Hand Specialist

Your hands, wrists and elbows play an important role in the way you care for yourself, help others and participate in activities. To do these things, these upper extremities depend on a complex system of tendons, muscles, skin, nerves, joints, arteries and ligaments (see Hand Anatomy). An orthopedic hand surgeon with a specialty in hand surgery is trained specifically to care for problems that occur with these structures in both adults and children.

What is a Hand Specialist?

To become a hand specialist, an orthopedic surgeon must undergo special training known as a hand surgery fellowship, which includes intensive study of the:

• Hands
• Wrist
• Elbow

This fellowship occurs after medical school and a multiyear residency in orthopedic surgery. Upon completion of these thorough training programs and examinations, the orthopedic surgeon is awarded board certification in Surgery of the Hand.

How to Become the Best Hand Surgeon

Modern techniques of arthroscopic surgery, microsurgery, Carpal Tunnel Surgery, and platelet rich plasma are becoming increasingly important to the hand surgeon.

Arthroscopically assisted surgical techniques are applicable not only to the wrist and elbow, but also to the small joints of the hand.

Dr. Pruzansky is one of the few physicians in the country to have board certifications in both Hand Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine—a combination that enables him to expertly diagnose and treat both professional and weekend athletes who rely on upper extremity strength and dexterity to perform at the highest level possible.

In addition, a hand surgery specialist works in concert with both occupational and physical therapists and pays close attention to ergonomic stresses a patient may experience at home or work that might contribute to problems with structures in the hand, wrists, elbows and shoulders.