The Upper Hand: Chuck & Chris Talk Hand Surgery

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

Chuck and Chris discuss Chuck's executive MBA program, then dive into the technical aspects of the 'spaghetti wrist' laceration. They also touch on the treatment of perilunate dislocation, tendon and nerve surgery, and therapy process for finger range of motion.

Dr. Marschall Berkes, Chief of Orthopaedic Trauma at Washington University Orthopedics, joins Chuck and Chris to discuss clavicle fractures. Topics include nerve cases and the use of adjacent tissue, radiographic evaluation and treatment options for clavicle fractures, surgical approach and considerations for nerves, fixation methods, and releasing a high school football player with a clavicle fracture.

The hosts share insights from the Hand Society meeting in Toronto, highlighting community and collaboration in hand surgery. They dive into a pediatric case involving an elbow deformity, discussing treatment complexities and surgical techniques with precision. Transparency in sponsorships is emphasized as vital for authentic medical conversations. Personal anecdotes from the Young Surgeon Bootcamp showcase the camaraderie and learning opportunities among rising surgeons. To top it off, they share fun details about the Drake concert in Toronto!

Chuck and Chris discuss studies on thumb CMC arthritis treatment, endoscopic vs. open carpal tunnel release surgeries, and conduits vs. decellularized nerve allografts for digital nerve repairs. They share concerns about over-distracting in arthritis treatment and discuss the implications of higher revision rates in endoscopic surgeries. They also emphasize the importance of honest reporting in medical studies.