Many surgeons dedicate their lives not only to building their practice, but also to furthering the research and development of new techniques in their field. American Self’s Terry L. Whipple, MD has spent years developing and perfecting minimally-invasive arthroscopic wrist surgery to give patients better outcomes with reduced recovery time. To recognize his achievements in the field, Dr. Whipple was recently honored with the title of lifetime Honorary President of the European Wrist Arthroscopy Society (EWAS) at the biannual meeting of the IFSSH (International Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand) in Buenos Aires.
What is EWAS’ Role in Surgical Innovation?
The European Wrist Arthroscopy Society is a renowned professional organization dedicated to the education of surgeons all over the world in the latest surgical techniques for wrist surgery. Throughout each year, the group hosts four or five international surgical clinics per year, in addition to a comprehensive academic wrist symposium, an event which is held annually. Although EWAS is based in Paris, they have bestowed the title of Honorary President on Dr. Whipple for his work in the field of wrist surgery.
What is Arthroscopic Wrist Surgery?
Arthroscopic wrist surgery is used both to diagnose and treat problems in the wrist joint. Very small incisions (portals) are used to access the internal structures of the wrist so they can be examined and/or treated. Measuring less than 3mm in size, these incisions allow the insertion of an arthroscope, a device about the size of a coffee stirrer. The device is equipped with a camera and a light and is very useful for visualizing minimally invasive diagnostics and surgical procedures. Accessory surgical instruments are inserted through other coordinated wrist portals.
Many people with chronic wrist pain, fractures, carpal tunnel, tears or cysts may need surgery to get relief. Exploratory arthroscopic wrist surgery is, of course, minimized as much as possible using other diagnostic tools, but it is sometimes necessary to determine the true root of the wrist problem.
Depending on the procedure, surgeons may need to remove bone fragments or soft tissue fragments, stabilize fractures, repair tears or relieve pressure on nerves in the area. Because the procedure is done through small incisions, it is minimally invasive and requires less recovery time than many other surgical techniques. Dr. Whipple is credited with developing the original, reproducible arthroscopic wrist surgery techniques and surgical instruments for these cutting-edge procedures, now practiced world-wide.
New Honors and Awards
Dr. Whipple has been given his new title by the prestigious EWAS for his many contributions to the advancement of orthopedic surgical research. Dr. Whipple’s work has included continued pioneering developments in the field of arthroscopic wrist surgery, newer techniques, extensive publication of his research, newer instrumentation and imaging development and for writing the first textbook on arthroscopic wrist surgery for surgical colleagues and students. Dr. Whipple designed all of the first line of surgical tools for this procedure, which are small and task-specific to accommodate the small and complex wrist joint. Dr. Whipple has also lectured extensively on the subject, traveling as a visiting professor in many countries on five continents.
In addition to his honorary title, EWAS has established an award in his name: the Whipple Prize. This award is given out each year for the best published research involving wrist surgery, encouraging ongoing innovation in the field.
Discuss Your Surgical Needs
If you are having chronic wrist pain or have a wrist problem that has yet to be definitively diagnosed, it makes sense to seek only the best in surgical expertise. Dr. Whipple treats patients at his practice, American Self, in Richmond Virginia, and his accomplishments have made him a renowned figure in the field of wrist surgery. For more information on working with Dr. Whipple, call 804.290.0060 today.
Dr. Whipple’s wife, Ruth L. Hillelson, M.D., F.A.C.S. also offers aesthetic procedures and cosmetic surgery at the American Self practice, giving patients great results using minimally invasive techniques.