Patient care begins by focusing on restoring optimal hand or arm function and eliminating or reducing pain. We also realize that treating the upper limb is just one step in returning a patient to a fulfilling and productive life. As a result, our approach emphasizes managing the patient’s entire picture of health.

What to Expect

Our patients can expect compassionate, personalized care, which typically includes:

• Comprehensive evaluation of the patient's hand or arm injury
• Review of the patient's normal function
• Diagnosis and presentation of the best treatment options
• A treatment plan tailored to helping the patient resume daily activities as quickly and safely as possible

Most surgical procedures are performed in our operating rooms on an outpatient basis and incorporate minimally invasive procedures such as arthroscopy. A majority of our outpatient procedures are performed at the MG West Orthopaedic Ambulatory Surgery Center in Waltham, MA. For patients who may require admission after surgery, we prefer surgery at the main MGH campus in Boston.

Not everyone, however, requires surgery, and nonoperative treatments offer additional options for patients. Such options may include injection therapy, medication and/or occupational/hand therapy.

Treating the Entire Person

Although many patients choose our service because of our world-renowned specialists, they also have access to interdisciplinary resources and professionals who can assist with all aspects of rehabilitation.

Our diverse and multitalented team includes:

• Onsite physical therapy experts who deliver comprehensive rehabilitation services
• Occupational therapists who assist patients of all ages and livelihoods, especially victims of strokes and head trauma, in transitioning to everyday activities

In addition, we also provide a multispeciality approach in the management of patients with rheumatological disorders or with complex soft tissue wounds. Our co-location with the Rheumatology Service in our office space, as well as our very close interaction with the Plastic Surgery Service, allows us to comprehensively and effectively manage these patients.

Despite trying various therapies, some patients may still report pain or discomfort. We never dismiss these claims and work diligently to alleviate symptoms or help patients learn to cope, incorporating behavioral medicine methods as needed. Our patients can see physiatrists, which are rehabilitation physicians who help patients regain normal function and resume daily activities. Furthermore, if our patients need it, we also work with pain management specialists within the MGH.

Finally, our therapists are dedicated to preventing upper limb problems, especially in the work environment. They provide consultations on modifying workstations and other methods promoting employee well-being.

We manage care for a high volume of patients annually. Why do so many patients trust us? Because our specialists are among the world's most recognized authorities in treating hand and upper limb problems.

Our team handles the complete range of disorders, including:

We routinely address complex conditions resulting from trauma, such as fractures, burns and digits requiring replantation. We are one of the only hand services in New England that concentrates on treating upper limb deformities in patients with stroke and traumatic brain injury. Our capability to manage these difficult cases attracts patients from across the United States. And due to the depth and breadth of our experience, thousands more throughout the Northeast visit us for primary care of their hands and upper limbs.

Groundbreaking Research & Education

Our specialists continually develop advanced surgical techniques and are among the most widely published researchers in our field. As a result, our service draws some of the most capable physicians in the world to teach, study and practice. In association with the distinguished professional organization AO International, our physicians frequently travel abroad to exchange ideas with other innovators in our field.

Our academic programs, including a combined orthopaedic and plastic surgery Hand Surgery Fellowship Program, rank among the country's most sought after fellowships. In addition, our knowledgeable and dedicated residents and fellows help care for patients, ensuring treatment plans receive input from multiple physicians.

Patient Testimonial

Read about Ramiro Sosa, and the work Dr. Jesse Jupiter did to restore function to his arm.

Internationally Renowned Physicians

The accomplished surgeons on our staff include:

• David Ring, MD, PhD, Chief, Hand & Upper Extermity Service
• James H. Herndon, MD, MBA
• Jesse Jupiter, MD
• Sang-Gil Lee, MD
• Chaitanya Mudgal, MD

Common injuries and conditions of the hand, wrist, elbow and upper arm include (more conditions coming soon):

Thank you to the American Society for Surgery of the Hand for providing the patient education information on common conditions of the hand and upper extremity.

In General awards and honors

MGH Hotline 07.31.09 In General awards and honors

Back to the music

MGH Hotline 9.25.09 Ramiro Sosa travelled from his home country of Argentina to Miama, Fla., to pursue his dreams of becoming a professional guitar player.

In General Awards and Honors 8.13.10

MGH Hotline 8.13.10 In General Awards and Honors

MGH surgeons play for charity

MGH Hotline 10.01.10 Being skilled and dexterous with their hands is required of surgeons, who daily use special instruments that most people would never have the opportunity to handle.

In General 12.17.10

MGH Hotline 12.17.10 In General Awards and Honors

Mass General Hospital Physicians make “The List”

Boston Magazine recognizes 134 MGH physicians on its annual list of top doctors in the Boston area.

MGH performs its first hand transplant

On Oct. 26, 19 days after becoming the MGH’s first hand transplant recipient, Joe Kinan showed how his unwavering commitment to having a positive attitude has paid off – he wiggled the fingers on his left hand for the first time in public.

Hand and Upper Extremity Service

Phone: 617-726-4700

Hand & Upper Extremity Service

Phone: 617-726-4700

Hand & Upper Extremity Surgeons

	David Ring, MD, PhD Chief, Hand & Upper Extremity Service ph: 617-726-4700 fax: 617-724-8532 Yawkey, Suite 2C, Boston		James Herndon, MD, MBA Hand & Upper Extremity ph: 617-726-4700 fax: 617-724-0551 Yawkey, Suite 2C, Boston
	Jesse Jupiter, MD Hand & Upper Extremity ph: 617-726-4700 fax: 617-724-8532 Yawkey, Suite 2C, Boston		Sang-Gil Lee, MD Hand & Upper Extremity ph: 617-726-1344 fax: 617-724-7062 1 Hawthorne Place, Suite 105, Boston
	Chaitanya Mudgal, MD Hand & Upper Extremity ph: 617-726-4700 fax: 617-724-8532 Yawkey, Suite 2C, Boston

Advanced Practitioner

Marilyn Maguire, NP Nurse Practitioner Inpatient