The hand achieved ''organ'' status largely through the efforts of Sterling Bunnell and a small cadre of disciples during, and immediately after, World War II. These physicians recognized the importance of having a single surgeon, familiar with all the constitute tissues of the hand, preside over the composite diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of hand injuries and afflictions. Designated military hand treatment centers were established throughout the United States and became the impetus for similar civilian centers that followed this model for hand care. Bunnell 1 authored the first comprehensive text on hand surgery in 1944, and a specialty was born. Simultaneously, hand surgery underwent a similar gestation, birth, and evolution in other countries, and these achievements continue to this day.
Hand Surgery societies, association, clubs, and study groups formed as focus points for education and educational policy. The disciples became apostles, and electronic media evolved to communicate, disseminate knowledge, and foster fellowship within the hand community. Many surgeons now devote a significant portion, or the entirety, of their practices o this discipline. These events and others have been instrumental in the progress and excellence described in the chapters of the 2-volume set Hand Surgery, edited by Drs. Berger and Weiss. The editors have tapped an additional 141 contributing hand specialist to author 105 well-organized chapters that describe the scope and practice of hand surgery today. Of the contributors, 5 are hand therapists, and 42 authors reside and practice outside of the United States.