Hand surgery: treating hand diseases and injuries

The most common reasons for consulting a hand surgeon include fractures of the bones of the hand, wrist, forearm, and elbow. Such injuries are often accompanied by damage to tendons, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels, requiring complex reconstructive procedures.

Another frequent issue involves tunnel syndromes — conditions in which nerves are compressed within narrow anatomical canals. The most well-known of these is carpal tunnel syndrome, which manifests as numbness and pain in the hand and fingers.

In addition to trauma and neurological disorders, hand surgeons treat inflammatory joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma and other autoimmune conditions. These diseases lead to joint deformities and limited mobility. Surgical interventions may also be necessary for degenerative changes caused by aging or overuse, such as osteoarthritis of the wrist or elbow.

Another important area of hand surgery involves treating contractures (such as Dupuytren’s contracture) and restoring hand function after paralysis caused by strokes or spinal injuries. In pediatric cases, surgeons deal with congenital malformations and the consequences of injuries.

Tumors of the hand may be benign (ganglions, lipomas, schwannomas) or malignant, requiring tumor resection followed by reconstructive surgery.

The most common conditions treated include:

• injuries and fractures of the bones of the hand, forearm, and elbow;
• tunnel syndromes (carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel);
• inflammatory and degenerative joint diseases;
• contractures and paralysis;
• bone and soft tissue tumors;
• congenital deformities in children.

The treatment approach is always individualized and depends on the nature of the condition. Whenever possible, doctors begin with conservative therapy, including medication, physiotherapy and orthopedic splints. However, when conservative treatment is ineffective or the damage is severe, surgery becomes necessary.

Modern hand surgery in Israel widely employs minimally invasive techniques, such as arthroscopy, which allows operations to be performed through small incisions with minimal tissue trauma. Microsurgery plays a crucial role in repairing nerves, blood vessels, and in tissue transplantation.

Ichilov hospital perform surgeries aimed at restoring bones and joints after fractures, correcting malunions and deformities and reconstructing tendons after ruptures. In some cases, replantation of fingers or hands after amputations is carried out, procedures that demand exceptional surgical precision. For degenerative changes, surgeons perform joint replacement (arthroplasty), arthrodesis, or reconstructive procedures.

For inflammatory diseases, surgical strategies may include joint reconstruction, tendon transfer or joint replacement. In cases of tumors, surgeons perform resection followed by reconstruction of bone and soft tissues. Pediatric surgery addresses congenital deformities and the aftereffects of trauma.

Main surgical procedures include:

• bone and joint reconstruction after fractures;
• tendon and nerve repair;
• finger and hand replantation;
• joint replacement (arthroplasty);
• arthroscopic procedures;
• tumor removal and post-resection reconstruction.

A distinctive feature of the Ichilov orthopedic department is its multidisciplinary approach. Patients are treated by a team that includes orthopedic, neurosurgical, vascular and plastic surgeons. This collaboration ensures that all aspects of a condition are addressed and that full functional recovery of the hand is achieved.

Significant emphasis is also placed on rehabilitation. In cooperation with occupational therapists, patients undergo customized recovery programs aimed at restoring mobility and strength, learning new movement strategies and adapting to daily activities.

Ichilov clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by highly trained professionals. They use advanced surgical methods, including microsurgery and minimally invasive interventions, which reduce surgical trauma and accelerate recovery.

The orthopedic department at Ichilov hospital and its surgical division are recognized as national leaders in the field. This reputation is supported not only by extensive clinical practice but also by ongoing scientific research and innovation. Specialists continuously implement new techniques and share their expertise at international conferences.

Hand surgery at Ichilov covers the entire spectrum of upper limb conditions — from fractures and trauma to complex reconstructions following tumors or neurological disorders. The primary goal is not only to eliminate pathology, but also to fully restore hand function, allowing patients to return to an active and independent life.

If you need medical assistance, you can contact us and receive a specialist consultation by using the contact form on this page.