The hosts reflect on the impactful conclusion of the IFSSH 2025 Congress, celebrating valuable connections made. They explore innovative sessions from the conference, discussing sustainable hand therapy and the integration of art in hand care. Personal stories about managing challenging patients and work-life balance are shared, underscoring global camaraderie among surgeons. With excitement for future events, they provide previews for the next meeting in Singapore, promising engaging programs and a vibrant closing ceremony.

Chuck and Wee Lam preview Wednesday, Day 4 of the IFSSH, filled with Symposia and Instructional Courses as well as special events including the Swanson Lecture with Pioneer Fu-Chan Wei and the Gala at the National Portrait Gallery Thursday evening.Please complete our survey:  https://bit.ly/3iHGFpDThe Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative solutions for peripheral serve surgery. To learn more, visit https://checkpointsurgical.com/.Subscribe to our newsletter: bit.ly/3X0Gq89As always, thanks to @iampetermartin for the amazing introduction and concluding music.For additional links, the catalog.  Please see https://www.ortho.wustl.edu/content/Podcast-Listings/8280/The-Upper-Hand-Podcast.aspx

Chuck and Wee Lam preview Wednesday, Day 3 of the IFSSH, filled with Symposia and Instructional Courses as well as special events including a Therapist Keynote Speaker: The Innovator in You and the Surgeon Presidential Guest Lecturer, Tony Smith, speaking on his quest to learn more about Sterling Bunnell and the book that has resulted.  Use the App and plan your day carefully because there is an incredible amount of high level content taught by the international speakers.Please complete our survey:  https://bit.ly/3iHGFpDThe Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative solutions for peripheral serve surgery. To learn more, visit https://checkpointsurgical.com/.Subscribe to our newsletter: bit.ly/3X0Gq89As always, thanks to @iampetermartin for the amazing introduction and concluding music.For additional links, the catalog.  Please see https://www.ortho.wustl.edu/content/Podcast-Listings/8280/The-Upper-Hand-Podcast.aspx

Chuck and Wee Lam preview Tuesday, Day 2 of the IFSSH, filled with Symposia and Instructional Courses as well as special events including the Therapist Opening Ceremony and a Therapist Keynote Lecture: Rowing Solo Across the Atlantic Ocean...  Use the App and plan your day carefully because there is an incredible amount of high level content taught by the international speakers.Please complete our survey:  https://bit.ly/3iHGFpDThe Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative solutions for peripheral serve surgery. To learn more, visit https://checkpointsurgical.com/.Subscribe to our newsletter: bit.ly/3X0Gq89As always, thanks to @iampetermartin for the amazing introduction and concluding music.For additional links, the catalog.  Please see https://www.ortho.wustl.edu/content/Podcast-Listings/8280/The-Upper-Hand-Podcast.aspx

Wee Lam, a senior consultant in hand and reconstructive microsurgery from Singapore and the President-elect of the British Society for Surgery of the Hand, joins Chuck to discuss the exciting kickoff of the IFSSH. They delve into the meticulous planning for the congress, highlight pioneering figures in hand surgery, and preview essential precourses on nerve repair. Listeners can expect intriguing insights on carpal instability and the diverse international perspectives that promise to enrich the experience of all attendees.

The discussion dives into radial nerve palsy linked to humerus fractures, exploring diagnosis and treatment options. Highlights include patient expectations surrounding nerve injuries and the importance of timely surgical interventions. The hosts reflect on their fellowship experiences, share stories of impressive applicants, and talk about exciting professional opportunities. The conversation also touches on the recovery process and the critical role of hand therapists in managing patient outcomes.

In this engaging discussion, Jim Chang, a renowned hand surgeon from Stanford University, shares insights from his leadership role in the upcoming IFSSH Triannual Meeting in Washington D.C. He emphasizes the importance of global reconstructive surgery and his work with Resurg International. Listeners learn about key principles for successful international outreach, including collaboration and creating lasting impacts. Jim also highlights his experiences from missions in places like China and Pakistan, underlining the value of training local surgeons to enhance healthcare accessibility.

Chuck and Chris are joined by Jeff Yao, a distinguished hand surgeon from Stanford with a knack for arthroscopy, and Jeff Friedrich, a plastic surgeon known for his work at the University of Washington and Seattle Children's. They dive into planning the International Federation for Societies for Surgery of the Hand meeting, likening it to the 'Olympics for hand surgeons.' The conversation also highlights innovative treatments for CMC arthritis, revealing exciting surgical techniques to enhance patient recovery.

The hosts dive into listener questions about CMC joints and TFCC pathology. They present insights on flexor pollicis longus (FPL) rupture, discussing innovative reconstruction techniques. There's a humorous exchange about winter weather and surgical experiences, blending lightheartedness with expert knowledge. The conversation also covers wrist pain management and the evolution of surgical practices, emphasizing the importance of tailored interventions. They share personal anecdotes linked to youth sports and the complexities faced in hand surgery.

Chuck and Chris dive into the complexities of thumb arthritis and the gold standard care, LRTI. They compare their techniques and discuss innovations in hand surgery. Personal stories about travel, productivity, and amusing notes on winter antics add a light touch. The duo evaluates post-surgical pain management challenges and explores the latest approaches to trapezium excision. Insights from clinical trials pave the way for future surgical practices, making it an engaging blend of humor and expertise.