What To Look For When Selecting A Hand Surgeon?
Everything we do in the world would be affected without a pair of properly working hands. Numerous sensitive nerves, tendons, and muscles work together when we move our wrists or fingers and produce infinite possibilities for movement.
Due to the complex structures and mechanics of the hand, we need special care when something goes wrong with our hands, whether due to a birth defect, a degenerative condition, or a serious to moderate injury.
Finding a good hand surgeon is essential for restoring normal hand movement and feeling in your hands. An expert hand surgeon can provide care to preserve the function of your hand and best guide treatment decisions.
Now, how do you reach the best hand surgeon in your area? By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of some factors to consider when selecting the best hand surgeon for you. Read on!
Who is a hand surgeon?
Hand surgeons are qualified professionals who help with a wide array of healthcare services associated with the hands.
Problems of the hand could include the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, blood vessels, and skin. So, diagnosing the problem is an essential factor of the entire treatment. In addition to diagnosis, hand surgeons recommend specific treatment solutions for an individual’s condition, such as whether surgery is necessary or not, what treatment plans would be most suitable, and so on.
Sports injuries, fractures, dislocations, wrist pain, tennis elbow, trigger finger, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, arthritis, and tendonitis are some of the most common conditions a hand surgeon treats.
They perform different hand surgeries, like joint replacement, fasciotomy, nerve repair, tendon repair, skin flaps, skin grafts, etc.
How do you choose the best surgeon for you?
When selecting a hand surgeon, consider these factors:
Check the qualifications
First and foremost, make sure to check whether the surgeon has a Board Certificate and fellowship training in hand or upper extremity (hand, wrist, and elbow) surgery. You should also consider their clinical experiences, achievements, and past surgical history.
Also, make sure to check: is the doctor a member of the ISSH (Indian Society for Surgery of the Hand)? Only the most qualified hand surgeons and professionals can become members of this organization. So, you will be confident that all potential doctors are the best in their associated fields, and only you need to find out the best one for your condition among them.
Make sure the specialist has experience treating your specific condition
While most hand surgeons are skilled at treating a wide range of conditions, you should still make sure that the doctor you choose has experience treating your specific condition. In some cases, it might be necessary to consult with more than one specialist before finding the right fit for your care.
Take a look at patient reviews and testimonials
Be sure to check online reviews and testimonials from past patients. This can give you a good idea of how the surgeon might treat your condition, as well as whether they provide effective post-operative care and support. Ideally, look for specialists with a high rate of patient satisfaction and minimal side effects or complications. You can check review sites and a doctor’s Google business page to know the opinion of past patients.
Schedule a consultation to ask questions and get a feel for the specialist’s personality
Make sure to schedule a consultation with any potential hand surgeons that interest you. This will give you the opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for their personality and communication style. Be sure to ask about the surgeon’s experience, training, and approach to hand surgery during the consultation. Take a look at the hospital/clinic’s infrastructure. Ensure that their surgical center is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and equipment. It is also vital to check if the surgeon maintains rigorous safety and hygiene protocols.
Ask about the specialist’s treatment approach and what to expect
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are necessary to preserve and restore the normal functions of the hand. Similarly, you can’t overlook postoperative care. So, ask all the questions you can think of about the full procedure during the consultation.
Having this information will make you feel assured. Don’t be afraid to ask specific questions, such as how long the doctor has been performing these surgeries and what his or her success rate is.
When you feel comfortable and confident with your surgeon, you will feel comfortable and confident during surgery and during the recovery period.
Hand surgery can be life-changing, so when choosing a hand surgeon, it is important to select someone who is qualified and experienced. With so many factors to consider, taking the time to do your research will help ensure that you find the best possible hand surgeon for your needs.
Dr. Nilesh Satbhai is a Board-Certified hand surgeon with over 15 years of experience. He provides personalized care and support to every patient. Schedule a consultation today if you have any hand-related concerns by contacting Dr. Nilesh Satbhai at 022-67670101 or plasticsurgerymumbai@gmail.com .
