Hand Surgery and Microsurgery

What Are Hand Surgery and Microsurgery?

Hand surgery and microsurgery are specialised medical fields concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, injuries and loss of function affecting the hand, wrist and forearm. This speciality involves the treatment of complex structures, encompassing both orthopaedic elements and soft tissues such as nerves, blood vessels and tendons. The treatment process in the hand region, which contains particularly delicate anatomical structures, requires great care and experience.

Microsurgery, on the other hand, is an advanced surgical technique that enables the repair of very small blood vessels and nerves under a microscope. This method makes it possible to reattach severed limbs or repair nerve damage. When used in conjunction with hand surgery, the aim is to minimise patients’ functional losses.

Treatments carried out in this field directly affect the patient’s quality of daily life. Treatment programmes planned by specialist doctors to preserve and restore hand function are of great importance.

Hand Surgery in Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Orthopaedics and traumatology is a medical speciality concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. Hand surgery is one of the key sub-specialities within this field. As the hand is one of the most frequently used parts of the body in daily life, it is highly susceptible to trauma and injury.

Hand surgery covers the treatment of a wide range of conditions, including fractures, dislocations, tendon injuries and nerve damage. In particular, the rapid and accurate treatment of injuries resulting from trauma is of critical importance in preventing permanent loss of function. For this reason, hand surgery plays a major role in situations requiring emergency intervention.

Furthermore, congenital hand deformities, nerve compression (such as carpal tunnel syndrome) and degenerative diseases also fall within the scope of this speciality. The treatment process is planned using either surgical or non-surgical methods, depending on the type of condition. The aim is to preserve the hand’s functions to the greatest extent possible and to improve the patient’s quality of life.

Areas of Diagnosis and Treatment in Hand Surgery

Hand surgery covers the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of conditions. This field addresses both acute injuries and chronic conditions. The treatment process is planned on an individual basis, depending on the type and severity of the condition.

Traumatic Injuries

Cuts, crush injuries, amputations and fractures of the hand and fingers are the most common conditions encountered in hand surgery. Rapid intervention is of the utmost importance in such injuries. In particular, the reattachment of severed limbs may be possible using microsurgical techniques.

Tendon and Nerve Injuries

When the tendons that enable hand movement and the nerves that provide sensation are damaged, serious functional losses may occur. The repair of these structures requires delicate surgical techniques. The post-operative physiotherapy process is also important.

Nerve Compression

Nerve compression conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, are among the conditions frequently treated by hand surgeons. In these cases, symptoms such as pain and numbness are alleviated by relieving the pressure on the nerve.

Congenital Anomalies

Congenital hand deformities and developmental problems are also treated within the scope of hand surgery. Early intervention helps to prevent loss of function.

Areas of Diagnosis and Treatment in Microsurgery

Microsurgery is an advanced surgical technique that enables the repair of very small blood vessels and nerves. This method offers significant advantages, particularly in areas containing delicate tissues. Thanks to procedures carried out under a microscope, very fine structures can be successfully repaired.

Limb Replantation

The reattachment of severed limbs, such as a finger or hand, is made possible through microsurgery. This is an emergency situation where every minute counts and requires rapid intervention. Following a successful operation, the patient’s functions can be largely restored.

Tissue Transplants

Microsurgery enables tissue taken from one area to be transplanted to another. This method is used particularly in cases of extensive tissue loss. Tissue transplants provide significant benefits from both an aesthetic and a functional perspective.

Nerve Repairs

The repair of nerve damage is one of the key areas of application in microsurgery. Damaged nerves are repaired under a microscope with the aim of restoring sensory and motor functions. This process can be lengthy, but successful outcomes can be achieved with the correct treatment.