Hand surgery is an orthopedic procedure performed for a wide variety of reasons. Hand surgeries and procedures address issues that involve the fingers, hands and wrists and sometimes the forearms, elbows and shoulders. Those who perform hand surgeries or non-surgical procedures may also be trained and certified as general, orthopedic or plastic surgeons who are experienced in specialized fields of hand, arm, and even shoulder anatomy, physiology and treatment procedures and surgeries. Hand surgery is meant to help alleviate restricted range of motion, to repair muscles, tendons or bones damaged through injury or disease, as well as to restore the appearance of hands and fingers in the case of disfigurement or birth defects.