An overview of recent developments in surgical techniques was given at the recent world congress in hand surgery (IFSSH) in Seoul, Korea. Experts presented data on successful early training after tendon transfer surgery, information on how to examine and treat patients with injuries both to the spinal cord and plexus brachialis nerves, possibilities of nerve transfer for reconstrution of hand function, surgical treatment options available for patients with incomplete tetraplegia and spasticity and also ideas about future potential use of implanted sophisticated devices for artificial activation of paralyzed muscles. The expert panel consisted of (from left) Caroline LeClercq, Carina Reinholdt, Andreas Gohritz, Jan Fridén and Vincent Hentz.