Hand Surgery
We focus on helping relieve pain and gain function in your hands. UC Davis Health is home to the region’s largest and most experienced team of hand surgeons.
Medically reviewed by Amelia Sorensen, M.D. on July 09, 2026.
Hand Surgery Backed by a Trusted Team
The UC Davis Health Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery work together to treat everything from congenital hand differences to complex hand trauma. We use leading methods to deliver safe, effective care.
You receive care reflecting your medical needs and personal preferences. Whether you’re getting back to daily routines, returning to work or regaining use of your hand after a serious injury, our team is here for you.
On this page
Types of Hand Surgery
UC Davis Health hand surgeons deliver specialized care that restores your hand movement, strength and comfort.
Carpal Tunnel Release
This surgery relieves pressure on the median nerve in your wrist, easing pain, numbness and tingling.
Congenital Hand Difference Repair
We offer care for children born with hand differences such as fused, missing or extra fingers.
Hand Trauma Care
After an accident, we repair broken bones in your hand, wrist or forearm to restore alignment and movement.
Microvascular and Reconstructive Surgery
These delicate procedures repair blood vessels, nerves and soft tissue after complex injuries, like accidental amputation.
Targeted Muscle Reinnervation
This advanced technique reroutes nerves after amputation to reduce pain and help optimize your abilities.
Tendon and Ligament Repair
These procedures fix torn or injured tendons and ligaments, restoring strength and smooth motion.
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Preparing for Hand Surgery
At UC Davis Health, we guide you through each stage of hand surgery with clear communication and attentive care. Here’s how we support you before, during and after your procedure.
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Before Hand Surgery
We review your health history, perform an assessment and discuss treatment options. Hand surgeons also explain how the procedure can help and they answer questions so you know precisely what to expect.
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In the Operating Room
Experienced surgeons, many with advanced fellowship training in hand surgery, use techniques that are gentler on delicate hand structures. Procedures often include minimally invasive methods with small incisions leading to a quicker recovery.
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After Hand Surgery
We deliver focused care to help manage pain, swelling and hand movement in the hours after surgery. We also provide personalized guidance before you go home, making sure you feel comfortable with what happens next.
Home Care After Hand Surgery
Taking good care of your hand after surgery is an important part of recovery. We provide instructions to help protect your incision, reduce pain and promote healing.
Take Good Care of the Incision
Keep your bandage clean and dry. Change dressings regularly. Watch for signs of infection such as redness, swelling or unexpected drainage.
Move Your Hands As Directed
Hand surgeons may recommend specific movements or therapy exercises. These recommendations help you prevent stiffness and support your comfortable return to daily activities.
Attend Follow-Up Appointments
Keep all scheduled follow-up visits so we can check healing, remove stitches or casts and adjust your care plan. If we recommend hand therapy for you, staying consistent helps you optimize post-surgery strength and function.
Awards and Recognitions
Ranked among the best in 6 specialties
A U.S. News & World Report best hospital in cancer care, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, geriatrics, neurology & neurosurgery, orthopedics, and pulmonology & lung surgery.
Ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals
U.S. News & World Report ranked UC Davis Children’s Hospital among the best in pediatric nephrology, orthopedics*, and neonatology. (*Together with Shriners Children’s Northern California)
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital by U.S. News, and recognized in 23 types of care including acute kidney failure, cancer care, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, COPD, colon cancer surgery, diabetes, diabetes & endocrinology, ear, nose & throat surgery, gastroenterology & GI surgery, geriatrics, gynecological cancer surgery, heart arrhythmia, heart attack, heart failure, hip fracture, hip replacement, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, neurology & neurosurgery, orthopedics, pneumonia, pulmonology & lung surgery and stroke.
The nation’s highest nursing honor
UC Davis Medical Center has received Magnet® recognition, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence.
World-class cancer care
One of ~59 U.S. cancer centers designated “comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute.
A leader in health care equality
For the 13th consecutive year, UC Davis Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization.
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