REHAND Surgical/Rehabilitative Integrated Approach for the Functional Recovery of the Neurological Hand

The Post-Graduate Course in the Surgical/Rehabilitative Integrated Approach for the Functional Recovery of the Neurological Hand provides knowledge on the anatomy, physiology and functional implications of neurological hand injuries, on the main assessment methods of the residual functional potential, and the main medical, surgical and rehabilitative treatments. Attendees will learn how to identify and diagnose disabilities, medical conditions and secondary complications linked to neurological hand diseases, and how to apply the relevant treatment based on the etiology. Special focus of the course is learning how to communicate with patients and how to apply evidence-based medicine in surgeries and rehabilitation treatments for neurological hand disorders.

The Course is provided in blended mode, with both online and in-person lessons, and includes the discussion of clinical cases pertinent to the topics covered. It includes the creation of study group and hands-on activities to delve into specific surgical and rehabilitation topics and put them into practice.

The Post-Graduate Course in the Surgical/Rehabilitative Integrated Approach for the Functional Recovery of the Neurological Hand is addressed to doctors with different specializations, interested in the surgical and rehabilitation management of functional hands disorders related to the main neurological pathologies (strokes, GCA, spinal cord injuries). Career opportunities include Operating Units specialized in functional hand surgeries, hospitals, clinics and territorial units that provide rehabilitation treatments in the acute and chronic phases. Attendees will acquire the competences needed to work in interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary teams for the surgical and neuro-rehabilitation management of patients suffering from neurological hand disorders, by developing the ability to create customized treatments based on specific causes and recovery potential.

The Post-Graduate Course in the Surgical/Rehabilitative Integrated Approach for the Functional Recovery of the Neurological Hand provides in-depth knowledge about the following topics:

Module 1 – HAND ANATOMY-PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOMECHANICS

This module provides the main notions of hand anatomy, physiology and biomechanics. Special focus is the neurological levels of motor control that allow manipulation and grasping, and the other motor behaviours characterizing the hand in physiological conditions.

Module 2 – HAND SURGERY IN PERIPHERAL NERVE HAND PATHOLOGIES

This module describes the surgical techniques to manage the main injuries of the peripheral nerve in the neurological hand. Attendees will acquire notions on the non-conservative methods to treat peripheral neurological pathologies that may affect the hand function.

Module 3 – HAND SURGERY IN BRAIN AND SPINAL CORD INJURIES

This module covers the surgical methods commonly used for the neurological hand caused by central injuries. It shows the surgical management methods in the neurological hand caused by brain and spinal cord injuries, and their main indications and contra-indications.

Module 4 – INNOVATIVE NEUROLOGICAL HAND SURGERY TECHNIQUES

This module provides students with the notions concerning the new non-conservative methods to manage the neurological hand. It describes the most recent literature on experimental surgery techniques for functional hand alterations following central and peripheral neurological injuries.

Module 5 – THE ROLE OF ORTHOPAEDICS IN HAND SURGERY

This module explores the role of orthopaedic surgery in neurological hand injuries. It explores the main orthopaedic surgical techniques and their indications in case of neurological injuries altering the correct hand function.

Module 6 – HAND REHABILITATION IN BRAIN AND SPINAL CORD INJURIES

This module provides basic notions on the main neurorehabilitation methods used to manage the neurological hand following central injuries (brain and spinal cord injuries). It explores the physical treatment and rehabilitation techniques, their indications and application methods.

Module 7 – ASSESSMENT AND REHABILITATION IN PERIPHERAL NERVE HAND PATHOLOGIES

This module shows the electro-physiology and ultrasound assessment methods for peripheral nerve pathologies and the main rehabilitation techniques in hand pathologies resulting from peripheral nerve injuries.

Module 8 – INTERVENTIONS WITH BOTULINUM TOXIN IN THE NEUROLOGICAL HAND

This module covers the main methods of application of the botulinum toxin. It explores different types of toxins, the administration protocols and their indications in the central and peripheral neurological hand.

The general ranking of merit for the academic year 2025/26 will be published on the Italian page of this Master according to the timing provided in the Call.