Skip to main content
Medical Specialty

Find Hand Surgeons Near Me

Search for qualified hand surgeons in your area. Compare board-certified hand surgeons, read reviews, and find experts in carpal tunnel, trigger finger, hand fractures, and microsurgery.

Select Your City

Filter Results

What is a Hand Surgeon?

A hand surgeon is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and forearm. These specialists are uniquely trained in the intricate anatomy of the upper extremity, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. Hand surgeons treat injuries, congenital deformities, degenerative conditions, and perform complex reconstructive procedures including microsurgery and replantation of severed digits.

Training and Qualifications

Becoming a hand surgeon requires extensive education and training:

  • 4 years of medical school to earn an MD or DO degree
  • 5-7 years of residency in orthopedic surgery or plastic surgery (some complete general surgery first)
  • 1-2 years of hand surgery fellowship with specialized training in upper extremity procedures
  • Total of 14-16+ years of education and training beyond high school
  • Training includes microsurgery techniques, nerve repair, tendon surgery, and complex reconstructions

Board Certification: Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Surgery of the Hand from the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery or American Board of Plastic Surgery. Surgeons must complete an accredited hand surgery fellowship and pass comprehensive examinations. Subspecialty certification demonstrates advanced expertise in hand and upper extremity conditions.

When Should You See a Hand Surgeon?

You should consider seeing a hand surgeon if:

  • You have persistent hand, wrist, or finger pain not improving with rest or basic treatment
  • You experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hand or fingers
  • You have a hand or wrist fracture requiring surgical evaluation
  • You suffer a traumatic hand injury including cuts, crush injuries, or amputations
  • You have difficulty gripping, pinching, or performing fine motor tasks
  • You notice a finger or thumb locking or catching during movement
  • You have a visible deformity, mass, or contracture in your hand
  • You have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome that hasn't responded to conservative treatment

Key Facts

Hand surgeons complete specialized fellowship training beyond their primary surgical residency
They can come from orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery, or general surgery backgrounds
Hand surgeons perform over 500,000 carpal tunnel release surgeries annually in the United States
They are trained in microsurgery techniques for nerve repair and digit replantation
Many hand conditions can be treated with minimally invasive or outpatient procedures
Hand surgeons treat patients of all ages from infants with congenital differences to elderly patients with arthritis

Common Conditions Treated

by Hand Surgeons

Hand Surgeons are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. Here are some of the most common conditions that hand surgeons help patients manage:

1

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, causing numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers.

Key Symptoms

Numbness and tingling in thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers
Pain radiating from wrist up the arm
Weakness in grip strength
Dropping objects frequently
Symptoms worse at night or with prolonged gripping

Treatment Approach

Hand surgeons diagnose carpal tunnel with nerve conduction studies and physical examination. Treatment ranges from splinting and injections to carpal tunnel release surgery, which involves cutting the transverse carpal ligament to relieve pressure on the median nerve. Surgery can be performed through open or endoscopic techniques.

Expert care from a certified hand surgeon
2

Trigger Finger (Stenosing Tenosynovitis)

A condition where a finger or thumb catches, clicks, or locks when bent due to inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath.

Key Symptoms

Finger catching or locking when bending
Painful clicking or popping sensation
Stiffness especially in the morning
Tender nodule at the base of the affected finger
Finger stuck in bent position in severe cases

Treatment Approach

Hand surgeons initially try conservative treatment with splinting and corticosteroid injections. If symptoms persist, trigger finger release surgery opens the constricted tendon sheath through a small incision, allowing smooth tendon gliding. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia as an outpatient.

Expert care from a certified hand surgeon
3

Dupuytren's Contracture

A progressive condition where the fascia (connective tissue) beneath the palm thickens and contracts, causing fingers to bend toward the palm and limiting hand function.

Key Symptoms

Painless nodules or cords in the palm
Progressive bending of fingers toward palm
Difficulty laying hand flat on a table
Impaired grip and difficulty with daily tasks
Usually affects ring and small fingers most commonly

Treatment Approach

Hand surgeons offer multiple treatment options based on severity: needle aponeurotomy (breaking up cords with a needle), collagenase enzyme injections to dissolve cords, or surgical fasciectomy to remove the diseased tissue. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes and fewer complications.

Expert care from a certified hand surgeon
4

Hand and Wrist Fractures

Breaks in any of the 27 bones of the hand or the eight carpal bones of the wrist, commonly resulting from falls, sports injuries, or trauma.

Key Symptoms

Immediate pain and swelling after injury
Visible deformity or misalignment
Bruising and tenderness to touch
Limited range of motion
Inability to grip or bear weight on hand

Treatment Approach

Hand surgeons evaluate fractures with X-rays, CT scans, or MRI to determine optimal treatment. Options range from casting and splinting for stable fractures to surgical fixation with pins, plates, or screws for displaced or unstable fractures. Proper alignment is critical to preserve hand function and prevent arthritis.

Expert care from a certified hand surgeon
5

Tendon Injuries

Cuts, tears, or ruptures of the flexor or extensor tendons that control finger and hand movement, often from lacerations, sports injuries, or degenerative conditions.

Key Symptoms

Inability to bend or straighten a finger
Pain with attempted finger movement
Open wound with visible tendon in laceration injuries
Weakness or loss of grip strength
Deformity of finger position

Treatment Approach

Hand surgeons perform precise tendon repair surgery using specialized suture techniques designed to withstand the forces of early rehabilitation. Post-operative hand therapy is essential, and surgeons work closely with certified hand therapists to guide recovery protocols that protect the repair while preventing stiffness.

Expert care from a certified hand surgeon
6

Nerve Injuries and Compression

Damage to the peripheral nerves of the hand and arm from trauma, compression, or medical conditions, affecting sensation, motor function, or both.

Key Symptoms

Numbness or altered sensation in specific areas
Weakness or paralysis of hand muscles
Burning or shooting pain
Loss of fine motor control
Muscle wasting in severe or chronic cases

Treatment Approach

Hand surgeons diagnose nerve injuries through clinical examination and electrodiagnostic testing. Treatment depends on the type and severity: nerve decompression for compression syndromes, direct nerve repair for clean lacerations, nerve grafting for gaps, or nerve transfers to restore function. Microsurgical techniques allow repair of nerves as small as 1-2 millimeters in diameter.

Expert care from a certified hand surgeon
7

Hand Arthritis

Degenerative joint disease affecting the hand and wrist joints, most commonly at the base of the thumb (CMC joint), finger joints (PIP and DIP), and wrist.

Key Symptoms

Pain with gripping, pinching, or twisting motions
Joint stiffness and reduced range of motion
Swelling and bony enlargement of joints
Weakness in hand grip
Crepitus or grinding sensation with movement

Treatment Approach

Hand surgeons offer comprehensive arthritis management from conservative options (splinting, injections, activity modification) to surgical interventions when needed. Surgical options include joint fusion for stability, joint replacement (arthroplasty) for motion preservation, or denervation procedures for pain relief. Thumb CMC joint arthritis is one of the most commonly treated conditions.

Expert care from a certified hand surgeon
8

Digit Replantation and Complex Trauma

Surgical reattachment of completely or partially amputated fingers, hands, or arms, requiring microsurgical repair of blood vessels, nerves, tendons, and bones.

Key Symptoms

Complete or partial finger/hand amputation
Severe crush or mangling injury
Major blood vessel damage
Multiple tissue injury requiring reconstruction
High-pressure injection injuries

Treatment Approach

Hand surgeons with microsurgery training perform emergent replantation procedures, reconnecting arteries and veins as small as 1 millimeter using operating microscopes and specialized instruments. Success depends on many factors including the mechanism of injury, level of amputation, and time to surgery. When replantation isn't possible, surgeons perform revision amputation and reconstruction to maximize remaining function.

Expert care from a certified hand surgeon

Important Note

This list represents common conditions but is not exhaustive. Hand Surgeons treat many other conditions related to their specialty. If you're experiencing symptoms or have concerns, consult with a qualified hand surgeon for a proper evaluation.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Understanding what happens during your appointment can help you feel more prepared. Here's what you can typically expect when visiting a hand surgeon.

1

Your First Visit

  • Detailed medical history including mechanism of injury, symptom duration, and functional limitations
  • Discussion of occupational and recreational demands on your hands
  • Comprehensive physical examination testing strength, sensation, range of motion, and specific provocative tests
  • Review of any imaging studies you bring or ordering new X-rays if needed
  • Discussion of diagnosis and full range of treatment options from conservative to surgical
  • Development of an individualized treatment plan based on your condition and goals
  • Initial consultation typically lasts 30-45 minutes
2

Diagnosis & Testing

  • Physical examination: grip strength testing, sensory assessment, range of motion measurement, provocative tests (Phalen's, Tinel's, Finkelstein's)
  • X-rays to evaluate bone alignment, fractures, arthritis, and joint spaces
  • MRI for soft tissue evaluation including ligaments, tendons, and cartilage
  • CT scan for complex fractures and detailed bone anatomy
  • Nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG) for nerve compression and injury
  • Ultrasound for dynamic tendon evaluation and guided injections
  • Diagnostic injections to identify pain generators
3

Treatment Options

  • Conservative management: custom splints, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, hand therapy
  • Corticosteroid injections for inflammatory conditions and joint arthritis
  • Surgical procedures ranging from minimally invasive endoscopic techniques to open surgery
  • Post-operative rehabilitation with certified hand therapists for optimal recovery
  • Regular follow-up appointments to monitor healing and adjust treatment as needed
  • Work conditioning and return-to-activity planning
  • Long-term management strategies for chronic conditions

Tip for Your Visit

Bring a list of current medications, previous test results, and questions you want to ask. Writing down your symptoms—when they occur and what affects them—helps your hand surgeon provide accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

How to Choose the Right Hand Surgeon

Finding the right healthcare provider is important for your health and peace of mind. Here are key factors to consider when selecting a hand surgeon.

Credentials to Verify

  • Board certification in orthopedic surgery or plastic surgery from ABOS or ABPS
  • Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Surgery of the Hand
  • Completion of an ACGME-accredited hand surgery fellowship
  • Active medical license in your state
  • Fellowship of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (FASSH)
  • Hospital privileges at accredited surgical facilities

Important Considerations

  • Experience with your specific condition and the recommended procedure
  • Volume of similar surgeries performed annually
  • Subspecialty focus within hand surgery (trauma, microsurgery, pediatric, arthritis)
  • Relationship with certified hand therapists for comprehensive care
  • Surgical facility accreditation and safety record
  • Patient satisfaction scores and online reviews
  • Communication style and thoroughness in explaining options
  • Availability for urgent consultations if you have an acute injury

Quick Tip

Don't hesitate to schedule consultations with multiple hand surgeons before making your decision. The right fit isn't just about credentials—it's also about feeling comfortable and confident in your care.

Cost and Insurance Information

Understanding the costs associated with seeing a hand surgeon can help you plan for your healthcare needs.

Average Costs (Without Insurance)

Initial Visit

$150-$350 (consultation with examination)

Follow-up Visit

$75-$200

Common Procedures

Carpal tunnel release$3,000-$8,000
Trigger finger release$2,000-$5,000
Dupuytren's fasciectomy$4,000-$10,000
Hand fracture fixation$5,000-$15,000
Tendon repair$4,000-$12,000
Thumb CMC arthroplasty$8,000-$20,000
Wrist arthroscopy$5,000-$12,000

Note: These are estimated average costs and can vary based on location, provider, and specific services required.

Insurance Coverage

  • Most health insurance plans cover medically necessary hand surgery procedures
  • Pre-authorization is typically required for surgical procedures
  • Diagnostic tests like nerve conduction studies usually require prior approval
  • In-network surgeons will have negotiated rates reducing your out-of-pocket costs
  • Outpatient surgery center procedures may have lower facility fees than hospital-based surgery
  • Hand therapy sessions are usually covered but may have visit limits

Medicare Information

Medicare Part B covers hand surgery consultations and procedures at 80% of the approved amount after meeting the annual deductible. Surgical procedures are covered when medically necessary. Hand therapy is covered under Medicare Part B with a therapy cap that may apply. Some outpatient procedures may be performed at ambulatory surgery centers with potentially lower beneficiary costs.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1Always verify your hand surgeon is in-network before scheduling
  • 2Ask about self-pay discounts if you don't have insurance
  • 3Inquire about payment plans for expensive procedures
  • 4Get prior authorization when required to avoid claim denials
  • 5Use FSA or HSA funds for eligible medical expenses

Questions to Ask Your Hand Surgeon

Being prepared for your appointment helps you get the most out of your time with your doctor. Here are important questions to consider asking a hand surgeon:

1

What is your training background and fellowship experience in hand surgery?

2

How many times have you performed the procedure you're recommending?

3

What are all my treatment options, including non-surgical alternatives?

4

What are the specific risks and potential complications of this procedure?

5

What type of anesthesia will be used and where will surgery be performed?

6

What is the expected recovery timeline and when can I return to work?

7

Will I need hand therapy after surgery, and do you work with specific therapists?

8

What is your success rate with this procedure and what factors affect outcomes?

9

What happens if the surgery doesn't provide the expected relief?

10

Are there any newer techniques or approaches for my condition?

Pro Tip

Write down your questions before your appointment and bring them with you. Don't hesitate to take notes during your visit or ask for written instructions.

When to Seek Emergency Care

While most conditions can wait for a scheduled appointment with a hand surgeon, certain symptoms require immediate emergency care. Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you experience:

  • Complete or partial amputation of finger, thumb, or hand - seek emergency care immediately and preserve the amputated part
  • Severe bleeding from hand or wrist that doesn't stop with direct pressure
  • Open fracture with bone visible through the skin
  • Signs of infection after hand surgery: increasing redness, swelling, fever, or drainage
  • Sudden loss of sensation or movement in the hand or fingers after injury
  • High-pressure injection injury (grease gun, paint sprayer) - emergency even if wound appears small
  • Severe crush injury to the hand with significant swelling and pain
  • Signs of compartment syndrome: severe pain out of proportion to injury, pain with passive stretch of fingers

EMERGENCY

Call 911 or nearest ER

URGENT

Doctor or urgent care

NON-URGENT

Regular appointment

Hand Surgeon vs. Other Specialists

Understanding the differences between medical specialists helps you choose the right provider for your needs. Here's how hand surgeons compare to similar specialists:

Hand Surgeon vs. Orthopedic Surgeon

General orthopedic surgeons treat the entire musculoskeletal system including spine, hip, knee, and shoulder. Hand surgeons are subspecialists who focus exclusively on the hand, wrist, and forearm, with additional fellowship training and expertise in the complex anatomy and microsurgical techniques specific to the upper extremity. See a hand surgeon for conditions affecting the hand and wrist specifically.

Hand Surgeon vs. Plastic Surgeon

General plastic surgeons perform a wide range of reconstructive and cosmetic procedures throughout the body. Hand surgeons who trained through plastic surgery have additional specialized fellowship training in the hand and upper extremity. Both plastic surgery and orthopedic surgery trained hand surgeons hold the same Certificate of Added Qualifications and perform similar procedures.

Hand Surgeon vs. Rheumatologist

Rheumatologists are medical doctors who diagnose and manage inflammatory and autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis with medications. Hand surgeons are trained in surgical intervention for arthritis and its complications. Many patients with hand arthritis benefit from seeing both specialists - a rheumatologist for disease management and a hand surgeon for structural problems.

Hand Surgeon vs. Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists, especially certified hand therapists (CHTs), provide non-surgical rehabilitation including splinting, exercises, and functional training. Hand surgeons provide diagnosis and surgical treatment. These professionals work closely together - surgeons often refer patients to hand therapists before and after surgery for optimal outcomes.

Hand Surgeon vs. Neurologist

Neurologists diagnose and medically manage nerve conditions and perform nerve conduction studies. Hand surgeons treat peripheral nerve problems in the upper extremity surgically, including carpal tunnel release and nerve repair. For conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, a neurologist may confirm the diagnosis, while a hand surgeon performs the surgical treatment if needed.

Not sure which specialist you need?

Your primary care physician can help determine the right specialist for your condition and provide a referral if needed.

Sources & References

Information about hand surgeons is sourced from peer-reviewed medical literature and the following authoritative organizations:

ASSHAmerican Society for Surgery of the HandAAOSAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic SurgeonsASPSAmerican Society of Plastic Surgeons

Last updated: December 2025

Read our editorial standards

Find Hand Surgeons by City

Browse hand surgeons in top cities across the United States

PHILADELPHIA, PA22LOS ANGELES, CA21ATLANTA, GA18CHICAGO, IL17PHOENIX, AZ16ORLANDO, FL16NASHVILLE, TN16NEW YORK, NY16HOUSTON, TX15BOSTON, MA15AURORA, CO15CINCINNATI, OH14

Related Specialties

Explore other medical specialties you might be interested in

Orthopedic SurgeonsFind providers near youPlastic And Reconstructive SurgeonsFind providers near youGeneral SurgeonsFind providers near youSports Medicine PhysiciansFind providers near youGeneral Practice SpecialistsFind providers near youPhysical Medicine and Rehabilitation PhysiciansFind providers near youVascular SurgeonsFind providers near youMaxillofacial SurgeonsFind providers near you

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an orthopedic hand surgeon and a plastic surgery hand surgeon?

Both orthopedic and plastic surgery trained hand surgeons complete the same hand surgery fellowship and are equally qualified to treat hand conditions. Orthopedic surgeons have more extensive bone and joint training during residency, while plastic surgeons have more training in soft tissue reconstruction and microsurgery. In practice, both perform similar procedures. The Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Surgery of the Hand is the same regardless of base specialty, ensuring equivalent competency.

How long does recovery take after carpal tunnel surgery?

Most patients experience significant symptom relief within days to weeks after carpal tunnel release. The incision heals in 2-3 weeks, and light activities can often resume within 1-2 weeks. Full grip strength typically returns over 2-4 months. Factors affecting recovery include symptom duration before surgery, severity of nerve damage, and type of work performed. Endoscopic procedures may have slightly faster recovery than open techniques.

Can severed fingers be reattached?

Yes, replantation (surgical reattachment) is possible in many cases, but success depends on multiple factors: the level and mechanism of amputation, condition of the amputated part, patient health, and time from injury. Clean, sharp amputations have better outcomes than crush or avulsion injuries. If you experience an amputation, wrap the severed part in moist gauze, place it in a plastic bag, and keep it cool (but not directly on ice). Seek emergency care immediately - time is critical.

When should I see a hand surgeon versus a hand therapist?

See a hand surgeon for diagnosis, surgical evaluation, and management of conditions that may require operative intervention. Hand therapists (occupational or physical therapists with hand specialty certification) are excellent for rehabilitation after injury or surgery, and for treating many conditions conservatively with splinting and exercises. Often, care involves both professionals working together. Your primary care doctor can help determine the appropriate starting point.

What is the success rate for hand surgery procedures?

Success rates vary by procedure and condition but are generally excellent. Carpal tunnel release has a 90-95% success rate in relieving symptoms. Trigger finger release is successful in over 95% of cases. Fracture fixation success depends on fracture pattern and patient factors but exceeds 90% for most hand fractures. Tendon repair outcomes depend significantly on post-operative therapy compliance. Your surgeon can provide specific success rates based on your condition and circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified health provider with questions about a medical condition. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.

Read our editorial standards