1. Training

Dr. Forthman trained in Orthopaedic Surgery at Harvard and cultivated a great interest in surgery of the entire upper extremity.  He learned the latest in arthroscopic surgical techniques and studied the full spectrum of complex elbow and hand surgery.  This comprehensive education laid the foundation for Dr. Forthman’s subsequent fellowship at the Curtis National Hand Center.  By learning Hand and Microsurgery from the nationally recognized surgeons at Curtis, Dr. Forthman was able to realize his goal:  To provide excellence in the clinical and surgical care of the entire upper extremity.

2. Your Subspecialty Interests

Dr. Forthman’s subspecialty interests include:
• Arthroscopic treatment of shoulder disorders such as rotator cuff tears and instability.
• Joint replacement of the shoulder and elbow.
• Complex fractures and fracture/dislocations of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist.
• Reconstruction of the traumatized hand including bones, tendons, and nerves.

3. Philosophy on Teaching

The signs and symptoms of many upper extremity problems overlap.  For example, rotator cuff tears (a muscle disorder) may cause nerve type symptoms down to the elbow while carpal tunnel syndrome (a nerve disorder) may cause muscle weakness about the hand and wrist.  We must teach doctors in training to maintain a broad fund of knowledge instead of focusing in on one or two small specific areas of expertise.  I am committed to teaching the residents and fellows at the Curtis National Hand Center the full spectrum of upper extremity care. 

4. What it means to you to work at the National Hand Center

The National Hand Center consists of multiple subspecialty services including The National Shoulder and Elbow Center and The Minimally Invasive Surgery Initiative.  In addition to focusing on complex reconstructions of the hand, I am further developing these areas of special focus.   

5. What Contributions you have made to the Specialty

I think my greatest contributions to Upper Extremity Surgery have been through the education of my patients.  Many problems of the upper extremity are easily identified and treated by a Hand Surgeon.  By teaching my patients about their diagnosis, they have the knowledge to help others recognize problems that might also be managed by a Hand and Upper Extremity Specialist.  I offer resources for my patients in clinic and by providing online sources.

6.Interests outside of Medicine

I give much of my time outside of medicine to my wife and two children.  My wife and I both enjoy running, cycling, and other sports … while the children enjoy cheering us on.  As a former engineer, I also enjoy working on electronics and computer projects.   

7. Dedication to the patient’s experience at the Hand Center

Patients come to me with a full spectrum of complaints… from the industrial worker with severely traumatized hands to the athlete with recurring shoulder problems.  I am dedicated to recognizing the impact of each patient’s problems on their work and recreational interests.  In so doing, I strive to return every patient to the best possible level of function for their given diagnosis.

8. Comments about our colleagues/what it is like to work in a large
single specialty practice

The Curtis National Hand Center is staffed with the most talented surgeons and therapists that I have ever worked with.  Together we are able to offer a comprehensive clinical, surgical, and rehabilitation pathway for any disorder of the upper extremity.  As members of a large single specialty practice, the physicians continue their education regularly through case discussions, lectures to residents and fellows, and a monthly discussion of current literature. 

9. Where you see the future of Hand Surgery Going

The trend in all areas of musculoskeletal care is towards clinical and surgical techniques (often arthroscopic) that allow early rehabilitation and return of function.  When appropriate, I advocate minimally invasive or arthroscopic procedures for my patients.

10. Why it’s important to seek the skills and experience of a Hand Surgeon for your (patient’s) problem…why it is important to select our Center

Hand Surgeons are trained in the meticulous techniques required to repair or reconstruct the delicate nerves, vessels, ligaments, tendons, and bones of the upper extremity.  The care of any particular upper extremity disorder requires expertise in dealing with one of more of these tissues often making a hand surgeon the best choice for your (or your patient’s) problem.  The physicians of the Nation Hand Center are recognized for their unique talents and technical expertise – you can trust them to provide the highest level of clinical and surgical care.

11. What makes us the Premier Hand Specialists in the Nation?

The Curtis National Hand Center has a long history of setting the standard for excellence in the care of the Hand and Upper Extremity.  We have a foundation in conservative, reliable, time-tested techniques; yet, we remain active in developing new and innovative ways to treat common problems.