Specializations

Hand Surgery
Your hands, wrists and elbows play an important role in the way you care for yourself, help others and participate in activities. To do these things, these upper extremities depend on a complex system of tendons, muscles, skin, nerves, joints, arteries and ligaments (see Hand Anatomy). An orthopedic surgeon with a specialty in hand surgery is trained specifically to care for problems that occur with these structures in both adults and children.

To become a hand specialist, an orthopedic surgeon must undergo special training known as a hand surgery fellowship, which includes intensive study of the hands, wrist and elbow. This fellowship occurs after medical school and a multiyear residency in orthopedic surgery. Upon completion of these thorough training programs and examinations, the orthopedic surgeon is awarded board certification in Surgery of the Hand.

Modern techniques of arthroscopy, microsurgery and endoscopy are becoming increasingly important to the hand surgeon. Arthroscopically assisted surgical techniques are applicable not only to the wrist, elbow and shoulder, but also to the small joints of the hand. Dr. Pruzansky is one of the few physicians in the country to have board certifications in both Hand Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine—a combination that enables him to expertly diagnose and treat both professional and weekend athletes who rely on upper extremity strength and dexterity to perform at the highest level possible. In addition, a hand surgery specialist works in concert with both occupational and physical therapists and pays close attention to ergonomic stresses a patient may experience at home or work that might contribute to problems with structures in the hand, wrists, elbows and shoulders.

Hand and upper extremity Sports Medicine
The goal of sports medicine of the hand and upper extremities is the prevention and cure of athletic injuries. This is an ever-increasing challenge for the orthopedic surgeon. As athletes—both professional and amateur—acquire more skill and greater training, the hand and upper extremity sports medicine specialist must develop increasingly sophisticated treatments to maintain fitness and prevent injuries. Dr. Pruzansky is one of the few physicians in the country to have board certifications in both Hand Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine.

Today, more than ever, an injured athlete can look forward to a speedy recovery thanks to a team of specialists that includes a hand surgeon also trained in orthopedic sports medicine, a certified athletic trainer and a physical therapist. Coupled with the latest techniques in rehabilitative medicine, arthroscopic surgery and occupational therapy, this team can help prevent further injury and enable the athlete to perform at his or her highest level.