The Upper Hand: Chuck & Chris Talk Hand Surgery
by 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
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JHS Spotlight Guest: Jim Higgins
Chuck and Chris welcome guest Jim Higgins to discuss a JHS Spotlight article: Innovator’s Corner: Vascularized Bone Flaps for Carpal Reconstruction— Challenging Dogma from the Sept 2026 Journal of Hand Surgery. While the article shares technical tips and pearls, as well as drawings for carpal...
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Hand and Wrist: Bumps Part 2
Chuck and Chris address additional hand lumps and bumps in this part 2 episode. We discuss pathologies like nerve sheath tumor, giant cell tumor of tendon sheath, and many more. We learned of our Feedspot ranking amongst all of the orthopedic podcasts: we rank #3 out of the top 60 just behind...
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Hand and Wrist: Bumps Part 1
Chuck and Chris tackle hand and wrist bumps, starting with some basic discussion in part 1 and then will proceed to more challenging pathologies in the next episode. See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities. The Upper Hand...
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Live in Boston at the ASSH Annual Meeting
Chuck and Chris host a live podcast at the ASSH Annual Meeting in Boston. Special guest Greg Merrell discusses new initiatives at the Journal of Hand Surgery to kick things off. We discussed meeting highlights with audience members, hit on several controversies, reviewed the Touch Prosthesis for...
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Difficult Phalanx Fractures
Chuck and Chris briefly review challenges with the US healthcare system but spend most of the episode discussing difficult hand fracture cases. Meyer ZI, Goldfarb CA, Calfee RP, Wall LB. The Central Slip Fracture: Results of Operative Treatment of Volar Fracture Subluxations/Dislocations of the...
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Tips for Success: new attendings and new fellows
Chuck and Chris share thoughts and tips for success for new attendings and new fellows. Things such as the 3 A's and the 3 E's (tune in for this new one) and many other pearls. See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities. The...
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JHS Spotlight, Summer 2026
Chuck and Chris review 6 recent Journal of Hand Surgery articles with a variety of topics. Tune in and see below. 1) Arends GR, van Kooij YE, Stern BZ, Hovius SER, Wouters RM; Hand-Wrist Study Group; de Ridder WA. Understanding Why Certain Patients With Hand and Wrist Conditions Are Dissatisfied...
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CMS, EDS, and ABOS
Chuck and Chris have a potpourri of topics including CMS proposed changes for 2027 (not good for hand surgery), cases, and two listener submitted topics: board preparation and caring for patients with ligamentous laxity/ Ehlers Danlos. Chuck references Christian Pean's Substack called 'Techy...
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Practice Types and Private Equity: A discussion with Kathleen McKeon
Chuck and Chris welcome Kathleen McKeon as our guest to discuss practice types, including: academic private PE-backed private an employed positions Dr. McKeon has personal experience with PE and shares insights for us all to consider. We also learn a bit about her personal journey joining a...
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Sustainability in Surgery and Other Pearls of Wisdom with Mark Baratz
Chuck and Chris welcome Mark Baratz as our guest to talk about a number of topics, including sustainability and surgery, book club, culture, and so much more. Join us for pearls of wisdom from Mark Baratz and learn alongside of us. See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from…
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Chuck and Chris discuss JBJS What's New in Hand Surgery
Chuck and Chris catch up and discuss the new JBJS 'What's New in Hand Surgery', written by Eric Wagner and Nina Suh. This takes us through 2025 and highlights new and impactful scientific articles on our field. Wagner ER, Suh N. What's New in Hand and Wrist Surgery. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2026 Mar...
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Arcade of Struthers and Forearm Instability
Chuck and Chris catch up and discuss a few clinical scenarios including the Arcade of Struthers and indications to address it with ulnar nerve transposition. They also discuss adolescent forearm instability, especially in congenital conditions, and the role of the one- bone forearm We are still...
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Pronator Syndrome and JHS Spotlight Manuscripts
Chuck and Chris continue the initiative working with The Journal of Hand Surgery on a quarterly journal club. Nash and Macerena choose the articles from the previous quarter and Chris and Chuck review the articles and discuss practical implications. See articles below. In addition, we discuss a...
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Cases and Mailbag
Chuck and Chris catch up on recent travels including the Pediatric Hand Study Group meeting in Atlanta. We discuss a few cases including a 5th CMC fracture dislocation, a 5+ year old scaphoid nonunion, a nightstick fracture, and more. We also respond to listener submitted questions including 4th...
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Practical AI in Medicine with Jason Strelzow
Chuck and Chris welcome Jason Strelzow to discuss AI in general, applications in medicine (including ambient listening), and his favorite chatbot. Dr. Strelzow is a hand surgeon with a trauma focus at Wash U and is the JBJS AI Associate Editor. We are in need of a podcast intern! We would...
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Artemis II and Being the Best Resident
Chuck and Chris spent a few minutes discussing Artemis II. So many interesting discussion points from this mission around the moon- we focus on selection criteria for competitive jobs (like astronauts and orthopedic residents)! In addition, we hit the highlights from Rick Wright's visit as a...
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Volar Plating for Distal Radius Fractures
Chuck and Chris discuss volar plating for distal radius fractures. What are the alternatives, what are some technical pearls, and more. We are in need of a podcast intern! We would appreciate any referrals! See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search...
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Interesting Travels and Listener Feedback
Chuck and Chris share interesting information about Chuck's trip to India for the World Congenital Symposium and Chris' visit to the Curtis National Hand Center as a Visiting Professor. Then they discuss a listener's concern about their discussion of operating room efficiency/ Chuck's trip to...
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JHS Spotlight, Part 2: Age and Nerves, Epitendinous Repair, and Weight bearing CT / SLIL
Chuck and Chris begin a new initiative working with The Journal of Hand Surgery on a quarterly journal club. Nash and Macerena will choose the articles from the previous quarter and Chris and Chuck will review the articles and discuss practical implications. This first episode includes discussion...
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JHS Spotlight, Part 1: Basal joint arthritis, telemedicine, and GLPs
Chuck and Chris begin a new initiative working with The Journal of Hand Surgery on a quarterly journal club. Nash and Macerena will choose the articles from the previous quarter and Chris and Chuck will review the articles and discuss practical implications. This first episode includes discussion...
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Challenges with "Simple" Procedures in Hand Surgery
Chuck and Chris review common, "straightforward" surgeries in hand surgery and what might go wrong. We specifically discuss trigger finger release, dequervains release, ganglion excision and carpal tunnel release. We share our thoughts and hope for listener feedback. We are in need of a podcast...
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Technical considerations: Ulnar Nerve and Thumb Ulnar Collateral Ligament
Chuck and Chris respond to listener submitted questions regarding cubital tunnel decompression and ulnar nerve transposition. We also discuss some nuanced cases of thumb UCL injuries. We are in need of a podcast intern! We would appreciate any referrals! See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for...
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Revision Surgery for Carpal Tunnel and Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Chris Dy on The Resident Review Podcast
Chris goes solo on this one as we share his guest podcast appearance on "The Resident Review Podcast." The Second Look: Navigating Revision Surgery for Carpal and Cubital Tunnel Syndromes Revision surgery for nerve compression in the upper extremity presents unique challenges. While primary...
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Elbow Arthroscopy Tips and Tricks
Chuck and Chris discuss tricks and tips for elbow arthroscopy, a listener submitted topic. Learn more about indications, portal placement, and keys to success. We are in need of a podcast intern! We would appreciate any referrals! See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from…
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Clinic Efficiency and a Surgical Approach for Radial Tunnel Syndrome
Chuck and Chris discuss tips for an efficient clinic and review a surgical approach for radial tunnel syndrome and pronator syndrome treatment. We are in need of a podcast intern! We would appreciate any referrals! See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job...
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Guyons Canal Decompression: Indications and Technique
Chuck and Chris discuss Guyons Canal release indications and technical pearls along with treatment of hook of the hamate fractures. Also, Chris and Macy's book is available: https://www.amazon.com/Rehabilitation-Nerve-Transfers-Upper-Extremity/dp/3031920074 We are in need of a podcast intern! We...
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Thought Leadership in 2025
Chuck and Chris had fun with this episode as we discuss listener comments, highlight an interesting elbow case, and take a deep dive on thought leadership based on a great piece written by Benjamin Schwartz. https://resources.nejmcareercenter.org/article/thought-leadership-101-getting-started/...
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Local Only Hand Surgery, Pearls and Challenges
Chuck and Chris discuss their approach to local only surgery include some basic pearls, building on previous episodes. They also discuss some local challenges including insurance companies. We are in need of a podcast intern! We would appreciate any referrals! See…
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ASSH Annual Meeting in Vancouver Live Podcast
Chuck and Chris host a live podcast in Vancouver at the ASSH Annual Meeting. Listen in for some fun and lively discussion about topics pertinent to all including dupuytrens, distal radius fractures and more! We are in need of a podcast intern! We would appreciate any referrals! See...
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ASSH Annual Meeting Preview with Meeting Chairs Lindley Wall and Carl Harper
Chuck and Chris are joined by the co-chairs of the ASSH Annual Meeting, Lindley Wall and Carl Harper. They share insights on ALL of the exciting plans for the robust annual meeting in Vancouver. Join us and get excited about the. meeting with a few insider tips. We mention a new book about…
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Tennis Elbow with Macy Stonner
Chuck and Chris are joined by podcast regular Macy Stonner to discuss tennis elbow. Macy shares therapy perspectives on 'LET'. We also hear about about therapy for free functioning muscle transfers. We are in need of a podcast intern! We would appreciate any referrals! See...
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Pearls and Challenges: Carpal tunnel, practice efficiencies, and the ulnar wrist
Chuck and Chris discuss the ulnar wrist, some listener submitted pearls on carpal tunnel release and close with a discussion of practical tips for an efficient practice. Join us to hear our thoughts and always feel free to share yours at [email protected] We mentioned this article as a key...
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Handling Referrals Plus Tips and Tricks for Common Surgeries
Chuck and Chris discuss a listener submitted query around handling referrals. We also discuss our tips and tricks around common surgeries including carpal tunnel release, trigger ringer release, and ganglion excxision. Join us to hear our opinions and always feel free to share yours at...
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AIN Palsy and Advice for New Fellowship Grads
Chuck and Chris discuss fellowship graduation, a case of AIN palsy, and advice for new fellowship graduates as the establish their practices. Join us to hear our opinions and always feel free to share yours at [email protected] We are in need of a podcast intern! We would appreciate any...
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Are the 'simple' diagnoses in hand surgery really that simple?
Chuck and Chris discuss "simple" diagnoses that may be overlooked in residency and fellowship training. Diagnoses like mucous cysts, ganglion cysts, and carpal boss. We definitely do not agree on management on many of these. Join us to hear our opinions and always feel free to share yours at...
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The Carpal Bones, More Fun Than You Think
Chuck and Chris discuss their thoughts/ the relevance of each of the carpal bones and we promise this episode is more fun that you may think. We discuss how we think about each bone, the pathology associated and the interventions we consider. Thanks to all those who have taken our survey. For…
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Chuck and Chris Talk Distal Biceps Ruptures
Chuck and Chris discuss a new topic- distal biceps rutpures. This is one of Chuck's favorite procedures but a little out of the day to day for Chris. We discuss anatomy and treatment options including surgical technique. Thanks to all those who have taken the survey. For those who have not…
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CMCs, OCDs, and Leadership
Chuck and Chris discuss a number of stimulating topics. First up, Chuck shares a case of a large elbow osteochondritis dissecans lesion and the latest in treatment techniques. Next we discuss a listener submitted question on CMC pain in a young patient. And finally, we discuss an HBR article on...
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Nerve Conference, B-School, and Complex CMC Arthritis
Chuck and Chris catch up on nerve conferences, business school, and review a difficult CMC arthritis case. Join us! Please complete our survey: https://bit.ly/3iHGFpD See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities. The Upper Hand...
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Favorite and Not-So-Favorite Surgeries
Chuck and Chris discuss a few of their favorite surgeries and some that are not so favorite right now. We invite you to share your favorites and any tips or tricks that you value. Please complete our survey: https://bit.ly/3iHGFpD See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from…
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What's New in Hand Surgery, 2025 Part 2
Chuck and Chris discuss the new JBJS article, What's New in Hand Surgery, written by Drs Wager and Suh. Lots of great content in Part 2 on many topics including distal radius fracture, nerve injury, arthroscopy, arthroplasty and so much more. Citation Wager ER and Su N. What's New in Hand and…
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Whats New in Hand Surgery, 2025
Chuck and Chris discuss the new JBJS article, What's New in Hand Surgery, written by Drs Wager and Suh. Lots of great content in Part 1 on many topics including scaphoid fractures, SL injuries, and nerve compression. Citations Wager ER and Su N. What's New in Hand and Wrist Surgery. JBJS 2025;...
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IFSSH Day 5, Friday March 28th, 2025
Chuck and Wee Lam preview Friday, Day 5 of the IFSSH. This is the final day but there is plenty of content. Chuck and Wee also recap the meeting and highlight the 2028 IFSSH Meeting in Singapore! Please complete our survey: https://bit.ly/3iHGFpD The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint...
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IFSSH Day 4, Thursday March 27th, 2025
Chuck and Wee Lam preview Wednesday, Day 4 of the IFSSH, filled with Symposia and Instructional Courses as well as special events including the Swanson Lecture with Pioneer Fu-Chan Wei and the Gala at the National Portrait Gallery Thursday evening. Please complete our survey…
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IFSSH Day 3, Wednesday March 26, 2025
Chuck and Wee Lam preview Wednesday, Day 3 of the IFSSH, filled with Symposia and Instructional Courses as well as special events including a Therapist Keynote Speaker: The Innovator in You and the Surgeon Presidential Guest Lecturer, Tony Smith, speaking on his quest to learn more about Sterling...
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IFSSH Day 2, Tuesday March 25 2025
Chuck and Wee Lam preview Tuesday, Day 2 of the IFSSH, filled with Symposia and Instructional Courses as well as special events including the Therapist Opening Ceremony and a Therapist Keynote Lecture: Rowing Solo Across the Atlantic Ocean... Use the App and plan your day carefully because there…
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IFSSH Day 1, Monday March 24 2025
Chuck and Wee Lam preview the IFSSH beginning with Day 1, filled with Precourses and ending with the Opening Ceremonies and Welcome Reception. There are amazing learning opportunities with the Precourses covering all aspects of hand surgery with an international list of remarkable speakers! Come...
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Humerus Fracture with Radial Nerve Palsy, Part 1
Chuck and Chris discuss a radial nerve palsy associated with a humerus fracture. We discuss diagnosis, examination, and preliminary treatment options. Part 2 will follow after the IFSSH meeting. We also discuss upcoming, IFSSH- related episodes. Some citations 1: Lieberdorfer A, Shivakumar N,...
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Global Hand Surgery with Guest Jim Chang
Chuck and Chris welcome Jim Chang from Stanford University for a deep dive on two really amazing topics. First, we discuss Jim's leadership of the IFSSH Triannual Meeting in Washington DC March 24-28. And second, we discuss global reconstructive surgery and Jim's work in this area, specifically...
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IFSSH Preview with Guests Jeff Yao and Jeff Friedrich
Chuck and Chris welcome Jeff Yao and Jeff Friedrich to preview the IFSSH. We have a fantastic, wide ranging discussion about this leading, triannual meeting of surgeons and therapists. We follow up that with a discussion of Jeff and Jeff's preferences for treatment of CMC arthritis. Please…
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About this show
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.
Hosted by
Chuck and Chris