

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

Mar 24, 2024 • 47min
Finger Fractures
The hosts tackle listener-submitted questions about finger fractures and dive into the intricacies of using Kirshner wires for treatment. They discuss the unique challenges of metacarpal and proximal phalangeal fractures, emphasizing advanced fixation techniques. Personal anecdotes bring humor and depth as they reflect on their experiences in surgery and patient interactions. The conversation also highlights the importance of managing pain in hand surgery and the evolving strategies for rehabilitation and recovery.

Mar 10, 2024 • 39min
What can hand specialists learn from a total joint surgeon?
Chuck and Chris welcome Ryan Nunley to the Podcast. Ryan is a total joint surgeon who has an amazingly busy clinical practice. We discuss practice efficiency, handling VIPs, and share updates on computer navigation and robotic surgery. There is so much we can learn!Subscribe to our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3iHGFpDSee www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities.See https://checkpointsurgical.com or www.nervemaster.com for information about the company and its products as well as good general information about nerve pathology. Please complete our Survey: bit.ly/3X0Gq89As always, thanks to @iampetermartin for the amazing introduction and conclusion music.Complete podcast catalog at theupperhandpodcast.wustl.edu.

Feb 25, 2024 • 38min
Executive Presence- What does it mean and why is it important in 2024?
Chuck and Chris discuss patients with dupuytrens disease (in office and in the OR) including our protocols for care after formal surgery. We also discuss some challenges with needle procedures in the office. We touch on our trial of AI for clinic note generation and look forward to listener comments. And finally, we touch on leadership with a deep dive on the HBR article: The New Rules of Executive Presence by Sylvia Ann Hewlett. This article compares leadership criteria from 2012 to 2022 and the differences in priorities are great discussion points.Subscribe to our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3iHGFpDSee www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities.See https://checkpointsurgical.com or www.nervemaster.com for information about the company and its products as well as good general information about nerve pathology. Please complete our Survey: bit.ly/3X0Gq89As always, thanks to @iampetermartin for the amazing introduction and conclusion music.Complete podcast catalog at theupperhandpodcast.wustl.edu.

6 snips
Feb 11, 2024 • 34min
Volar Approach to the Scaphoid: Technical considerations
The hosts dive into the intricacies of treating scaphoid non-unions through the volar approach. They share innovative techniques and discuss challenges like k-wire fixation and previous surgical complications. Personal anecdotes about patient positioning and surgical experiences add humor and authenticity. Exciting advancements in managing acute nerve injuries are also highlighted, showcasing the importance of education in the field. Their camaraderie makes for an engaging and informative conversation on hand surgery.

16 snips
Jan 28, 2024 • 43min
Listener Mailbag: CMC and UNT
Listeners dive into the technicalities of CMC arthroplasty with suture tape suspension and explore the nuances of subcutaneous versus submuscular ulnar nerve transposition. The hosts share personal stories about dressing for formal medical events and hilarious moments navigating winter storms. They discuss the challenges of triaging surgical cases, advancements in CMC surgery techniques, and the significance of patient outcomes. The episode wraps up with insights from cubital tunnel surgery, emphasizing the impact of patient demographics on surgical success.

Jan 7, 2024 • 43min
Technical Considerations in the treatment of Kienbocks
The hosts dive deep into Kienbock's disease, exploring patient evaluation and surgical strategies. They discuss unique approaches like radius shortening and vascularized bone flaps. The conversation includes the challenges of diagnostic imaging and treatment efficacy. Surgical confidence is highlighted as crucial for successful outcomes, along with the importance of patient engagement during recovery. Their reflections on personal journeys and podcast milestones serve as an engaging backdrop to the technical insights.

Dec 31, 2023 • 56min
Positive Energy, Cases, and End of Year Discussion
Emma Seppala, an expert in positive energy in leadership, and Kim Cameron, a scholar in organizational culture, dive into the transformative power of positivity in this insightful discussion. They explore how positive energy can enhance team dynamics and workplace morale. The duo also shares recent experiences, including a case study on wrist pain management and the challenges of balancing professional and personal commitments. With practical strategies for fostering collaboration, this conversation is a refreshing take on leadership and motivation.

Dec 24, 2023 • 45min
The Story of Sterling Bunnell
Tony Smith, a hand surgery history researcher, and Steve McCabe, co-author of a biography on Sterling Bunnell, dive deep into the legacy of this pioneering figure in hand surgery. They discuss the founding of the Hand Society and reveal fascinating insights from their extensive research journey. The pair share personal anecdotes highlighting Bunnell's influence on surgical techniques and the evolution of hand care. They also touch on the importance of mentorship in the field, showcasing how historical context shapes modern practices.

Dec 10, 2023 • 40min
Medial Epicondyle Fractures- considerations in challenging outcomes
Chuck and Chris discuss the adolescent medial epicondyle fracture and a group of patients with a challenging outcome. This deep dive into the pathology and the technical considerations for treatment help us better understand the fracture, the relationship of the ulnar nerve, and moreSubscribe to our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3iHGFpDSee www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities.See https://checkpointsurgical.com or www.nervemaster.com for information about the company and its products as well as good general information about nerve pathology. Please complete our Survey: bit.ly/3X0Gq89As always, thanks to @iampetermartin for the amazing introduction and conclusion music.Complete podcast catalog at theupperhandpodcast.wustl.edu.

Nov 26, 2023 • 40min
Patient Conversations: What to say and not say
Don Lalonde, a leader in effective patient communication, joins to discuss vital strategies for conversing with patients in the context of hand surgery. He emphasizes the importance of open-ended questions and positive reinforcement for fostering patient confidence during recovery. Challenges around managing recovery expectations and the significance of clear, supportive dialogue are key highlights. The conversation also touches on the importance of personal relationships in medical practice and the evolving norms of professionalism in healthcare.