Hand surgeons are orthopedic specialists with advanced fellowship training in the intricate anatomy of the hand, wrist, and forearm. Alaska's hand surgeons treat conditions ranging from common problems like carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger to complex traumatic injuries including tendon lacerations, nerve repairs, replantation, and fracture fixation. These microsurgical specialists also address Dupuytren's contracture, ganglion cysts, hand arthritis, and congenital hand differences.
With Alaska's outdoor-focused lifestyle, hand injuries from skiing, snowboarding, fishing, and work-related accidents are particularly common.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hand surgeon?
A hand surgeon is an orthopedic or plastic surgeon with additional fellowship training in the hand and upper extremity. They treat conditions of the hand, wrist, forearm, and elbow using both surgical and non-surgical approaches.
When should I see a hand surgeon?
See a hand surgeon for persistent hand or wrist pain, numbness or tingling in the fingers, difficulty gripping, visible deformity, locked or catching fingers, or any hand injury that limits function.
What conditions do hand surgeons treat?
Hand surgeons treat carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, Dupuytren's contracture, hand and wrist fractures, tendon injuries, nerve compression, ganglion cysts, hand arthritis, and congenital hand conditions.