Ergonomically strong, efficient and versatile, the hands and upper extremities pack a tremendous amount of power and support a wide range of fluid motions – enabling us to effortlessly reach, grab, write, drive, lift and wave. It is through the intricate interplay of the bones, muscles, joints and ligaments of the upper extremities that we can work, play and discover the world. But injury, debilitating disease, major trauma and congenital conditions can quickly rob the hand and upper extremities of strength and flexibility – making it difficult to perform even the simplest activities of daily living. Our multidisciplinary team of surgeons and therapists from the Division of Hand and Upper Extremities has extensive experience in treating an array of problems affecting the fingers, hand, wrist, arms, elbow and shoulder, such as:

• Soft-tissue sprains, strains and contusions
• Overuse and traumatic injuries to the hand and upper extremity
• Degenerative and rheumatoid arthritis
• Rotator cuff tears
• Impingement syndromes of the shoulder, elbow and wrist
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Instability of the shoulder
• Fractures of the wrist and hand
• Fractures, dislocations and subluxation surgery related to arthritisor deformity
• Joint replacement in fingers, elbows and shoulders to relieve stiffness and pain caused by arthritis, pinched nerves and compressed blood vessels
• Birth deformities of the hand and arm

We explore a wide range of non-surgical therapeutic interventions to eliminate pain and restore normal function. When necessary, our specialists use advanced surgical techniques, such as arthroplasty, vascular surgery, microsurgery and joint replacement to return patients to a maximal level of function and independence. Congenital deformities such as polydactyly and syndactyly can be corrected with the creation of an additional finger whereone is absent. Allegheny General Hospital also provides therapy services specifically geared to rehabilitation of the patient with upper-extremity problems.