Hand surgery as a paradigm for orthoplastic surgery

The concepts of “Orthoplastic Surgery” had their beginnings between the World Wars in the early 20th century. The approach to traumatic injuries of the hand changed with the appreciation of the need to manage the hard and soft tissues, as well as nerves simultaneously. This led to the development of Hand Surgery as a speciality which emphasized knowledge of fractures, soft tissue injuries, vascular, and nerve injuries. Specialized training in Hand Surgery gave a single surgeon the ability to manage all of the tissues involved in injury to the upper extremity. This has translated into management of injuries of all the extremities and leading to the development of the concept of “Orthoplastic” surgery.