Research &
Fellowships

Advancing Hand, Wrist & Elbow Care

For more than 30 years, The Hand Center has been committed to advancing the field of hand, wrist, and elbow care through research, clinical education, and specialized fellowship training. Our surgeons and therapists contribute to the global body of knowledge through peer-reviewed publications, presentations at national and international conferences, and ongoing collaboration with leading academic institutions.

Through our fellowship program and research initiatives, we help train the next generation of specialists while continuing to develop new techniques and therapies that improve outcomes for patients.

Photo: H. Kirk Watson, MD

Research & Innovation

The Hand Center has been actively involved in research for more than three decades, with numerous publications authored by our surgeons and hand therapists. Areas of study include surgical techniques, rehabilitation strategies, and treatment outcomes for a wide range of conditions.

Research Topics Include

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
Photo: Doctor looking at patient's wrist

Pioneering Wrist Surgery

The Hand Center is internationally recognized for its contributions to surgical techniques used to treat wrist injuries and arthritis.

Published research includes:

  • 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)
Photo: puzzle pieces spelling CRPS

Stress Loading Therapy for CRPS

The Hand Center helped pioneer stress loading therapy for the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD).

Developed by H. Kirk Watson, M.D., and Lois Carlson, O.T.R./L., C.H.T., the program targets the abnormal neurovascular response that can occur following trauma. The Dystrophile exerciser was developed to help quantify loading and improve patient compliance during rehabilitation.

Clinical Education

Education has always been central to The Hand Center’s mission. Our doctors and therapists actively support training and professional development for students and clinicians.

Educational Programs Include

Weekly lectures and seminars for fellowship trainees
Occupational therapy fieldwork placements with:

  • Quinnipiac University
  • University of Hartford
  • Sacred Heart University
  • New England Institute of Technology

Professional presentations at regional and national conferences

Hand Surgery Fellowship

University of Connecticut Combined Hand Surgery Fellowship

The Hand Center participates in the University of Connecticut Combined Hand Surgery Fellowship, an ACGME-accredited program providing advanced training in reconstructive hand surgery.

Fellows train alongside a multidisciplinary faculty with backgrounds in both orthopaedic and plastic surgery. The program provides extensive experience treating traumatic injuries, rheumatoid conditions, congenital differences, and complex reconstructive cases.

The fellowship participates in the NRMP Combined Musculoskeletal Match Program.

For program details and application information, please visit the fellowship program website.

Visit Fellowship Website

Program Highlights

  • Exposure to 2,000+ surgical cases annually
  • Management of acute hand trauma, including replantation
  • Emergency coverage at Hartford Hospital and Connecticut Children’s Medical Center
  • Supervision of the weekly Hartford Hospital Hand Clinic
  • Weekly hand conferences
  • Monthly journal club and surgical simulation lab
  • Dedicated research time