Who Is The Best Hand And Wrist Surgeon Near Me?

Our hand surgeon, Dr. Elizabeth Morrison, has over 20 years of clinical experience in complex hand and wrist conditions. As Director of Orthopedic Hand Surgery at Nassau University Medical Center, she treats nerve injuries, tendon damage, fractures, ligament tears, vascular disorders, pain syndromes, and hand tumors. She also performs advanced upper extremity reconstruction to restore function.

Along with her surgical expertise, Dr. Elizabeth Morrison focuses on comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plans for complex hand and wrist conditions. This approach supports individualized care based on your symptoms, diagnosis, and functional goals. Her professional recognition also earned her the Exceptional Women in Medicine distinction in 2026. Call 855-321-6784 to schedule an appointment today at Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine on Long Island.

How Do You Find The Best Hand And Wrist Surgeon Near You?

To choose the right hand specialist, you should check board certification, fellowship training, and experience with hand and wrist conditions. In fact, research published in the Journal of Hand and Microsurgery supports the value of specialized fellowship training.

Researchers compared 606 plastic surgery residents with 393 orthopedic hand surgery fellows. Hand surgery fellows completed an average of 886 cases, compared with 428 cases among residents. This greater surgical exposure can guide you toward a fellowship-trained hand surgeon with advanced expertise in upper-extremity care.

You should also review hospital affiliations and patient feedback to learn more about the surgeon’s expertise and quality of care. Beyond credentials and experience, the following practical steps can connect you with the right hand specialist:

• Upper Extremity Expertise: Look for orthopedic surgeons who specialize in upper extremity care and can address your specific condition.
• Professional Directories: Use professional directories to locate qualified hand specialists in your area.
• Physician Referrals: Consult your primary care physician for targeted referrals to qualified hand surgeons.
• Clear Communication: Choose a surgeon who communicates clearly and builds a strong surgeon-patient relationship.

What Qualifications Should A Hand Surgeon Have?

A qualified hand surgeon should have advanced medical education and specialized training in upper extremity care. After earning an MD or DO degree, the surgeon completes a 5- to 7-year residency in orthopedic, plastic, or general surgery. Then, the surgeon completes a one-year accredited hand surgery fellowship focused on the hand, wrist, and upper extremity.

Following this, board certification or a subspecialty certificate in hand surgery confirms advanced expertise in this specialized field. At Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, our surgeon, Dr. Elizabeth Morrison, earned her medical degree from Thomas Jefferson University’s Jefferson Medical College in 1995.

She later completed her orthopedic surgery residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital from 2006 to 2010. She then completed a Hand Surgery Fellowship at The Mount Sinai Hospital from 2010 to 2011. Her education and focused surgical training support her expertise in complex hand and wrist conditions. Call 855-321-6784 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Elizabeth Morrison for a comprehensive hand and wrist evaluation.

Why Should You Choose A Hand And Wrist Specialist?

A hand and wrist specialist provides focused expertise for the complex bones, nerves, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels in your upper extremity. Their advanced training supports an accurate diagnosis of conditions such as wrist fractures, tendon damage, and nerve injuries. This expertise also allows them to identify problems that require specialized care.

Moreover, specialists can select a treatment plan based on the specific structure and condition affecting your hand or wrist. They often consider non-surgical options, such as custom splints, targeted injections, or therapy, before surgery. If surgery is the best option, their advanced skills help restore function in your hand, wrist, and fingers.

What Conditions Does A Hand And Wrist Surgeon Treat?

Our hand and wrist surgeon, Dr. Elizabeth Morrison, treats acute injuries, chronic conditions, and birth defects that affect your hands, wrists, and lower arms. She provides surgical and non-surgical care for nerve compression, arthritis, fractures, tendon disorders, and complex injuries. Here is how these conditions can affect grip strength and your ability to perform daily tasks:

1. Nerve Compression and Injuries

Nerve disorders can disrupt sensation and control movement in your hand and fingers. For example, cubital tunnel syndrome affects the ulnar nerve near the elbow and can cause numbness in the ring and little fingers. In contrast, carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when pressure on the median nerve at the wrist causes numbness, tingling, and hand weakness. According to a study published in The Lancet Neurology, about 1 in 10 adults experience carpal tunnel syndrome during their lifetime.

Deep nerve cuts can also disrupt hand function and require a precise surgical procedure.

2. Tendon and Soft Tissue Disorders

Tendon disorders can interfere with smooth finger and wrist motion during routine hand use. For example, the following conditions can restrict finger or thumb movement and reduce hand function:

• Trigger finger: Inflammation causing fingers to catch or lock in a bent position.
• De Quervain’s tenosynovitis: Painful tendonitis affecting the thumb side of the wrist.
• Dupuytren’s contracture: Thickening of the palm tissue that pulls fingers inward.
• Ganglion cysts: Noncancerous lumps or fluid-filled sacs on joints or tendons

3. Arthritis and Joint Problems

Joint disorders can reduce motion and cause stiffness, swelling, and persistent hand and wrist pain. Osteoarthritis damages joint cartilage over time, while rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation within the joints. Moreover, basal joint arthritis affects the joint at the base of the thumb, which can reduce grip and pinch strength. Ligament damage can also cause joint instability and require reconstruction to restore stable motion.

How Common Are Hand And Wrist Injuries?

According to research published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, 2.6 million hand and wrist injuries occur annually in the U.S. Injury rates reached 450 per 100,000 people for fingers, 264 for hands, and 182 for wrists. However, the estimated annual number declined by 8.6% from 2009 to 2018. The study also identified the following common injury types:

• Lacerations: 36.5%
• Fractures: 19.9%
• Strains and sprains: 12.3%
• Contusions and abrasions: 12.1%

Another study published in the Clinics in Sports Medicine journal found that wrist and hand injuries account for about 25% of sports injuries. These injuries occur more often in sports with frequent hand use or a higher risk of trauma.

What Tests Can A Hand And Wrist Surgeon Perform?

A hand and wrist surgeon may perform provocative tests, range-of-motion assessments, and neurological evaluations to identify the source of your symptoms. They also review your medical history and symptom pattern to determine which structures require closer evaluation. For complex conditions, your surgeon may order X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, ultrasound, or nerve conduction studies (tests that assess nerve function).

During a physical exam, a surgeon uses hands-on orthopedic tests to assess specific joints, tendons, nerves, and hand strength, such as:

• Phalen’s Test and Tinel’s Sign: Check the median nerve for signs of carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Finkelstein’s test: Diagnoses de Quervain’s tenosynovitis by gently bending the thumb and deviating the wrist.
• Watson shift test: Assesses scapholunate ligament stability and wrist instability.
• Fovea sign and grind tests: Evaluate triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears or thumb arthritis.
• Grip and pinch strength tests: Measure hand and thumb strength with a dynamometer.

Can A Surgeon Treat Wrist Conditions Without Surgery?

Yes, a wrist surgeon often recommends non-surgical treatment options before considering surgery. These treatments can reduce pain, control swelling, and protect the wrist during recovery. However, your surgeon may recommend surgery if conservative treatments do not improve your symptoms or the injury requires surgical repair.

Here are common non-surgical treatment options your surgeon may recommend:

• Splints or Braces: Support the wrist and reduce pressure on injured tissues.
• Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Reduce pain and swelling around the wrist.
• Steroid Injections: Deliver medication directly to an irritated joint or nerve.
• Targeted Exercise Programs: Restore wrist strength, flexibility, and movement.
• Certified Hand Therapy: Uses guided exercises to improve hand and wrist care.

What Surgical Options Can A Hand Surgeon Offer?

A hand surgeon can perform carpal tunnel release, trigger finger release, fracture fixation, and tendon repair to restore hand or wrist function. They can also perform carpal tunnel release, debridement, and total joint replacement for nerve compression or advanced joint damage. For complex injuries, they may use joint fusion and microsurgical nerve repair to restore stability or movement.

Here is how these surgical procedures address complex fractures and joint damage:

1. Carpal Tunnel Release

Hand and wrist surgeons perform 400,000 to 500,000 carpal tunnel release procedures annually in the United States, according to estimates from Europe PMC. These procedures treat pressure on the median nerve that causes numbness, tingling, and hand weakness. During surgery, your surgeon releases the ligament pressing on the nerve through an open or small incision technique. This creates more space around the nerve and can reduce numbness and tingling. As nerve pressure decreases, hand sensation and grip function can gradually improve.

2. Fracture Fixation

Research published in Hand Clinics found that phalangeal (finger bone) fractures accounted for 50% of more than 72,000 hand fractures in a population-based study. Since finger fractures are common and can affect hand movement, accurate treatment helps protect long-term function. Fracture fixation restores the position of broken bones in the hand or wrist. During the procedure, your surgeon aligns the bone fragments and secures them with pins, plates, or small screws. This support keeps the bones stable during healing and helps restore proper hand function.

3. Joint Replacement

Your surgeon may recommend joint replacement for advanced arthritis that causes persistent pain and loss of motion. During this procedure, your surgeon removes damaged joint surfaces and replaces them with artificial components. The new joint can improve motion and reduce pain during hand use. Surgeons usually consider this procedure when non-surgical care no longer provides enough relief.

4. Joint Fusion

Your surgeon may recommend joint fusion when severe joint damage causes ongoing pain, instability, or loss of function. During this procedure, your surgeon connects the damaged bones, so they heal as one solid unit. This approach prevents painful movement between the damaged surfaces and creates a more stable joint. The added stability can improve grip strength and support daily hand activities.

5. Fasciectomy

A study published in Acta Orthopaedica Brasileira evaluated regional selective fasciectomy in 19 patients with Dupuytren’s disease. The study followed patients for an average of 48.2 months and used QuickDASH scores to measure hand function after treatment. At the final follow-up, 66.6% of hands achieved excellent results, 23% good, and 9.4% fair. The study reported that fasciectomy provided reliable outcomes with low rates of complications and recurrence.

6. Debridement and Drainage

If you have a severe hand wound or deep infection, your surgeon may recommend debridement and drainage. During this procedure, your surgeon removes damaged tissue and clears infected fluid from the affected area. This process reduces harmful material in the wound and supports proper healing. It also protects nearby tendons, joints, nerves, and bones from further damage.

7. Replantation

After a traumatic injury, replantation reattaches a completely severed finger, thumb, or hand. During this procedure, your surgeon carefully reconnects bones, tendons, nerves, arteries, and veins to restore the damaged part. These precise repairs depend on microsurgical techniques that reconnect tiny blood vessels and restore blood flow to the reattached tissue. With restored circulation and repaired structures, successful replantation can improve sensation, control movement, and support hand function.

What Is Recovery Like After Hand Or Wrist Surgery?

Recovery after hand and wrist surgery may take 2 weeks to 6 months, depending on the type of procedure and the extent of the injury. During this period, you may need to manage pain and swelling with elevation while protecting the surgical site with a splint or cast. As healing progresses, you gradually perform range-of-motion and strengthening exercises over several weeks to months to restore hand function.

However, poor protection of the surgical site or delaying rehabilitation can slow healing and affect your final outcome. For this reason, surgeons often recommend the following steps to support a smooth recovery:

Manage Pain And Swelling

Controlling early discomfort and swelling supports a safer recovery after surgery. Elevation keeps your hand above heart level, which helps reduce fluid buildup around the surgical area. Your surgeon may also recommend prescribed or over-the-counter medication to manage discomfort. Additionally, applying ice packs around the surgical area can reduce swelling when used safely.

Protect The Surgical Site And Movement

You should wear your assigned splint or cast to protect healing tissues and support proper recovery. You should also keep the incision clean and dry until your surgeon removes the stitches, which often occurs within 8 to 14 days. When your surgeon approves movement, you should perform gentle finger exercises to reduce stiffness, such as:

• Finger Bends: Slowly bend and straighten your fingers to maintain motion.
• Finger Spreads: Gently separate your fingers, then bring them back together to promote flexibility.
• Thumb Movement: Move your thumb across your palm to maintain the range of motion.

Rehabilitation And Return To Daily Life

As healing improves, rehabilitation focuses on restoring strength, movement, and hand function. Certified hand therapists guide exercises based on your specific procedure and recovery stage. You can gradually return to simple tasks, such as eating or typing, once your surgeon approves these activities. However, heavy lifting and intense activities usually require 3 to 6 months of recovery before you safely return.

When Should You See A Hand And Wrist Surgeon?

You should see our hand and wrist surgeon, Dr. Elizabeth Morrison, if ongoing symptoms affect your movement, strength, or ability to perform daily tasks. You should also schedule an evaluation if you notice tingling, weak grip, finger locking, worsening swelling, or new lumps around your wrist, hand, or finger. A specialist can evaluate hand and wrist problems such as numbness, weakness, stiffness, or limited finger motion and recommend the right care.

In addition, seek immediate medical care from Dr. Elizabeth Morrison if you notice the following warning signs:

• Broken Bone: A visible deformity or injury that suggests a broken bone.
• Deep Cuts: Severe cuts that bleed heavily or affect sensation and finger movement.
• Serious Hand or Wrist Injuries: Sudden damage from a fall or accident with intense pain.
• Infection Signs: High warmth, red streaks, or rapidly spreading swelling around the injury.

Does Insurance Cover A Hand And Wrist Surgery?

Yes, health insurance often covers hand and wrist surgery when your procedure meets medical necessity requirements. However, coverage depends on your insurance provider and whether your surgeon is in-network. Your plan may also require prior authorization for the procedure. Before scheduling surgery, you should verify that your orthopedic practice and surgical center accept your specific insurance plan.

Common Patient Scenarios

Hand and wrist problems can raise different concerns depending on the injury, symptoms, and response to previous treatment. Here are some common situations patients may face when deciding whether to seek specialized hand and wrist care:

I Have a Ganglion Cyst on My Wrist, but I’m Not Sure if It Needs Treatment

Many wrist ganglion cysts do not require treatment if they cause no pain or movement problems. However, treatment may become appropriate when a cyst causes pain, limits wrist motion, or affects daily activities. Depending on the symptoms and cyst location, treatment can range from observation and immobilization to fluid drainage or surgical removal.

My Thumb Is Sprained, but I’m Worried I Injured a Ligament

A sprained thumb can damage a ligament, with injuries that range from a mild stretch to a more serious tear. More extensive damage may cause joint instability, persistent swelling, or weak grip and pinch strength. A more serious tear can also cause a small lump near the joint if the ligament pulls away from the bone. In such cases, you should see a hand specialist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

My Finger Is Swollen After an Injury, but I Don’t Know if It Is Jammed or Broken

A jammed finger affects the ligaments, while a broken finger means the bone has a crack or fracture. Both injuries can cause pain, swelling, bruising, and limited finger movement. However, deformity, significant tenderness, joint instability, or difficulty with movement may require an evaluation to identify the type of injury.

I Fell on My Hand, and the Swelling Has Not Gone Away

Swelling that does not improve after a fall may indicate a sprain, fracture, ligament injury, or other soft-tissue damage. Significant tenderness, bruising, or limited hand movement may suggest a more serious injury. If the swelling and pain continue, you should see a doctor or visit an urgent care clinic for an evaluation and possible X-ray.

Consult Dr. Elizabeth Morrison If Hand Pain Limits Your Daily Life!

Hand or wrist pain can make simple activities difficult, such as typing, gripping objects, opening jars, or completing work-related tasks. You may worry about finding an experienced surgeon who can protect your hand function. You may also have concerns about surgical costs, recovery time, and taking time away from your job or daily responsibilities.

As a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, Dr. Elizabeth Morrison at Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine uses advanced surgical techniques to treat complex hand and wrist conditions. She develops a personalized treatment plan, discusses surgical risks, and explains recovery instructions before your procedure. Moreover, we accept many major insurance plans to provide accessible care for your condition. Call 855-321-6784 or visit our clinics in Syosset, Massapequa, or East Meadow, for personalized treatment.

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