From Michigan State to Heritage Hand and Plastic Surgery: A Special Patient Journey

It’s not every day that a Cold War naval nuclear engineer walks into your office—but that’s exactly what happened when Ralf came to see me during my final months at Michigan State University, where I had worked for over 14 years. Ralf was experiencing pain at the base of his thumb, and after carefully ruling out simpler causes such as nerve or tendon issues, it became clear that surgery would offer him the best solution.

Ralf was no stranger to hand surgery. Four years earlier, during the pandemic, I had operated on his left thumb, performing a trapeziectomy using the Arthrex Mini TightRope technique. With that successful experience behind him, Ralf didn’t need much convincing when it came to his right thumb. But in the years since, surgical options had continued to evolve.

We discussed the various techniques available, including tendon reconstruction and the Biopro implant, but ultimately settled on the Arthrex FiberLock anchor system—a newer single-incision technique I now favor for many older patients. This approach reduces surgical exposure while providing excellent stabilization, minimizing recovery time and improving comfort.

In early April, we proceeded with the surgery. Just a few weeks later, Ralf was waiting to see me again—this time as my very first patient at Heritage Hand and Plastic Surgery. He has the unique distinction of being both my last surgical patient at MSU and my first at Heritage—a transition that feels deeply symbolic to me.

Over the past nine weeks, Ralf has steadily regained his pinch strength, diligently following his hand therapy program. Our visits have been filled with fascinating conversations about his long career in naval nuclear science—at least the parts he’s permitted to share. In turn, I shared stories from my own family’s medical history, including my grandfather’s post-war assignment from the UK to visit Los Alamos and study the effects of atomic weapons on human casualties—a grim but historically significant report.

Every patient has a story. Ralf’s reminds me why I chose to open Heritage Hand and Plastic Surgery: to offer personal, expert care in an environment where every patient is seen, heard, and given the time and attention they deserve.