Hand Surgery in Saudi Arabia

Area of Science:

• Surgical Specialties
• Orthopedics
• Plastic Surgery

Background:

• Hand surgery integrates multiple surgical disciplines to optimize functional and aesthetic patient outcomes.
• The field addresses diverse pathologies, requiring broad surgical expertise.
• Significant advancements in hand surgery have occurred globally and within Saudi Arabia over the last 25 years.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evolution and current status of hand surgery in Saudi Arabia.
• To highlight key developments, specialized services, and research contributions.
• To discuss the impact of new training programs on the field's future.

Main Methods:

• Review of the development of hand surgery services in Saudi Arabia.
• Analysis of contributions to scientific literature.
• Consideration of new fellowship program approvals.

Main Results:

• Establishment of specialized centers for brachial plexus, peripheral nerve, pediatric hand surgery, and work-related injuries.
• Extensive publication record by Saudi hand surgeons in international journals.
• Identification of novel mutations linked to congenital hand defects.
• Approval of a hand and microsurgery fellowship program.

Conclusions:

• Hand surgery in Saudi Arabia has matured considerably, offering advanced patient care.
• Saudi surgeons are active contributors to hand surgery research and literature.
• The new fellowship program is poised to further advance the specialty in the region.