Vipul Patel, MD - Orthopedic Surgeon

02/18/2026

Complex elbow fractures can significantly impact arm function, stability, and range of motion. These injuries often result from high-energy trauma and require precise surgical management to restore alignment and joint mechanics.

Surgical fixation involves stabilizing the fractured bones with plates and screws to allow for proper healing while enabling early movement when appropriate. The goal is to restore strength, motion, and long-term function of the elbow.

This case highlights complex elbow fracture fixation and the importance of careful reconstruction to achieve a stable, functional outcome.

02/16/2026

Treatment Options for Calcific Tendonitis of the Shoulder.

Calcific tendonitis is a common source of shoulder pain and can be a frustration given the severity of pain and the duration of symptoms. However, the news is not all bad. On a positive note, the vast majority of patients do find relief with nonsurgical treatments for this condition.

02/15/2026

This patient had a mass destroying the fingertip bone. After removing the lesion, the fingertip was unstable, resting on only a thin shell of bone.

Bone was harvested from the pelvis and used to reconstruct the defect, then stabilized with a K-wire. With proper healing, the finger regained stability, function, and form.
This case highlights fingertip bone reconstruction after tumor removal and the potential to restore both structure and function.

02/11/2026

Ganglion cysts are common, benign fluid-filled masses that often develop around the wrist. While they are not dangerous, they can cause pain, stiffness, or discomfort with movement.

Aspiration is a minimally invasive treatment option that involves removing the fluid from the cyst using a needle. This can relieve symptoms and improve wrist mobility without the need for surgery, though recurrence is possible.

This case highlights wrist ganglion cyst aspiration as a simple, in-office procedure that can provide effective symptom relief for the right patient.

02/09/2026

From Scalpels to Stem Cells: How Regenerative Medicine Is Changing Spine Surgery.

For much of modern history, orthopedic surgery has relied on precision, hardware, and long recoveries. The rhythm was familiar: a problem in the spine or joint would lead to imaging, diagnosis, and ultimately surgery. But in the last decade, a quiet revolution has begun. Instead of opening the body....

02/06/2026

Application value of elbow arthrography in the treatment of chronic radial head dislocation in children.

To investigate and analyze the application value of elbow arthrography in the treatment of chronic radial head dislocation in children.

02/03/2026

Severe burns can lead to scar contractures that restrict motion and hand function. In this case, burn-related scarring resulted in a first web space contracture, limiting the patient’s ability to bring the thumb out into space.

A four-flap Z-plasty was performed to release the contracture and lengthen the skin. This technique increases thumb mobility and allows the thumb to move more freely, improving overall hand function.

This case highlights the surgical release of a first web space contracture and restoration of functional thumb motion following burn injury.

02/01/2026

Giant cell tumors of the finger can be locally aggressive and may affect hand function as they grow. These lesions can cause swelling, stiffness, pain, or deformity over time.
Surgical excision is performed to remove the mass while preserving surrounding structures, joint motion, and overall finger function. Final diagnosis and treatment decisions are guided by pathology findings.
This case highlights the excision of a giant cell tumor of the finger and the importance of careful surgical management.

01/29/2026

Rheumatoid arthritis can lead to progressive joint destruction, pain, and deformity in the hands. When the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints are severely affected, everyday tasks like gripping and pinching can become difficult.

Silicone MCP joint arthroplasty is a surgical option designed to reduce pain, improve alignment, and restore functional range of motion. By replacing the damaged joint surfaces, this procedure can help patients regain hand function and improve overall quality of life.

This case highlights how thoughtful surgical reconstruction can address both function and appearance in patients with advanced rheumatoid arthritis.

01/28/2026

Fingertip amputations can happen in an instant. In this case, a band saw injury resulted in significant tissue loss at the fingertip.

When treating injuries like this, there are several options depending on the severity. The finger can be shortened, skin can be grafted from another area, or nearby tissue can be used to restore coverage and function.

This procedure uses a thenar flap, where healthy tissue from the palm is temporarily borrowed to cover the defect. Sometimes described as “robbing Peter to pay Paul,” this technique allows the fingertip to heal with durable tissue while preserving length, function, and appearance.

With proper reconstruction, patients can achieve excellent functional and cosmetic outcomes.

01/19/2026

Ulnar Nerve Lesions: Causes and Treatments of Nerve Damage.

An ulnar nerve injury (sometimes called an ulnar nerve lesion) can cause pain and numbness in your arm. Your arm might also feel weak if you hurt the nerve.

01/13/2026

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