
The Upper Hand: Chuck & Chris Talk Hand Surgery
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.
Latest episodes

8 snips
Nov 3, 2024 • 40min
Bennett Fractures, Rolando Fractures, and Guest Lecturer Sam!
The hosts dive into the complexities of Bennett and Rolando fractures, offering insights on treatment options and the surgical techniques needed for proper management. They explore intriguing case studies from college football players, blending humor with medical discussions. The conversation also touches on ulnar shortening osteotomy and TFCC debridement, highlighting their effectiveness for wrist issues. Personal anecdotes add a light-hearted twist, making complex orthopedic topics accessible and engaging.

10 snips
Oct 20, 2024 • 31min
Considerations on the Darrach Procedure
Discover the intricacies of the Darrach procedure and its alternatives, as Chuck and Chris dive into the technical aspects of hand surgery. Hear personal anecdotes from the vibrant ASHT Conference, highlighting the spirit of camaraderie in the hand surgery community. They explore unique patient cases and emphasize the critical role of patient counseling and rehabilitation. Additionally, listeners gain insights into postoperative care strategies, balancing movement with immobilization for optimal recovery.

Oct 6, 2024 • 35min
The Business of Hand Surgery
Dive into the fascinating world of hand surgery and its business aspects. Discover the unique challenges faced by hand surgeons balancing medicine with practice management. Hear about the evolution of a popular podcast, shaped by the shift to remote interactions during the pandemic. The importance of mentorship and leadership in the medical community takes center stage, highlighting personal and professional growth. Strategies for engaging younger audiences and expanding community reach are discussed, showcasing modern approaches to medical communication.

18 snips
Sep 22, 2024 • 42min
Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy
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.

Sep 8, 2024 • 42min
Mailbag and Hand Society Preview
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!

8 snips
Aug 25, 2024 • 47min
The SL Ligament with Sanj Kakar
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.

Aug 11, 2024 • 39min
Hand Injuries in Rock Climbing
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.

18 snips
Jul 28, 2024 • 46min
Advice for Graduating Fellows and Spanning Plates
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.

Jul 14, 2024 • 41min
Flexor Tendon Avulsion
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.

Jun 30, 2024 • 29min
The Leadership Journey with Steve Frick
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.