Hand, Wrist & Elbow

Optim Orthopedics is proud to offer a team of highly skilled hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder specialists who are all board certified and fellowship trained orthopedic surgeons.

With their extensive experience and training, they are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of conditions affecting these areas.

One of the leading hand surgeons in the region is Gregory Kolovich, MD, who is renowned for his use of cutting-edge technology and advanced surgical techniques. He specializes in treating complex fractures, trauma, nerve injuries, rheumatoid arthritis, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow and Dupuytren’s Disease.

The hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder specialists at Optim Orthopedics work closely with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that best fit their individual needs. They use the latest and most advanced techniques and procedures to ensure that patients receive the highest quality care possible.

If you are suffering from any conditions affecting your hand, wrist, elbow or shoulder, call today to schedule an appointment and find out how Optim Orthopedics’ team of experts can help you get back to doing what you love.
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Optim Orthopedics Hand, Wrist & Elbow

Our People Make The Difference

Behind every treatment or procedure is a specially trained, highly experienced professional who’s dedicated to giving you the best care possible so that you can get back to life—quickly, safely, and confidently. They’re experts at what they do, and we’re proud to have them as part of our team.

Gregory Kolovich, MD

Hand, Wrist and Elbow

  • Medical School - Ohio State University College of Medicine (Columbus, OH)
  • Board Certification - American Board of Orthopedic Surgery American Board of Orthopedic Surgery Diplomat
  • Residency - Wexner Medical Center Ohio State University (Columbus, OH)
  • Fellowship - Harvard University at Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston, MA)
Physician Profile

John Burke, MD

Hand, Wrist and Elbow

Physician Profile

Travis Farmer, MD

Hand, Wrist and Elbow

  • Medical School - East Tennessee State University (Johnson City, TN)
  • Board Certification - American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
  • Professional Affiliations - American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS)
  • Residency - Loma Linda University (Loma Linda, CA)
  • Fellowship - The Hand Center of San Antonio (San Antonio, TX)
Physician Profile

Hand, Wrist & Elbow Surgery

The hand is a unique area of the human body that is made up of bone, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves, skin, and blood vessels. These elements must all be in good working order for the hand to function well.

The relationship between all these structures is delicate and refined. An injury or disease can affect any or all of these structures and impair the use of the hand.

Hand specialists have received additional specialized training in the treatment of hand problems beyond their board certified specialty training in orthopaedic surgery, plastic surgery, or general surgery.

Many hand specialists also have expertise with problems of the elbow, arm, and shoulder. Some treat only children, some treat only adults, and some treat both. Common problems treated include:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Tennis elbow
  • Wrist pain
  • Sports injuries of the hand and wrist
  • Fractures of the hand, wrist, and forearm
  • Trigger finger

Other problems treated can include arthritis, nerve and tendon injuries, and congenital limb differences (birth defects).

Not all problems treated by a hand specialist need surgery. They often recommend non-surgical treatments, such as medication, splints, therapy, or injections.

If you have pain in your fingers, hand, wrist or arm, or if you have other upper-extremity related concerns, contact us today for a consultation.

Hand Conditions
  • Distal Radius Fracture (Broken Wrist)
  • Dupuytren’s Disease
  • Nerve Injuries of the Hand
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) of the Hand
  • Scaphoid Fractures
  • Thumb Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Injury
  • Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) Tears
Elbow Conditions
  • Biceps Tendonitis (at the Elbow)
  • Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
  • Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
  • Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow)
  • Radial Tunnel Syndrome
  • Throwing Injuries of the Elbow
  • Triceps Tendonitis
  • Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury
Elbow Procedures
  • Cubital Tunnel Release at the Elbow
  • Medial Epicondylectomy
  • Radial Tunnel Release at the Elbow
  • Ulnar Nerve Transposition at the Elbow

Treatment: Hand Conditions

Treatment can vary and will depend on the diagnosis and severity of the hand condition or injury. A hand doctor will often try to first treat the issue with non-surgical methods, such as hand therapy, splinting, medications, injections, and other modalities. Surgery may be recommended if non-surgical treatments fail to work successfully or if there has been significant damage to the hand that requires repair or reconstruction.

Surgical procedures can include tendon repair surgery, joint replacement and reconstruction, fracture repair surgery, nerve repair surgery, replantation of severed finger or hand, and surgical drainage for hand infections.

Gregory Kolovich, MD - Hand, Wrist & Elbow

Common Conditions Affecting the Hand

Your hand can be vulnerable to many types of injuries and disorders. In some cases, pain, bruising, and swelling can develop immediately following injuries such a direct blow. Other conditions can get worse gradually over time and are often the result of overuse injuries or repetitive movements, which can place stress on tendons, nerves, and joints.

Arthritis can affect joints anywhere in the body. Arthritis of the hands is one of the most common causes of pain, stiffness, and loss of function and mobility in the hands. There are two types of arthritis that are common in the hands: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is often the result of wear and tear over time. It causes the cartilage that protects and cushions the ends of bones to breakdown, resulting in painful bone-on-bone rubbing.

Gregory Kolovich, MD - Hand, Wrist & Elbow

There are a number of other conditions and injuries that can affect the hands, leading to pain or limited function, which can include:

  • Nerve problems (carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel syndrome)
  • Fractures
  • Hand wounds
  • Dupuytren’s disease
  • Sports injuries of the hand and wrist
  • Tendon disorders and injuries
  • Hand nerve injury
  • Wrist and finger instability

Travis Farmer, MD - Hand, Wrist & Elbow

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