Upper Limb Surgery

The Department of Upper Limb Surgery at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) treats all anatomical structures of the upper extremities—from bones and joints to the surrounding soft tissues, from the shoulder to the fingertips.

Specialists in the department provide comprehensive diagnostics and treatment, including complex procedures typically performed by plastic or neurosurgeons, such as nerve repair, blood vessel reconstruction, and reattachment of fingers following traumatic amputations. The department cares for patients of all ages—from infants to elderly adults.

Among the most advanced procedures carried out in the department are the following:

Vascularized bone grafts are highly effective in treating nonunion of the scaphoid bone with avascular necrosis, Kienböck’s disease, and large bone defects.

These grafts can be:

• Local grafts, which preserve their native blood supply;

• Free grafts, harvested with their blood vessels and reconnected via microsurgery at the implantation site.

For complex bone defects in the upper limb, surgeons may use free fibular grafts with their associated blood vessels. This technique is widely applied in upper limb surgery abroad, and Ichilov’s surgeons offer it without waiting or referral delays.

Nerve transfer is a modern method of reconstructing damaged peripheral nerves. The technique involves harvesting healthy nerve fibers and attaching them to the distal section of the damaged nerve to restore muscle function.

This innovative approach enables faster recovery of paralyzed muscles and eliminates the need for long nerve grafts. Upper limb surgery without waiting allows patients in Israel to access nerve transfer surgery promptly, even in complex trauma cases.

In cases of degenerative or inflammatory joint destruction, surgical hand joint replacement in Israel may be the optimal solution. This procedure significantly reduces pain and restores mobility when conservative treatment fails.

The hospital offers a range of joint prostheses—for fingers, thumbs, wrists, and elbows. Depending on the condition of the ligaments, surgeons choose either silicone implants (traditional method) or anatomically shaped prosthetics made of metal-polyethylene or pyrocarbon.

Hand joint replacement without waiting is especially beneficial for elderly patients with reduced quality of life due to arthritis. The service is also available for international patients seeking hand joint replacement abroad at a world-class facility.

Joint stiffness (ankylosis) significantly affects quality of life. The normal range of elbow movement needed for daily function is 30°–130° of flexion and 50° of pronation/supination. Reduced mobility may cause severe limitations in basic tasks.

Treatment of joint stiffness in Israel includes both open and arthroscopic procedures, depending on the cause—whether internal (degenerative changes) or external (scarring and contractures).

In complex cases, total elbow arthroplasty may be considered, especially for elderly patients with arthritis and deformities. Arthroscopic release is a minimally invasive alternative that may be appropriate when no prior nerve transplants have been performed.

Patients seeking treatment of joint stiffness abroad will benefit from the multidisciplinary approach at Ichilov, where advanced rehabilitation protocols ensure optimal recovery. The center also provides treatment of joint stiffness without waiting, minimizing delays and maximizing patient outcomes.

If you are considering advanced upper limb surgery in Israel, our specialists are ready to assist. You can contact the team at Ichilov Medical Center by submitting your test results in English to medtour@tlvmc.gov.il or through the hospital’s official website. A medical coordinator will respond within 24–48 hours.