[The musician's hand: 2 case reports from the hand surgery clinic]

Report of the hand surgical treatment in two musicians, which enabled them to continue with their occupation. A young cellist was no longer able to play his instrument due to a painful scar at the pulp of his left index finger. The surgical treatment, performed only after a period of hesitation, consisted in scar excision and reconstruction of a normal pulp by a palmar advancement flap. Following a fracture of the distal radius, healed in 35 degrees dorsal angulation, a violinist was not able to flex his wrist maximally as required for playing in high octaves. This was again possible after a corrective osteotomy with interposition of a corticocancellous bone graft from the iliac crest and an intensive program of postoperative excercises. The important role of the cooperation of the patient, particularly in the rehabilitation, is emphasized.