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Definition

Hand surgery refers to procedures performed to treat traumatic injuries or loss of function resulting from such diseases as advanced arthritis of the hand.

Purpose

The purpose of hand surgery is the treatment of a broad range of problems that affect the hand, whether they result from cuts, burns, crushing injuries to the hand, or disease processes. Hand surgery includes procedures that treat traumatic injuries of the hands, including closed-fist injuries; congenital deformities; repetitive stress injuries; deformities caused by arthritis and similar disorders affecting the joints; nail problems; and tendon repair.

The central priority of the hand surgeon is adequate reconstruction of the skin, bone,...