This book develops and describes surgical rationales in the field of reconstructive surgery for upper limb function, both in children and adults suffering from various diseases or trauma leading to a variety of motor and sensory impairments, sometimes associated with growth-related deformities. Every surgical career is a unique living story of learning, performing, questioning, trial and error, and finally success. Every surgeon has to integrate a wealth of information regarding ongoing clinical and research work in a range of disciplines; and with time and experience, a surgical rationale is developed that serves as a baseline and support for their day-to-day work.

Following a structure starting with the patient s needs, the surgeon and the training, the different tissues are addressed and their pathophysiology discussed in detail, including basic research and surgical expertise.