Treating Pregnant/Postpartum Patients in Hand Surgery Clinic: Answers to Common Questions that Every Hand Surgeon Should Know.

Musculoskeletal complaints of the hand and upper-extremity are a common occurrence in pregnancy. From a surgeon perspective, caring for hand surgery patients in the pregnancy setting requires additional attention to ensure the safety of both the pregnant patient and the fetus or neonate. Many hand surgeons are less familiar with the nuanced care that may be required for this particular population. Pregnant patients frequently have questions regarding treatment plans with respect to fetal development risks, radiation safety thresholds, medical imaging considerations, and medication management. This article helps to summarize important topics related to pregnant/postpartum care and serves to address common clinical questions that may arise when providing nonsurgical care for the pregnant patient in the hand clinic setting.