A hand surgeon who specializes in musculoskeletal issues of the hand is known as an orthopedic hand surgeon. She may also have to deal with wrist, elbow, forearm, and shoulder injuries. The job responsibilities of an orthopedic hand surgeon vary depending on the setting, but in general, an orthopedic hand surgeon will examine the patient, diagnose the problem, and treat it. In some cases, she may conduct research on the issue at a university or in a laboratory.
Despite the fact that the job title of orthopedic hand surgeon implies surgery, this is not always the case. Surgery can be avoided in some cases. An experienced orthopedic hand surgeon will be able to assess an injury or ailment and determine whether it can be treated without surgery.
During the initial visit, the orthopedic hand surgeon will most likely perform a physical examination on the patient. The surgeon will then diagnose the patient’s problem based on the patient’s medical history, the cause of the injury, and other factors. She will then work to resolve the problem. The patient may be asked to return to the surgeon’s office for a follow-up visit after receiving treatment, whether through surgery or other non-surgical means. In some cases, the surgeon will have a skilled assistant with him or her during office visits and surgery.
In an orthopedic hand surgeon’s practice, he will see a wide range of injuries and illnesses. Carpal tunnel syndrome, for example, is a wrist and hand injury caused repetitive movements and poor ergonomics. It is one of the most common hand injuries. As a result, the carpal tunnel release is one of the most common procedures used to treat the problem. She may also encounter and treat fractures, amputations, nerve injuries, arthritic conditions, and congenital hand defects.
It’s not easy to become an orthopedic hand surgeon. The surgeon must typically complete four years of college, four years of medical school, and five years of residency. After that, because orthopedic hand surgery is considered a subspecialty, she may need to complete an additional year of training after completing her residency.
In most countries, a new doctor must pass a national certification exam after completing all of their training, such as the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery examination in the United States. Surgeons in Canada must pass an exam administered the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons. Surgeons in Australia and New Zealand must pass a test before being certified the Royal Australian College of Surgeons. Similar requirements exist in other countries.