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Dr Francisco del Piñal Matorras

Hand and Wrist

Dr Francisco del Piñal Matorras

Specialist in

  • Microsurgical reconstruction of the hand and wrist

  • Advanced hand and wrist surgery

  • Complex regional pain syndrome and peripheral nerve injuries

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Professional profile

A specialist in plastic, reconstructive and hand surgery with extensive experience in advanced microsurgery and complex limb reconstruction. An international authority in hand surgery and the management of complex regional pain syndrome, he practises in specialist centres, combining technical innovation, a functional approach and surgical excellence.

His practice is based on microsurgical precision, individualised treatment planning and the pursuit of full functional recovery. He combines clinical care, the training of surgeons and international scientific output, with a focus on restoring function, returning independence and improving quality of life.

Education

Specialist training in plastic surgery, microsurgery and hand surgery, with international training at leading centres.

1990 | Special PhD Award. Complutense University of Madrid.
1989 – 1991 | International training in microsurgery and hand surgery. Royal Melbourne Hospital (Australia) and the University of Louisville (United States).
1984–1988 | Specialised medical training in plastic and reconstructive surgery (MIR). 12 de Octubre Hospital, Madrid.
1977–1983 | Degree in Medicine and Surgery. Complutense University of Madrid.

Professional experience

Career developed at leading centres specialising in plastic, reconstructive and hand surgery.

1992 – Present | Director and founder of the Dr Piñal Institute. Madrid and Santander.
1996 – 2020 | Head of the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery. Mutua Montañesa Hospital, Santander.
1991 | Assistant Consultant in Microsurgery. 12 de Octubre Hospital, Madrid.
1984 – 1988 | Resident in Plastic Surgery (MIR). 12 de Octubre Hospital, Madrid.

Scientific publications

Author of more than 120 international scientific publications, most of which have appeared in high-impact (Q1) journals, focusing on microsurgery, complex reconstruction and advanced hand surgery.

Recent selection:

2025 | Shin AY, del Piñal F. Ten Reasons Why Prospective Randomised Studies in Surgery Are Flawed and Fundamentally Different from Drug Trials. 2026 Jan;51(1):121–125. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2025.09.009.
2025 | Räisänen MP, Smith NC, del Piñal F. Challenges and complications of trans-osseous carpal tenodesis for scapholunate ligament tears. J Hand Microsurg. 2025;17(6):100338.
2025 | del Piñal F. Guest article. The evolving role of wrist arthroscopy. J Hand Surg European Vol. 2025;50(9):1–5.
2025 | del Piñal F. Invited article. How I Approach a Patient with CRPS – A shifting paradigm. J Hand Surg Asian Pac Vol. 2025;30(3):229–234.
2025 | del Piñal F. Outcomes of median nerve release in CRPS I of the hand: a prospective case series. J Hand Surg Am. 2025;50(2):130–137.
2024 | del Piñal F, Lim JX, Williams DC, Rúas JS, et al. Reversing a Post-Truth: Triphasic Bone Scintigraphy is of No Use for Diagnosing CRPS of the Hand. J Hand Surg Asian Pac Vol. 2024. Feb 2025;30(1):34–41. doi: 10.1142/S2424835525500109.
2024 | Lim JX, Bustamante Ybarra L, Tomé G, del Piñal F, et al. Salvage of Failed Proximal Interphalangeal Arthroplasty with Vascularised Toe Joint Transfer: Report of Two Cases. Hand Surg Rehabil. 2024;43(4):101695.
2024 | del Piñal F. Bone Grafts and Flaps in the Management of Complex Upper Extremity Defects – Indications and Outcomes. Clinics Plast Surg. 2024;51(4):515–526.

Areas of special focus

Clinical practice specialising in complex conditions of the hand and upper limb, including:

  • Injuries and sequelae affecting the wrist and hand.

  • Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

  • Peripheral nerve injuries and complex paralysis.

  • High-energy trauma with loss of skin coverage.

  • Complex soft tissue and bone defects of the upper limb.

Techniques and procedures

Application of advanced techniques in microsurgery and reconstructive hand surgery, including:

  • Microsurgical reconstruction of the hand and wrist.

  • Finger transfer and reconstruction using free flaps.

  • Wrist arthroscopy and orthopaedic surgery.

  • Complex reimplantation and post-traumatic functional reconstruction.

  • Peripheral nerve surgery and nerve decompression.

  • Functional tendon transfers.

Accreditations and memberships

Recognition and involvement in national and international scientific societies specialising in hand surgery and microsurgery.

  • Spanish Society for Hand Surgery (SECMA). Honorary Member.
  • American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH). Honorary Member.
  • International Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand (IFSSH). Member.

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