University Times

Two local hand and upper extremity surgery fellowship programs have merged, making the joint program one of the largest in the world. The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery in Pitt's School of Medicine and the Western Pennsylvania Hand and Trauma Center on the North Side have combined their hand and upper extremity surgery fellowship training programs.

The joint program will be called the University of Pittsburgh Hand and Upper Extremity Fellowship. The program will offer five fellows clinical experience through the two practices, which see a combined total of more than 25,000 adult and pediatric patients a year.

The program will be co-directed by Joseph E. Imbriglia, founder of the hand and trauma center, and Dean G. Sotereanos, associate professor of orthopaedic surgery, and chief, division of hand and upper extremity surgery at Pitt's medical school.

The fellowships will offer one-year, full-time, intensive training programs for qualified physicians who have already completed a residency in orthopaedic surgery.

The hand and upper extremity includes areas from the fingertips to the shoulder joint. Commonly treated conditions include: fractures, arthritis, neuropathies such as carpal tunnel syndrome, soft tissue defects, peripheral nerve palsy, tendonitis, trigger finger, joint replacement, traumatic injuries, rotator cuff damage and other shoulder injuries, sports injuries and congenital deformities.