Many conditions occur in the upper extremity that can be treated by a hand surgeon. These conditions include immediate care of an injury, treatment and reconstruction of old injuries, congenital problems, arthritis, infection, and new growths and tumors. Hand surgeons also treat other problems such as nerve compression syndromes, and swelling of tendons. Microsurgery is used for the re-attachment of amputated parts and certain hand reconstructions. Some hand surgeons also take care of problems of the elbow and shoulder.
Hand surgery is part of the practice of general surgery, orthopaedic surgery, and plastic surgery.
As surgical techniques in the upper extremity become more refined and complex, specialized training in upper extremity surgery continues to be very important. Training usually takes place during orthopaedic and plastic surgery residency or a fellowship. A fellowship is an additional period of study in surgery after a physician completes a multi-year residency. Surgeons may take an examination in hand surgery which qualifies them to obtain a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Surgery of the Hand. When a problem takes place in the hand or upper extremity, making the hand work is the main goal.