Patient Care

The resident will provide patient care that is compassionate, appropriate, and effective for the treatment of hand problems.

Objectives:

1. Perform the clinical techniques for physical examination of the hand and upper extremity.
2. Perform the surgical techniques used to treat congenital and developmental hand anomalies.
3. Perform postoperative care of patients with congenital and developmental anomalies of the upper extremity.
4. Apply casts and splints for the preoperative and postoperative care of hand patients.
5. Utilize the diagnostic techniques for upper extremity tumors.
6. Demonstrate the techniques of management of extremity tumors.
7. Perform the procedures for the acute management and participate in the post-operative rehabilitation of traumatic injuries of the upper extremity including:

   a. Fractures and dislocations
   b. Nerve injury including brachial plexus
   c. Major amputation and avulsions
   d. Joint injury
   e. Tendon extensor and flexor injury of the hand
   f.  Muscle and tendon injury of the arm
   g. Nail bed injuries
   h. Infections
   i. Fingertip and other minor injuries

8. Perform the surgical treatment options for contractures.
9. Perform treatment for tenosynovitis and tendon rupture.
10. Describe the indications for and perform the techniques of tendon reconstruction including, tendon grafting sources, methods, and indications.
11. Perform the management of nerve injuries, including primary, delayed primary, and secondary repair.
12. Perform the techniques for reconstruction of the amputated thumb, including lengthening, pollicization, free toe to thumb, and free wrap-around techniques.
13. Perform the technical methods of soft tissue coverage, including skin grafts, local flaps, distant flaps, and transfers.