Question 1

What does a Hand & Upper Extremity orthopaedic surgeon do?

Accepted Answer

A Hand & Upper Extremity orthopaedic surgeon is a Orthopaedics physician with focused training in the surgical and non-surgical care of conditions affecting the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. After completing Orthopaedics residency, they pursue additional fellowship training so they can manage cases that fall outside what a general orthopaedic surgeon typically handles day to day.

Question 2

What conditions does a Hand & Upper Extremity orthopaedic surgeon treat?

Accepted Answer

A Hand & Upper Extremity orthopaedic surgeon commonly treats carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, Dupuytren's contracture, wrist fractures, tendon and nerve injuries, and thumb arthritis. Many also see closely related conditions within Orthopaedics, particularly when a case is complex, atypical, or has not responded to first-line care from a general orthopaedic surgeon.

Question 3

When should I see a Hand & Upper Extremity orthopaedic surgeon?

Accepted Answer

Consider seeing a Hand & Upper Extremity orthopaedic surgeon when you have hand, wrist, or upper-extremity pain or dysfunction that has not improved with initial treatment, when a primary care clinician or general orthopaedic surgeon suggests a focused evaluation, or when you want a second opinion from a physician whose practice is concentrated on this exact area. Patients often reach a Hand & Upper Extremity orthopaedic surgeon through referral, but you can also seek one directly.

Question 4

How is a Hand & Upper Extremity orthopaedic surgeon different from a general orthopaedic surgeon?

Accepted Answer

Both are board-eligible orthopaedic surgeons, but a Hand & Upper Extremity orthopaedic surgeon has additional fellowship training and a practice that focuses on the surgical and non-surgical care of conditions affecting the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. General orthopaedic surgeons treat a broad range of Orthopaedics concerns; Hand & Upper Extremity orthopaedic surgeons concentrate on the harder or more specific cases within that range, and tend to see a higher volume of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, Dupuytren's contracture, wrist fractures, tendon and nerve injuries, and thumb arthritis.

Question 5

How does Convene match me with a top Hand & Upper Extremity orthopaedic surgeon?

Accepted Answer

Convene Health evaluates orthopaedic surgeons on peer recognition, clinical leadership, published research, institutional affiliations, and patient feedback. When you complete an intake, our care team reviews your history and matches you with a vetted Hand & Upper Extremity orthopaedic surgeon whose focus aligns with your case. Membership covers priority appointment coordination; the match itself is free.

Best Hand & Upper Extremity specialists in California

Amy Ladd, MD

Emilie Cheung, MD

Prosper Benhaim, MD

Kodi Azari, MD, FACS

Ryan Dellamaggiora, M.D.

William Green, M.D.

Neil Jones, MD

David Auerbach, M.D.

Eric Freedman, M.D.

Reid Abrams, MD

Kalpit Shah, MD

Mathias Masem, M.D.

Michael Galvez, MD

M Modabber, M.D.

Nicholas Halikis, M.D.

Navid Ghalambor, M.D.

David Hay, M.D.

Daniel Birkbeck, MD

George Balfour, M.D.

Stuart Kuschner, MD

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