Department of Plastic Surgery Archive — Page 2 of 3

Smiling young woman with long hair wearing a Samford University T-shirt, standing outdoors in front of a blurred building and trees.
September 17, 2020

Nerve repair treatment leads to new career goals for patient

When Blair Wheeler banged her elbow on the court floor as she dived for a ball during a high school volleyball game, she had no idea that split second would completely change her life.

Smiling young child wearing a white chef’s hat and apron in a hospital room, with medical equipment nearby and a chalkboard labeled “Toby’s Kitchen” in the background.
July 23, 2020

Program helps children with hand, upper extremity issues

Brinkley Sandvall, MD, bonds quickly with her young patients — children who have acquired or congenital hand and upper extremity differences.

Brad Hill, MD, left, recently performed minimally invasive carpal tunnel release surgery for Tommy Rainey. The procedure allows patients to return to work and regular activities sooner than a traditional, open procedure.
March 19, 2020

Minimally invasive carpal tunnel surgery offers quicker healing

Tommy Rainey suspects problems with his hands began as a result of countless hours at the keyboard during his long career as a publisher and writer, and when tingling and numbness in his left hand continued to worsen, he knew he had to get help.

Image of pain pills (iStock Photo)
February 24, 2020

Reducing postoperative opioids

An opioid-restrictive prescribing protocol reduced the number of postoperative opioid prescriptions and the oral morphine equivalent per prescription.

Stylized illustration of glowing orange nerve cells with branching axons and interconnected fibers against a black background.
January 28, 2020

Imaging nerve regeneration

Diffusion MRI may provide a noninvasive approach to assess nerve regeneration and distinguish successful from unsuccessful repairs earlier.

Hope Dyer has seen a significant reduction in the number of migraines she has after plastic surgeon Salam Kassis, MD, performed an outpatient surgery to release entrapped nerves in her head.
August 7, 2019

Nerve-releasing surgery eases migraines for some

Peripheral nerve surgery is relieving chronic migraine headaches for some patients.