An internationally known hand surgeon, Dr. Harold Kleinert of Louisville, has died. He was 91.

Kleinert, who began his practice in hand surgery in Louisville in 1953, also was clinical professor of surgery emeritus at the University of Louisville and Indiana University-Purdue University.

In a statement released by KentuckyOne Health, Dr. Charles Peck described Kleinert as "a true medical pioneer" who conducted groundbreaking research on hand and finger treatment.

Peck, the interim president of Jewish Hospital, said the hospital became the top center for hand treatment because of Kleinert. Peck noted that surgeons and patients traveled to Louisville because of Kleinert.

Peck said more than 1,300 hand fellows have become expert hand surgeons and hundreds of thousands of patients have had their hands saved.

Funeral arrangements were pending Sunday.