The Upper Hand: Chuck & Chris Talk Hand Surgery
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.
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 Orthobullets and Nailed It Podcast! Amazing and thank you for your continued support!
See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities.
The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative s...
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 Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative solutions for peripheral serve surgery. To learn more, visit https://checkpointsurgical.com/.
As always, thanks to @iampetermartin for the amazing introduction and concluding music.
For additional links, the catalog. Please see https://www.o...
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 CMC, and so much more! We apologize for the audio quality being subpar.
See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities.
The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative solutions for per...
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 Proximal Interphalangeal Joint. J Hand Surg Am. 2017 Jul;42(7):572.e1-572.e6. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2017.03.030. Epub 2017 May 3. PMID: 28476538; PMCID: PMC5510930.
See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities.
The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of...
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 Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative solutions for peripheral serve surgery. To learn more, visit https://checkpointsurgical.com/.
As always, thanks to @iampetermartin for the amazing introduction and concluding music.
For additional links, the c...
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 Despite Achieving Their Expressed Personal Improvement Goals Anchored at Satisfaction: A Qualitative Study. J Hand Surg Am. 2026 Jun;51(6):687-697. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2025.12.009. Epub 2026 Jan 29. PMID: 41609542.
2) Lee SH, Kim MB, Lee YH. Surgical Management of Delayed Mallet Finger Fractures Using Combined Two-Extension Block Kirschner Wire and Dorsal Counterforce T...
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 Surgeon' as a great resource for value based care and all things tech including AI insights.
See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities.
The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative solutions for peripheral serve surgery...
Practice Types and Private Equity: A discussion with Kathleen McKeon
Chuck and Chris welcome Kathleen McKeon as our guest to discuss practice types, including:
academicprivatePE-backed privatean employed positionsDr. 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 well-known sports practice and succeeding in a "privatademic" environment.
Dr. McKeon references Ben Schwartz' Substack called 'The Surgeon's Record' as a great resource.
See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities.
The Upper Hand Pod...
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 our partner on job search and career opportunities.
The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative solutions for peripheral serve surgery. To learn more, visit https://checkpointsurgical.com/.
As always, thanks to @iampetermartin for the amazing introduction...
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 18;108(6):401-409. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.25.01568. Epub 2026 Feb 3. PMID: 41632853.
We are still need of a podcast intern! We would appreciate any referrals!
See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities.
The Upp...
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 need of a podcast intern! We would appreciate any referrals!
See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities.
The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative solutions for peripheral serve surgery. To le...
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 case of possible pronator syndrome together with carpal tunnel syndrome including debate on the role of nerve studies, physical examination, and ultrasound.
1) Rames JD, Emanuels AF, Tunaboylu MF, Moran SL. A 40-Year Retrospective Evaluation of Vascularized Bone Grafting for Kienböck Disease. J Hand Surg Am. 2026 Jan;51(1):13.e1-13...
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 compartment tenosynovitis, CMC arthritis with MCP hyperextension including the role of CMC fusion, and ulnar nerve transposition.
We are still 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 and career opportunities.
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 appreciate any referrals!
See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities.
The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative solutions for peripheral serve surgery. To learn more, vi...
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 Leadership lecturer. Rick spoke on 'How to be the best resident and attending' and we all learned a great deal. Chris and Chuck break this down.
The Artemis II Effect: When Everyone Is Brilliant, Character Becomes The Mission. Penny Abeywardena, Forbes Magazine April 9th.
We are in need of a...
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 and career opportunities.
The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative solutions for peripheral serve surgery. To learn more, visit https://checkpointsurgical.com/.
As always, thanks to @iampetermartin for the amazing introduction and concluding music.
For add...
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 Atlanta.
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 and career opportunities.
The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative solutions for peripheral serv...
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 of the following articles from Q4 of 2025:
Porche KM, Spinner RJ, Bishop AT, Pulos N, Shin AY. Age-Related Effects on Peripheral Nerve Regeneration. J Hand Surg Am. 2025 Dec;50(12):1498-1504. PMID: 40817901.
Cardenas D, Dogaroiu A, Harirah M, Zhang AY, Odobescu A, Sammer DM. Biomechanical Comparison of Suture Caliber and Nu...
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 of the following articles from Q4 of 2025:
Portney DA, Lee CP, Wolf JM, Strelzow JA, Stepan JG. A Changing Landscape in Surgical Treatment of Basilar Thumb Arthritis: Is the Rate of Denervation Increasing? J Hand Surg Am. 2025 Oct;50(10):1280.e1-1280.e8. PMID: 39918526.
Earp BE, Zhang D, Benavent KA, Os...
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 intern! We would appreciate any referrals!
See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities.
The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative solutions for peripheral serve surgery. To learn more, visit https://checkpointsurgical.com/.
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 more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities.
The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative solutions for peripheral serve surgery. To learn more, visit https://checkpointsurgical.com/.
As always, thanks to @iampetermartin for the amazing introduction and co...
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 decompression procedures for conditions like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) and Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (CuTS) are common, addressing persistent or recurrent symptoms requires a specialized approach. Dr. Dy provides an in-depth look at the workup and surgical philosophy for these complex revision cases.
We are in need of a...
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 our partner on job search and career opportunities.
The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative solutions for peripheral serve surgery. To learn more, visit https://checkpointsurgical.com/.
As always, thanks to @iampetermartin for the amazing introduction and concluding music.
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 search and career opportunities.
The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative solutions for peripheral serve surgery. To learn more, visit https://checkpointsurgical.com/.
As always, thanks to @iampetermartin for the amazing introduction and concluding music.
F...
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 would appreciate any referrals!
See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities.
The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative solutions for peripheral serve surgery. To learn more, visit https://checkpointsurgical.com/.
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/
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 would appreciate any referrals!
See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities.
The Up...
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 www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities.
The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative solutions for peripheral serve surgery. To learn more, visit https://checkpointsurgical.com/.
As always, thanks to @iampetermartin for the amazing in...
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 www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities.
The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative solutions for peripheral serve surgery. To learn more, visit https://checkpointsurgical.com/.
As al...
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 Sterling Bunnell. If you are not going to the meeting and would like to purchase a copy, use this link.
https://american-society-for-surgery-of-the-hand.myshopify.com/products/dr-sterling-bunnell-from-son-of-the-gold-rush-to-founding-father-of-hand-surgery
We are in need of a podcast intern! We would appreciate any...
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 www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities.
The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative solutions for peripheral serve surgery. To learn more, visit https://checkpointsurgical.com/.
As always, thanks to @iampetermartin fo...
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 physical exam assessment:
Ruland RT, Hogan CJ. The ECU synergy test: an aid to diagnose ECU tendonitis.
J Hand Surg Am. 2008 Dec;33(10):1777-82. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2008.08.018.
We are in need of a podcast intern! We would appreciate any referrals!
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 [email protected]
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 and career opportunities.
The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative so...
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 referrals!
See www.practicelink.com/theupperhand for more information from our partner on job search and career opportunities.
The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative solutions for peripheral serve surgery. To learn more, visit ht...
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 [email protected]
Also, 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 and career opportunities.
The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surg...
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 those who have not, please take 2 minutes and help us to better understand your preferences and help us understand how we can continue to improve the podcast! The survey will close on Friday July 11th. For those who complete the survey and s...
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, please take 2 minutes and help us to better understand your preferences and help us understand how we can continue to improve the podcast! For those who complete the survey and share their email, we will have a drawing for Upper Hand Swag!
https://forms.gle...
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 leadership, particularly pertinent in 2025. Join us!
HBR “The Work of Leadership”. Ronald A. Heifetz and Donald Laurie
Reprint R0111K; Best of HBR, 2001
We have a brand new survey! Please take 2 minutes and help us to better understand your preferences and help us understand...
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 Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative solutions for peripheral serve surgery. To learn more, visit https://checkpointsurgical.com/.
Subscribe to our newsletter: bit.ly/3X0Gq89
As always, thanks to @iampetermartin for the amazing introduction and concluding mus...
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 our partner on job search and career opportunities.
The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative solutions for peripheral serve surgery. To learn more, visit https://checkpointsurgical.com/.
Subscribe to our newsletter: bit.ly/3X0G...
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 Wrist Surgery. JBJS 2025; 107:543-51
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 Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a prov...
