Dr. Constantinos Kritiotis is an esteemed orthopaedic hand surgeon, specializing in reconstructive surgery for individuals with spinal cord injuries, spasticity, and complex hand conditions. He completed his medical degree at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in 2005, and later trained in some of the United Kingdom’s leading hand surgery centers, including Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

Dr. Kritiotis has extensive experience in the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom, having served in Cornwall, Manchester, and Sunderland as a lead hand surgeon. His return to Cyprus marked a major step forward for hand surgery services in the country, where he established cutting-edge programs and became the first Cypriot surgeon to receive the prestigious European Diploma in Hand Surgery.

Today, he practices at Iasis Hospital and the Scandinavian Medical Center in Cyprus and leads the Tetrahand Cyprus initiative, which is devoted to restoring upper limb function in patients with spinal cord injuries.

Surgical Expertise and Innovations

Dr. Kritiotis has gained recognition for his highly specialized surgical procedures that restore meaningful hand and arm function. His work particularly focuses on improving quality of life through tailored interventions that address each patient’s unique needs.

1. Tetraplegia Reconstruction

Tetraplegia reconstruction is at the core of Dr. Kritiotis’ surgical practice. In cases of spinal cord injury, the loss of hand and arm function profoundly impacts independence. Dr. Kritiotis employs advanced tendon transfer, nerve transfer, and joint stabilization techniques to rebuild hand strength, dexterity, and control.

By redirecting functioning muscles and nerves to paralyzed areas, he helps patients regain essential capabilities such as grasp, pinch, and release. These procedures empower individuals to perform everyday tasks—from feeding themselves to using a mobile phone—restoring dignity and autonomy.

2. Spasticity Management

Spasticity, characterized by involuntary muscle tightness and spasms, is a common complication after neurological injury. Dr. Kritiotis is a leading expert in managing spasticity through surgical interventions including:

• Hyperselective Neurectomy: Precisely cutting overactive nerve branches to reduce spasticity without compromising voluntary movement.
• Tenotomy: Releasing contracted tendons to relieve tightness.
• Tendon Lengthening: Adjusting muscle-tendon units to enhance range of motion and prevent deformities.

These procedures improve limb positioning, comfort, and mobility, while also easing caregiving burdens for families.

3. Advanced Reconstructive Techniques

Dr. Kritiotis is one of the few surgeons proficient in implanting the APTIS Scheker Distal Radioulnar Joint (DRUJ) prosthesis. This cutting-edge technology is designed for patients with complex wrist problems, restoring forearm rotation and wrist stability. His expertise in these sophisticated interventions has made him a sought-after surgeon not only in Cyprus but across the region.

Patient-Centered Approach

Central to Dr. Kritiotis’s philosophy is the belief that surgery must be customized to each patient’s functional goals, lifestyle, and medical needs. He thoroughly evaluates muscle strength, joint health, and residual nerve function to create highly individualized surgical plans.

Moreover, he emphasizes the importance of early and active rehabilitation. Following surgery, patients are guided through tailored therapy programs aimed at strengthening the reconstructed pathways, retraining muscle use, and maximizing functional recovery. This close integration of surgery and therapy ensures the best possible outcomes.

Dr. Kritiotis also prioritizes patient education, empowering individuals and their families to make informed decisions and set realistic goals. His compassionate, holistic approach builds strong trust and partnerships with his patients.

Tetrahand Cyprus: A Vision Realized

Recognizing a critical need for specialized services in his home country, Dr. Kritiotis founded Tetrahand Cyprus. This pioneering initiative is dedicated to the assessment, surgical reconstruction, and rehabilitation of upper limb function in individuals with tetraplegia.

Tetrahand Cyprus provides:

• Comprehensive evaluations of upper limb function.
• Surgical planning tailored to each individual’s injury pattern.
• Specialized surgical interventions including tendon and nerve transfers.
• Postoperative rehabilitation services focused on functional restoration.

By establishing Tetrahand Cyprus, Dr. Kritiotis has made world-class hand surgery accessible locally, eliminating the need for patients to travel abroad for specialized care.

Commitment to Excellence

Dr. Kritiotis’s dedication to professional development is evident in his continuous pursuit of advanced training and certifications. In addition to the European Diploma in Hand Surgery, he actively participates in international conferences, workshops, and collaborative research projects.

His commitment to excellence is also reflected in his mentorship of the next generation of surgeons, sharing his knowledge and expertise to advance the field of hand surgery both in Cyprus and internationally.

Transforming Lives

The true impact of Dr. Kritiotis’s work is seen in the lives of his patients. Stories of individuals regaining the ability to eat independently, drive adapted vehicles, return to work, or engage in creative hobbies like painting and music highlight the profound difference that reconstructive hand surgery can make.

For many, regaining hand function is not just about movement—it’s about reclaiming identity, independence, and a sense of control over their lives. Dr. Kritiotis’s surgical skill, combined with his compassionate approach, brings these possibilities within reach.

Awards and Recognition

While his greatest rewards are the successes of his patients, Dr. Kritiotis’s excellence has been acknowledged through numerous professional achievements, including:

• The first Cypriot surgeon to obtain the European Diploma in Hand Surgery.
• Recognition for excellence in clinical leadership during his service in the UK.
• Featured speaker and panelist at leading international conferences on hand surgery and tetraplegia reconstruction.

These honors reflect his ongoing contribution to advancing the science and practice of hand surgery.

Looking Ahead

Dr. Kritiotis remains deeply committed to advancing the possibilities for individuals with upper limb paralysis. He continues to explore innovative surgical techniques, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and advocate for greater access to specialized care.

Through Tetrahand Cyprus and his broader clinical practice, Dr. Kritiotis is not only transforming individual lives but also setting new standards for reconstructive surgery in the region.