2026 Physician Lecture Series: Management of the Degenerative and Unstable Thumb

We are excited to welcome Dr. Burke Gao, MD, for an in-depth presentation on the "Management of the Degenerative and Unstable Thumb." Drawing from his extensive expertise in sports-related hand conditions and microsurgery, Dr. Gao will guide attendees through the intricate pathoanatomy, surgical decision-making processes, and advanced postoperative rehabilitation strategies essential for treating complex thumb injuries and osteoarthritis.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Analyze the intricate biomechanics and pathoanatomy of thumb CMC osteoarthritis, MP instability, and IP osteoarthritis to better inform conservative and post-operative therapeutic interventions.

2. Evaluate the clinical criteria and surgical indications for thumb reconstruction, identifying how different surgical techniques (e.g., LRTI vs. Suspensionplasty, UCL primary repair vs. reconstruction) dictate post-operative therapy timelines.

3. Design advanced, phase-specific rehabilitation protocols that safely balance tissue healing with the restoration of functional pinch and grip strength in high-demand patient populations.

SPEAKER BIO:

Dr. Burke Gao, MD is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic hand and upper extremity surgeon at Northwell Health Lenox Hill Hospital and Assistant Professor of Clinical Orthopedic Surgery at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.

He specializes in the comprehensive care of the hand, wrist, forearm, and elbow, with a particular focus on sports-related conditions in athletes, nerve injuries and reconstruction, and acute trauma. His expertise spans sport specific care, advanced microsurgical techniques, tendon and ligament reconstruction, fracture management, and procedures to restore motion and strength following complex injuries.

Dr. Gao is dedicated to providing individualized, evidence-based care that helps patients return to their active lives whether on the playing field, in the workplace, or at home.

An active academic surgeon, Dr. Gao has published widely on hand and upper extremity surgery, sports medicine, and patient education. His research has appeared in journals such as the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, American Journal of Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy, and the Journal of Hand Surgery. He has presented his research nationally and internationally, including at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Society for Surgery of the Hand, and the International Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand.

Dr. Gao has received numerous national awards including competitive research scholarships from the American Society for Surgery of the Hand and the Mid-America Orthopaedic Association. He has also been awarded honors from the American Academy of Pediatrics Orthopaedic Section, Cervical Spine Research Society and Arthroscopy Journal.

Professional Seminars Ltd. is a New York State Education Department approved provider for Physical Therapy continuing education.