tendon injuries. Loss of function, such as an inability to move fingers, grip objects, or perform routine tasks, is another red flag. Numbness, tingling, or a pale or bluish color in the hand or fingers may signal nerve damage or compromised blood flow, requiring immediate attention. If the injury results from a high-impact event, such as a fall or crush, or if symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical care promptly to prevent complications.

The terms “orthopedic doctor,” “orthopedic surgeon,” and “orthopedist” are often used interchangeably. Orthopedist: is a broad term referring to a medical professional who specializes in orthopedics, the branch of medicine dealing with the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons). An orthopedist can be either a non-surgical specialist or a surgeon, depending on their training and practice focus. Orthopedic Doctor: generally refers to a physician who specializes in orthopedics but may not necessarily perform surgeries. They diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions using non-surgical methods such as medications, physical therapy, injections, or bracing. Orthopedic Surgeon: This is an orthopedist who has completed additional surgical training and specializes in performing surgeries related to the musculoskeletal system. They address conditions like fractures, joint replacements, spinal disorders, and sports injuries through operative procedures. In summary, all orthopedic surgeons are orthopedists, but not all orthopedists are surgeons. The term “orthopedic doctor” is more general and can refer to either a non-surgical orthopedist or an orthopedic surgeon, depending on the context.