Handlæknisfræði

Handlæknisfræði is the Icelandic term for hand surgery. It is a specialized field of medicine dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the hand and upper extremity. This includes injuries, diseases, and congenital deformities that can impact function, sensation, and appearance.

The scope of handlæknisfræði encompasses a wide range of issues. Common conditions treated include fractures, dislocations, tendon injuries, nerve compressions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, and arthritis. It also addresses more complex problems like reconstructive surgery after trauma, microsurgery for replantation of severed digits, and the management of tumors and infections in the hand.

The specialists in handlæknisfræði are often orthopedic surgeons, plastic surgeons, or general surgeons who have undergone advanced fellowship training specifically in hand and upper extremity surgery. This specialized training equips them with the intricate knowledge and surgical skills required to operate on the delicate structures of the hand.

Diagnosis typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and often imaging studies like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. Treatment options can range from non-surgical interventions such as splinting, physical therapy, and medication, to surgical procedures tailored to the specific condition. The goal of handlæknisfræði is to restore or improve the function, strength, and mobility of the hand, thereby enhancing the patient's quality of life.