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      Hand Reconstruction Surgery

      Hand reconstruction surgery can help reattach or repair damaged nerves, tendons, bones, and tissues in the hands and upper extremities. For some, the need for hand reconstruction surgery is due to trauma, such as a crush injury or an accident that results in finger or hand detachment. For others, hand reconstruction surgery can address congenital abnormalities, or amputation. At the Institute for Advanced Reconstruction, we specialize in some of the most advanced hand reconstruction procedures in the field, including:

      Reattachment or Replantation

      Replantation is the reattachment of a detached hand, finger, or arm to help you regain function and usage of the affected body part. Replantation is a technically demanding surgery that requires exceptional skill and cutting-edge techniques to ensure the affected limb will function properly and without pain. A reattachment involves bone healing, tendon and tissue repair, and repairing and attaching microscopic nerves and blood vessels.

      Toe-to-Finger Transfer

      If you have a detached finger that is too damaged to be reattached, your surgeon may recommend the transplant of a toe in place of the unusable finger. A toe-to-finger transfer will allow you to have improved grip and functionality over a complete amputation of a finger. In addition to improved hand functionality, many patients prefer the aesthetic appearance of a toe-to-finger transfer rather than a complete finger amputation.

      Completion Amputation

      Sometimes, the damage to a finger, hand, or arm is so severe that your surgeon will not recommend reattachment or transfers. Your surgeon's primary goal is to restore the greatest recovery of function without pain. If this isn't possible due to the extent of the injury (or depending on your age, possible co-morbidities, or type of work), your surgeon may advise you to consider a completion amputation. This procedure involves cleaning, smoothing, and covering the cut to give you a faster and better recovery.

      What to Expect

      Prior to scheduling a reconstructive hand surgery, your doctor will examine the affected limb and determine if you are a good surgical candidate. The process will be explained to you, and you will receive instructions to follow prior to surgery, which may include limitations on eating and drinking before the day of the procedure, and what medications or supplements to stop taking. You'll also be advised to stop smoking far in advance of surgery to avoid side effects and added surgical risks.

      Generally, complex hand reconstruction involves a variety of surgical techniques:

      • Removing (debriding) any dead or damaged tissue from the affected area
      • Cleaning, shortening, and reattaching bones
      • Repairing muscles and tendons
      • Repairing vessels and nerves with microsurgical techniques
      • Repairing skin
      • Protecting the affected area with a splint or cast

      The length of your surgical procedure will depend on the extent of your injuries. Your doctor will provide more detailed information, including how long the procedure should take, based on your unique needs. Hand reconstruction surgery is usually an outpatient procedure. In some rare cases, or in case of complications, you may need to spend a day or two in the hospital post-surgery.

      After the Procedure

      After a complex hand reconstruction surgery, your surgical team may apply bandages, dressings, splints, or a cast to help facilitate healing. Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions for cleaning and caring for wounds, replacing bandages, and keeping the affected area clean and dry.

      Your surgeon may prescribe medications to help ease pain, fight infection, or aid healing. Follow-up visits will be scheduled to remove sutures (if needed) and to check on your healing progress. Your doctor will likely recommend physical therapy to help you restore function to the finger, hand, or arm.

      Recovery from complex hand surgery can take time; restoring function to return to the affected limb can take months to a year. Many patients are able to return to their jobs and many of the activities they enjoyed prior to the injury/ incident. 

      Risks & Side Effects

      Complex hand reconstruction surgery is complicated and, like any surgery, involves possible risks and side effects. Your surgeon will review the risks with you, which may include:

      • Bleeding (hematoma) or blood clots
      • Loss or changes in skin sensation
      • Damage to nerves, blood vessels, or muscles
      • Cardiac and pulmonary complications
      • Infection
      • Injury to the blood vessels, nerves, or tendons
      • Pain
      • Poor healing
      • Skin discoloration, swelling, or irregularities
      • Hand swelling
      • Scarring
      • Anesthesia risks

      Am I a candidate?

      If you have lost or severely damaged a limb due to an injury, burn, accident, fall, or other traumatic or congenital event, your surgeon will help you determine if you are a good candidate for complex hand or arm reconstruction. The primary factor your surgeon will use in recommending reconstructive surgery is whether or not you will achieve function without lasting pain.

      Hand Reconstruction Surgeons

      Our dedicated team of hand surgeons offers highly specialized treatments for hand and upper extremity injuries, including advanced microsurgical techniques, to help our patients regain function and quality of life.
      Hari Iyer
      Physician

      Hari Iyer

      MD
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      Sidney Rabinowitz
      Physician

      Sidney Rabinowitz

      MD, FACS
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      Bauback Safa
      Physician

      Bauback Safa

      MD
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      Ajul Shah
      Physician

      Ajul Shah

      MD, FACS
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      David Tsai
      Physician

      David Tsai

      MD
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      Mark Yazid
      Physician

      Mark Yazid

      MD
      Read More

      Patient Success Stories

      If you have lost a limb or limb function, you are not alone. Find out how our patients have recovered from devastating injuries and regained function. 

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      Find a Hand Surgeon Near Me

      The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction makes getting specialized, world-class care as accessible and convenient as possible. We diagnose and treat hand injuries and numerous other conditions at the following locations:

      Schedule an Appointment

      If you have lost or extensively damaged a finger, hand, or arm, time is of the essence. Contact the Institute for Advanced Reconstruction today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options. 

      Request An Appointment

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