ANATOMIC DIAGNOSIS OF INJURIES OF THE HAND

As has been so aptly stated by Kanavel, "The hand of the working man is his most valuable asset. Without it life becomes a burden." 1 Appreciating this, the surgeon when caring for an injured hand must exert the utmost diligence in making a correct diagnosis, in performing careful and expert treatment and in carrying out meticulous after-care. Although the hazards of industry have been materially reduced, physicians are still faced with the problem of treating great numbers of injuries to the hand. Before any active treatment of such wounds is undertaken it is paramount that an exact diagnosis be made and a careful analysis made as to the cause, location and extent of the lesion. It may seem almost unnecessary to emphasize the importance of this initial procedure, but so often if it is neglected or carelessly performed a finger or hand may be rendered useless or a life