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How to Choose a Hand Surgeon: 6 Things to Look For
Choosing the right hand surgeon matters. Learn what credentials, fellowship training, and questions to ask when selecting a specialist for hand or wrist surgery.
Board Certification
Your hand surgeon should be board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) or the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Both pathways lead to qualified hand surgeons.
Verify certification at certificationmatters.org — free and takes 30 seconds. Be cautious of surgeons who are "board eligible" but not yet certified.
Fellowship Training in Hand Surgery
The most important credential for a hand surgeon is a Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Surgery of the Hand. This means the surgeon completed:
Medical school (4 years)
Residency in orthopedic surgery OR plastic surgery (5-6 years)
Hand surgery fellowship (1-2 additional years) — focused exclusively on hand, wrist, and forearm conditions
Hand surgery fellows learn microsurgery, nerve repair, tendon reconstruction, joint replacement, and complex trauma. This extra training makes a significant difference in outcomes for conditions like Dupuytren's contracture, nerve compression, and wrist arthritis.
Not all orthopedic surgeons who treat hands have fellowship training. Ask directly.
Surgical Volume and Experience
Higher-volume surgeons consistently achieve better outcomes. For carpal tunnel release:
Volume
Classification
Expected Outcomes
25-50/year
Adequate
Standard
50-100/year
High volume
Above average
100+/year
Very high volume
Best outcomes
Ask: "How many of this specific procedure do you perform per year?" A confident hand surgeon will have a clear answer.
Orthopedic vs Plastic Surgery Background
Hand surgeons come from two training paths:
Orthopedic background: Stronger training in bone fractures, joint reconstruction, and arthritis surgery. Often preferred for wrist fusion, fracture fixation, and joint problems.
Plastic surgery background: Stronger training in soft tissue, nerve repair, microsurgery, and wound management. Often preferred for tendon injuries, nerve compression, Dupuytren's, and reconstructive cases.
Both are excellent — the fellowship unifies their hand surgery training. Choose based on your specific condition and the surgeon's experience with your procedure.
Questions to Ask Your Hand Surgeon
Are you fellowship-trained in hand surgery?
How many of this procedure do you perform per year?
What is your complication rate?
Do you offer both open and endoscopic techniques (for carpal tunnel)?
What anesthesia will be used?
Will I need hand therapy?
When can I return to work? Drive? Exercise?
What restrictions will I have?
Are there non-surgical options I should try first?
What happens if I don't have surgery?
Red Flags to Watch For
Is not fellowship-trained in hand surgery and claims to be a hand specialist
Recommends surgery without trying conservative treatment (splinting, injections) first
Cannot clearly answer questions about their volume and outcomes
Rushes the consultation — a good hand surgeon spends 15-20 minutes examining your hand
Discourages second opinions — confident surgeons welcome them
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I see a hand surgeon or general orthopedic surgeon?
For simple conditions like carpal tunnel, either can be excellent if they perform the procedure frequently. For complex conditions (Dupuytren's, nerve injuries, wrist arthritis), a fellowship-trained hand surgeon is strongly preferred.
Do I need a referral to see a hand surgeon?
Not with most PPO plans. HMO plans typically require a referral from your primary care doctor. Call the surgeon's office to verify.
How do I verify a hand surgeon's credentials?
Check board certification at certificationmatters.org. Look for the Certificate of Added Qualifications in Surgery of the Hand. Verify medical license at your state medical board website.
How many surgeons should I consult?
At least 2. Consultations help you compare recommendations and find the best fit. Most are covered by insurance.