The Upper Hand: Chuck & Chris Talk Hand Surgery

Sam Moghtaderi is a seasoned MD known for his expertise in WALANT surgery. He discusses the transformative impact of Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet on hand surgeries, sharing personal experiences and insights. Key topics include the importance of effective patient communication to reduce anxiety, logistical challenges of WALANT procedures, and the environmental and cost benefits of this innovative approach. Tune in for practical tips and a deep dive into optimizing workflows for improved patient care!

Delve into the intricacies of ulnar sided wrist pain and TFCC pathology. Learn about various surgical strategies, including arthroscopic repairs and ulnar shortening osteotomy. The hosts discuss the challenges of interpreting injection outcomes and the importance of accurate MRIs for diagnosis. They also highlight the dynamics of collaborative surgery and tease future topics related to chronic wrist conditions. Expect a mix of clinical insights and light-hearted banter!

Dive into the intriguing world of ulnar-sided wrist pain as experts unravel its complexities. Discover how a thorough history and physical examination guide accurate diagnoses. Learn about unique diagnostic techniques like the 'ice cream scoop maneuver' and the impact of imaging on identifying conditions. The discussion also sheds light on the balance between surgical and non-surgical treatments, showcasing the effectiveness of braces and the importance of follow-ups. It’s a blend of medical insights and relatable experiences that keeps you engaged!

Episode 20.  Chuck and Chris welcome Macyn Stonner, OTD, an amazing hand therapist with Milliken Hand Therapy in the Program of Occupational Therapy at Washington University.  We discuss the challenge of these injuries including our surgical preferences and spend more time with Macy discussing therapy.  Macy pulls back the curtain and shares her approach to treating these patients and working towards the best outcome.As always, thanks to @iampetermartin for the amazing introduction and conclusion music.theupperhandpodcast.wustl.edu

In Episode 19, Chuck and Chris discuss the diagnosis and assessment of thumb UCL injuries including the role of advanced imaging.  We then discuss our treatment approaches on the operative and nonoperative care including patient counseling.  We focus our operative discussion on the role of the classic repair techniques versus the use of suture tape.As always, thanks to @iampetermartin for the amazing introduction and conclusion music.theupperhandpodcast.wustl.edu

Episode 18.  Our third guest on the Upper Hand Podcast is Marybeth Ezaki, MD.  Dr. Ezaki is past President of the ASSH and remains the only female president of this organization.  She is a critical thinker in the field of congenital hand surgery and is a mentor to many surgeons who practice in this field.  She shares thoughts on women in surgery, dogma, and the evolution of hand surgery.  As always, thanks to @iampetermartin for the amazing introduction and conclusion music.theupperhandpodcast.wustl.edu

Episode 17.  Chuck and Chris discuss various dogma in hand surgery including topics such as cubital tunnel syndrome, metacarpal fractures, the development of wrist arthritis, etc.  Join us and weigh on via twitter or email on dogma topics in hand surgery.As always, thanks to @iampetermartin for the amazing introduction and conclusion music.theupperhandpodcast.wustl.edu

Episode 16: Chuck and Chris discuss patient centered care and decision aides in the context of thumb basal joint arthritis.  This episode also marks our Facebook Live debut for Washington University Orthopedics and the conversation reflects a bit more of a patient focused approach.  We also welcome the debut of a future podcast star- Chris' son Raffi!As always, thanks to @iampetermartin for the amazing introduction and conclusion music.theupperhandpodcast.wustl.edu

Episode 15.  Our second guest on the Upper Hand Podcast is the current President of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, Martin I. Boyer, MD.  In our conversation with Dr. Boyer, we learn about his plans for his presidential year, focused on fellow education.  We also learn about the response of the ASSH to COVID-19-  with a concerted and highly effective effort to provide timely information for the membership.As always, thanks to @iampetermartin for the amazing music.theupperhandpodcast.wustl.edu

Episode 15: Chuck and Chris review Chris' JBJS review on the hand surgery literature for 2019.  This is the second part of the discussion of scaphoid nonunions, the role of denervation, tendon, replantation, and a brief discussion of opioids. theupperhandpodcast.wustl.eduAs always, in these stressful times, I always recommend more @iampetermartin- jazz piano relaxation.