Traumatic nerve injuries are common conditions treated by hand surgeons, and the optimal treatment of a severed nerve requires providing a healthy wound bed, generous trimming to healthy nerve substance,…
Extensor tendon reconstruction requires various complex hand surgery techniques, including direct tendon repair, tendon grafting transfer, and soft tissue reconstruction with local and free flaps. Choosing the best individual reconstruction…
The goal of flexor tendon repair is to achieve normal range of motion of the finger or thumb. The surgical approach depends on the level of injury. Multistrand core suture…
The term “stiff finger” refers to a reduction in the range of motion in the finger. Prevention of stiff fingers by judicious mobilization of the joints is prudent to avoid…
This article presents the diagnosis and treatment of distal radius fractures with emphasis on (1) current common principles, (2) the author’s current practices, and (3) controversies. The author emphasizes that…
Metacarpal fractures are among the most common fractures of the upper extremity. Surgical management is generally offered for unstable or significantly displaced fractures. A more conservative, nonsurgical approach, however, may…
Most fractures are managed nonoperatively. Those displaced unstable fractures require percutaneous fixation of single (or double) intramedullary Kirschner wires. Only large, oblique fractures must be fixed with screws or a…
This article describes the indications for and methods of managing phalangeal fractures. The fractures around the finger joints are particularly difficult to treat. The technical details and pitfalls for these…
This article presents the authors’ methods of digital reconstruction using composite tissue transfer. The authors present their approach to achieve restoration of full cosmetic appearance of the reconstructed thumbs or…
The management of mutilated upper extremity wounds offers challenges for all hand surgeons. Loss of composite tissues usually requires grafts or flaps to gain coverage and restore function. Nonsalvagable digits…
