Planning of Surgical Treatment

Abstract

When faced with a hand lesion even of moderate severity, whether recent or old, it is essential to prepare a rational plan of treatment. This will be based on a number of factors, which include the clinical examination, age and occupation of the patient, physical condition, and whether or not the dominant hand is involved. The examination will determine the extent to which the integuments, bones, tendons and nerves are involved. When this has been completed, one must assess the functional possibilities, taking into account associated lesions and relating them to the patient as a whole.