The Upper Hand: Chuck & Chris Talk Hand Surgery

Two hand surgeons share their experiences and insights from a recent ASSH meeting, highlighting advancements in nerve surgery and pain management. They detail the complexities and techniques of ulnar shortening osteotomy, emphasizing diagnostic methods and surgical precision. Personal anecdotes add depth to their discussions on patient outcomes and healing processes. The duo also reflects on inspiring moments from their fellowship program and plans for a future meeting, blending humor and professional wisdom throughout their dialogue.

The hosts tackle listener questions about recent topics like SL ligament surgery and rock climbing. They share humorous hiking stories while correcting anatomical faux pas. A deep dive into hand biomechanics reveals insights on surgical advances. Emotional connections patients have with surgical specimens are explored, along with the challenges of wrist injuries in athletes. The importance of proper technique in preventing climbing injuries is discussed, highlighting recovery protocols and patient education. Exciting plans for an upcoming conference add to the anticipation!

Dr. Sanj Kakar, an esteemed expert from the Mayo Clinic, joins the discussion on the complexities of the SL ligament. He shares his fascinating journey into hand surgery and the importance of mentorship in shaping a medical career. The conversation dives deep into diagnosing scapholunate injuries, emphasizing effective physical examination techniques. Sanj also highlights innovative surgical approaches for treating complete SL tears, stressing the need for meticulous planning to enhance patient outcomes.

Dr. Laura A. Sims, a hand surgery specialist and author of a pivotal study on climbing injuries, joins the discussion on the frequent hand and wrist issues faced by rock climbers. The conversation explores the evolution of climbing's popularity and dives deep into common injuries like pulley ruptures. Dr. Sims provides insights on diagnostic techniques and the vital role of proper treatment, emphasizing the complexities of flexor tendon repairs. Listeners gain a wealth of knowledge about prevention and care for hand injuries in the climbing community.

Discover essential advice for graduating hand surgery fellows, focusing on collaboration and mentorship in the medical field. Explore the intricacies of using spanning plates for distal radius fractures, balancing personalized approaches with the right tools. Learn about the hosts' wellness routines and amusing workout tales, alongside intriguing insights from urban and rural trauma cases. Plus, enjoy lighthearted banter about a new surgical product launch that blends humor with critical information on nerve and tendon repair.

In this podcast, Chuck and Chris discuss FDP tendon avulsions, repair options, and whether the FDP should always be repaired in the presence of an intact FDS. They talk about using Carroll Tendon Pulling Forceps and Tendon Weavers for surgery, post-operative therapy, and the challenges of balancing quantity and quality in surgical scheduling.

Steve Frick, a renowned leader in pediatric orthopedic surgery, discusses his leadership journey and principles. He highlights the importance of teamwork, goal-setting, and succession planning. Steve shares his transition from Stanford to Atrium Health/OrthoCarolina, emphasizing courage in seizing leadership opportunities in orthopedics.

Chuck and Chris discuss various hand surgery topics like wrist and hand arthritis, fractures, pediatric injuries, and advancements in surgical techniques. They also explore the use of steroids for pain management and reducing opioid use in distal radius fractures.

Deb Bohn, author of the 2024 JBJS 'What's New in Hand Surgery', discusses trigger finger and carpal tunnel release. Key topics include optimal corticosteroid dosage, day-by-day symptom relief, differential pulley release, patient perceived outcomes, postoperative complications, and infection risks in trigger finger release surgery.

Chuck, a dedicated orthopedic surgeon, recently completed a mission trip with World Pediatrics. He shares his experiences providing care for pediatric patients in challenging conditions, highlighting the importance of education and sustainable healthcare. The discussion also covers complex cases, including the diagnosis and treatment of phalanx enchondromas, revealing the nuances of patient-centered approaches. Listeners will gain insight into the realities of surgery on the frontlines and the intricacies of managing benign tumors in a clinical setting.