About Me
I’m a plastic surgeon specializing in conditions of the hand and upper extremity. I’ve always been drawn to the incredible ability of surgery to restore function and improve quality of life—especially after injury. That passion began during my residency at MetroHealth, and it’s what continues to drive me today.
I focus on trauma reconstruction involving skin and tendons, fracture care, and peripheral nerve surgery. Whether it’s helping someone regain movement, reduce pain, or return to work and daily activities, I believe in personalized care that treats the whole person—not just the injury.
I’ve been practicing for over a decade and joined MetroHealth in 2014. I also serve as an Associate Professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, where I’m actively involved in training residents and fellows. I’m proud to contribute to national conversations on surgical care through my work with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.
Outside of the operating room, I enjoy collaborating with patients to find the best path forward—one that fits their goals and lifestyle. My aim is to make sure every patient feels heard, supported, and confident in their care.
My research focuses on upper extremity reconstruction after trauma, restoring function after spinal cord injury (tetraplegia) and amputation and peripheral nerve surgery.
PRS Global Open Reviewer Hall of Fame – 2023
Cleveland Magazine “Top Doctor” – 2023
Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Top Reviewer - 2022
Cleveland Magazine “Top Doctor” – 2022
Top Reviewer PRS Global Open – 2021
Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Top Reviewer - 2021
Cleveland Magazine “Top Doctor” – 2021
Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Top Reviewer - 2020
Cleveland Magazine “Top Doctor” – 2020
PubMed Publications
- Relationship Between Conflict of Interest and Reported Outcomes After Upper Extremity Nerve Reconstruction Using Acellular Nerve Allografts: A Systematic Review Abstract: CONCLUSION: Although ANAs offer promise, current evidence is shaped by sponsorship bias. Future research should prioritize standardized, objective assessments, and independent, prospective studies to guide clinical decision making.
- Novel Split Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap After High-velocity Ballistic Injury With Functional Deficit: Retrospective Case Series Abstract: Severe trauma often results in structural and functional impairments, necessitating advanced surgical interventions to restore mobility and function, often in the setting of soft tissue defects. Myocutaneous free flap transfer serves as an excellent choice for extremity trauma. In this case series, we detailed the implementation of the split latissimus dorsi flap (s-LDF) as a myocutaneous flap to address complex motor functional deficits from gunshot wound injuries. The following 2 novel cases...
- First-in-human implementation of a bidirectional somatosensory neuroprosthetic system with wireless communication Abstract: CONCLUSIONS: This case series describes a wirelessly connected, bidirectional neuroprosthetic system with somatosensory feedback and advanced myoelectric prosthetic control that is ready for implementation in long-term home use clinical trials.
- First Extensor Compartment Entrapment After Distal Radius Fracture: Case Report Abstract: We report a unique case of first extensor compartment tendon entrapment (abductor pollicis longus [APL] and extensor pollicis brevis [EPB]) after a volarly displaced Salter-Harris type II distal radius fracture in a 16-year-old male. After unsuccessful treatment with closed reduction and pinning, open reduction was performed, which revealed the entrapment of the APL and EPB tendons within the fracture, requiring surgical dis-impaction, freeing of tendons, and stabilization with volar locking...
- Novosorb Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix for Reconstruction of Complex Upper-Extremity Wounds Abstract: CONCLUSIONS: Novosorb BTM is effective for the management of upper-extremity wounds with exposed bone and tendon.
- Anatomic variations of the supinator nerve for transfer to the posterior interosseous nerve in tetraplegia Abstract: The anatomy of the supinator nerve was evaluated in 20 fresh-frozen cadavers. Variations in branching patterns, number of motor branches and distance of the branch points from the radial nerve relative to the radiocapitellar joint are described.
- Reconstruction of Complex Upper Extremity Wounds With Novosorb Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix Versus Integra Collagen-Chondroitin Silicone: A Cost Analysis Abstract: CONCLUSIONS: Novosorb BTM is a more cost-effective option when compared with CCS for reconstruction of upper extremity soft tissue defects.
- First-in-Human Demonstration of High-Frequency Electrical Motor Nerve Block: Case Report Abstract: This feasibility study tested the capability of high-frequency stimulation to block muscle contractions elicited by electrical stimulation of the same nerve proximally. During a tendon lengthening surgery in the forearm, the anterior interosseous nerve was exposed. A specialized nerve cuff electrode was placed around the nerve, and a stimulating probe held on the nerve 1 cm proximal to the cuff electrode delivered pulses of current causing the pronator quadratus muscle to contract. Through the...
- Impact of Patient-Reported Allergies on Post-operative Complications and Healthcare Utilization Following Carpal Tunnel Release Abstract: CONCLUSION: An increased number of PRAs and higher PHQ-2 scores are significant, independent risk factors for minor complications following O-CTR. Risk adjustment and peri-operative counseling should incorporate and account for these variables.
- Discussion: An Analysis of Treatment Choices among White and African American Medicaid Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Abstract: No abstract
- Clinical Outcomes of "Paralyzed" Nerve Transfer for Treating Spinal Cord Injury: A Proof of Concept in a Human Model Abstract: Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is an option to restore function in individuals after high cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) who have limited available options for tendon or nerve transfer. To be considered for FES implantation, patients must possess upper motor neuron (UMN) type denervation in potential recipient muscles, which can be confirmed by response to surface electrical stimulation during clinical evaluation. Lower motor neuron (LMN) denervated muscles will not respond to...
- Use of Biodegradeable Temporizing Matrix Dermal Template for Reconstruction of Upper Extremity Soft Tissue Defects with Associated Tendon Injury Abstract: In cases of complex upper extremity soft tissue defects with exposed bone or tendon, the surgeon needs to consider both restoration of stable soft tissue coverage and functional outcomes, which requires early motion and a wound bed suitable for tendon gliding. Often, local, regional, or free flaps are necessary; however, good outcomes have also been reported after staged reconstruction with a dermal template and split-thickness skin grafting. To our knowledge, staged reconstruction with a dermal...
- Preoperative evaluation of nerve transfer recipients after spinal cord injury using stimulated manual muscle testing Abstract: Nerve transfer after spinal cord injury has become increasingly popular. Accurate preoperative identification of lower motor neuron involvement in potential recipient nerves is critical. Electrodiagnostic testing has been shown to correlate with intraoperative findings; however, it is time-consuming, costly and may not be readily available. Stimulated manual muscle testing is an alternative diagnostic approach. It is inexpensive and easily done by the surgeon or therapist in the office; however,...
- Tendon Transfers: Techniques to Minimize Complications Abstract: Outcomes after tendon transfer to restore upper extremity function can be optimized using a standardized, multidisciplinary approach to the patient preoperatively, augmented intraoperative decision-making, and an early postoperative mobilization therapy protocol.
- Industry-specific Patterns in the Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest in Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery: A Review of the Nerve Allograft Industry Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Industry funding in medicine enhances physician training but can create bias influencing accurate reporting of outcomes. High rates of conflict of interest (COI) disclosure have been found in orthopaedic surgery. However, industry-specific disclosures have not been investigated and small-value compensations previously excluded. Using the nerve allograft industry as a proxy to examine specific patterns of COI between physicians and industries relevant to their publications, we...
Education & Training
Education
Internship
University Hospitals of Cleveland (Ohio) – Surgery, PlasticMedical Education
Ohio State University College of Medicine & Public Health (Columbus) MDResidency
University Hospitals of Cleveland (Ohio) – Surgery, PlasticFellowship
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (Pennsylvania) – Orthopaedic Hand SurgeryBoard Certifications
American Board of Plastic Surgery - Plastic SurgeryAmerican Board of Plastic Surgery - Hand Surgery