The hand has functional, aesthetic and social functions. Most people are not even aware of these functions until we no longer have them (e.g. after an accident):

• Grip function is independence: Hand grip function is one of the three basic
  factors that are crucially important for the independence of any person:
  (eye/vision-hands/grip-feets/mobility). Grip function depends on:

1. range of motion
2. sensibility
3. power
   

• Aesthetic of the Hand is important: The Appearance (Aesthetic) of the hand is, from many points of view, an important part of the total impression of a person. In many cultures the hand reflects a person’s social position. Besides the neck area, the hand offers an excellent display for the demonstration of prosperity.
• Non-verbal communication: The hand plays an important role as a form of human expression that goes beyond the possibilities of language (non-verbal).

• Hand Surgery deals with the form and function of the hand and wrist from newborns to old age. The fact that so many functionally important structures are in close proximity to one another calls for a detailed knowledge of anatomy and biomechanics. It also explains why small injuries often have a large effect on hand function.
• Hand Therapy is the specialty within Physiotherapy, that deals with the form and function of the hand and wrist from newborns to old age. It need yeas of extra training in specialized units, on top of the specialization of physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
• There is no Hand Surgery without Hand Therapy (Rehabilitation). Hand Surgery is creating the conditions- Hand Therapy is using of what has been created.

If one looks at the multitude of different changes in the hand area and, accordingly, the multitude of possible therapies, it quickly becomes clear that Hand Surgery & Hand Therapy alone cannot offer the entire spectrum of modern and comprehensive therapy in the hand area.

Hand Surgery & Hand therapy are the central point of contact. Depending on the findings of the initial hand examination, other specialties are consulted for individually tailored diagnostic and treatment.

Hand Medicine is a special interdisciplinary and multi-professional form of cooperation for the treatment of patients with changes in the hand area.

1. Radiology
2. Neurology
3. Rheumatology
4. Family Medicine
5. Pediatrics
6. Anesthesia/Pain Clinic
7. Radiotherapy
8. Dermatology
9. Internal Medicine (Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, …)
10. Complementary (Alternative) Medicine