A Commitment to Research

The Hand Center has been actively involved in research for over thirty years, with numerous presentations worldwide and publications in professional journals, authored by our surgeons and hand therapists. Highlights include the following:

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

  • Checkrein Resection for Flexion Contracture of the Proximal Interphalangeal (PIP) Joint

  • Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

  • Degenerative Arthritis of the Thumb Carpometacarpal (CMC) Joint

  • Dupuytren’s Contracture

  • Nerve Transfers

  • Saddle Deformity (Post-Traumatic Interosseous-Lumbrical Adhesions)

  • Supernumerary Muscle Belly Syndrome

  • Volar Plate Arthroplasty

Wrist Surgery

The Hand Center is known worldwide for its pioneering work related to the development of surgical procedures for the wrist secondary to trauma or arthritis. Publications include the following topics:

  • Carpal Boss

  • Dorsal Wrist Syndrome

  • Limited Wrist Arthrodesis

  • Matched Ulna Arthroplasty

  • Modified Arthroplasty of the Distal Radioulnar Joint

  • Rheumatoid Wrist – Therapeutic and Surgical Management

  • TILT (Triquetral Impingement Ligament Tear)

Stress Loading for the Treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

(Also known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy or RSD)

The Stress Loading Program, developed and researched by H. Kirk Watson, MD and Lois Carlson, OTR/L, CHT, targets resolution of this abnormal neurovascular response to trauma. The Dystrophile (exerciser) was developed to help quantify the load and improve compliance with therapy to treat this problem.