When a problem takes place in the hand, care must be given to all the different types of tissues that make function of the hand possible. The field of hand surgery deals with both surgical and non-surgical treatment of conditions and problems that may take place in the hand or upper extremity (from the tip of the fingers to the shoulder).

Many conditions occur in the upper extremity that can be treated by a hand surgeon. These conditions include immediate care of an injury, treatment and reconstruction of old injuries, congenital problems, arthritis, infection, and tumors. Hand surgeons also treat other problems such as nerve compression syndromes and swelling of tendons.