

The Upper Hand: Chuck & Chris Talk Hand Surgery
Chuck and Chris
The Upper Hand Podcast feature Charles Goldfarb and Chris Dy from Washington University Department of Orthopedic Surgery. Our weekly podcast will discuss all things hand surgery, from the technical aspects of what we do (diagnosis, treatment) to our more personal approaches to events and opportunities that hand surgeons experience. We welcome feedback and audience engagement. We are grateful for the muscial contribution of @iamPeterMartin.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 14, 2025 • 42min
Tennis Elbow with Macy Stonner
Chuck and Chris are joined by podcast regular Macy Stonner to discuss tennis elbow. Macy shares therapy perspectives on 'LET'. We also hear about about therapy for free functioning muscle transfers.We are in need of a podcast intern! We would appreciate any referrals!See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities.The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative solutions for peripheral serve surgery. To learn more, visit https://checkpointsurgical.com/.As 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

5 snips
Aug 31, 2025 • 41min
Pearls and Challenges: Carpal tunnel, practice efficiencies, and the ulnar wrist
Dive into the complexities of treating the ulnar wrist and managing carpal tunnel with practical pearls shared by listeners. Discover effective techniques for ECU tendonitis and wrist assessments, along with the importance of thorough patient preparation and surgical scheduling. The hosts share a humorous take on unexpected alarms and highlight community feedback that shapes their conversations. Tune in for surgical insights and tips, including innovative uses of tools for better outcomes.

10 snips
Aug 17, 2025 • 40min
Handling Referrals Plus Tips and Tricks for Common Surgeries
The hosts dive into effective management of patient referrals, highlighting the importance of strong physician communication. They share essential tips for common surgical procedures like carpal tunnel release and trigger finger release. Recent innovations in peripheral nerve surgery are explored, along with challenges in obtaining federal funding. Personal anecdotes about navigating referrals and ensuring patient comfort are also shared, making this a vital resource for medical professionals and enthusiasts alike.

8 snips
Aug 3, 2025 • 43min
AIN Palsy and Advice for New Fellowship Grads
The hosts celebrate fellowship graduations with memorable anecdotes and practical advice for new graduates entering medical practice. They explore the integration of artificial intelligence in clinical settings, sharing insights on its potential benefits. A case of AIN palsy highlights the challenges of post-surgical complications and patient-centered care. Light-hearted banter creates a relaxed atmosphere, while discussions on surgical techniques and early practice complexities offer valuable guidance for aspiring hand surgeons.

11 snips
Jul 20, 2025 • 38min
Are the 'simple' diagnoses in hand surgery really that simple?
Dive into the world of hand surgery where hosts tackle the complexities behind seemingly 'simple' diagnoses like mucous and ganglion cysts. They reveal a divergence in treatment opinions, highlighting the need for dialogue and exploration in clinical practices. Listeners are engaged with personal anecdotes and exciting giveaways, enhancing community bonds. The conversation extends to the intricacies of procedures, the emotional challenges faced, and the essential balance between professional growth and self-care. Tune in for valuable insights and a fresh perspective!

5 snips
Jul 6, 2025 • 43min
The Carpal Bones, More Fun Than You Think
Dive into the fascinating world of carpal bones, where each bone’s role is more intriguing than you might think! Discover the complexities of the trapezoid and its hidden challenges in hand surgery. Listen as the hosts share humorous anecdotes while discussing surgical insights into tricky wrist injuries. From exploring effective treatments for hook of the hamate fractures to the significance of dart thrower motion in rehab, this podcast blends lighthearted banter with expert advice on hand surgery.

Jun 22, 2025 • 33min
Chuck and Chris Talk Distal Biceps Ruptures
The hosts dive into the intriguing world of distal biceps ruptures, sharing a fascinating case study of a physician's injury. They discuss diagnostic challenges like the infamous 'Popeye sign' and explore various surgical techniques, favoring the one incision method for its advantages. Personal anecdotes and humorous reflections on balancing life and work add a relatable touch. Listeners are encouraged to participate in a feedback survey while the hosts reflect on their recent experiences at a resident graduation.

Jun 8, 2025 • 43min
CMCs, OCDs, and Leadership
Chuck shares a fascinating case of elbow osteochondritis dissecans and the latest treatment techniques. The hosts tackle listener questions on thumb CMC arthritis in young patients, discussing management strategies and research challenges. They dive into insights from a Harvard Business Review article on leadership, highlighting the difference between technical and adaptive challenges. Finally, they explore the evolving landscape of healthcare leadership, emphasizing the importance of engaging staff and fostering innovation in response to modern pressures.

11 snips
May 25, 2025 • 39min
Nerve Conference, B-School, and Complex CMC Arthritis
The hosts dive into themes from a nerve conference, sharing insights on improving brachial plexus care. They discuss personal reflections from their recent business school journey and how AI is reshaping education. The integration of robotics in hand surgery is explored, alongside an analysis of the Checkpoint Edge Nerve Cutting Kit. Complex CMC arthritis cases are tackled, highlighting techniques and the importance of training residents with the latest methods. The balance between technology and hands-on skills takes center stage in this engaging conversation.

May 11, 2025 • 31min
Favorite and Not-So-Favorite Surgeries
The hosts delve into their most and least favorite surgeries, sharing personal anecdotes and humorous reflections. They discuss techniques such as LRTI and carpal tunnel surgeries, highlighting the importance of surgical skills and patient outcomes. A deeper dive reveals the emotional challenges of revision surgeries and the camaraderie in medical training. Listener engagement is encouraged as they explore the intricacies of hand surgery, emphasizing tailored postoperative care and sharing insights on navigating the surgical landscape.