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Hand Program

Contact number | 202-476-2150
Hand Program

An Expert Team Dedicated to Upper Extremities

The Hand Program at Children's National Hospital utilizes a team approach to treating and correcting pediatric hand and upper extremity ailments.

Meet the Team

As one of few pediatric hand programs in the Washington, D.C., area, Children’s National treats more than 3,000 patients per year. Our specialists are recognized the world over for their ability to restore normal or near normal functioning in children with rare and common disorders and injuries.

The Hand Program at Children’s National: Why Choose Us?

The hand program at Children’s National is unique to the Washington, D.C., area and is one of few pediatric programs in the country. Our team of pediatric orthopaedic hand surgeons is fellowship trained in treating all forms of hand and upper extremity disorders. They have devoted their entire practice to helping children from the area, the region, and around the world maximize function and use of their upper extremities.

Highlights of our program include:

  • Growth-plate sparing surgery: We use pediatric-specific surgical methods to treat your child without affecting his or her growth. These techniques, along with a conservative approach, help us protect special bone segments (growth plates) so your child is able to achieve his or her full growth potential. Learn more about hand and upper extremity treatments.
  • Referral center: Physicians from outside the Washington, DC, area put their trust in our expertise. Our experts help care for children from many other communities, including parts of Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. We invite referring providers to view our referral guidelines.
  • Research: Children’s National is improving care and outcomes for pediatric hand disorders through research and clinical trials. We’re proud to be a part of new discoveries that are changing the way we care for rare conditions such as Proteus syndrome. Learn more about the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Surgical Innovation.
  • Education: Our experts are teaching the next generation of physicians and orthopaedic surgeons at several area medical schools. We teach residents and medical students at The George Washington University, Georgetown University, Howard University, and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
  • International service: Orthopaedic hand surgeons at Children’s National are part of a global effort to improve awareness and care for pediatric hand and upper extremity disorders. We have spent time in Nicaragua, Colombia, Guatemala, Haiti, Nigeria, Morocco and Saudi Arabia on medical mission trips in addition to helping develop teaching programs in other countries.

We treat complex congenital conditions as well as orthopaedic trauma and injuries affecting children’s hands and upper extremities. This includes expert care for:

  • Wrists
  • Elbows
  • Tendons
  • Shoulders
  • Arms
  • Fingers

Learn more about the conditions we treat.

Expert Care for Pediatric Hand Disorders at Children’s National

Our surgeons work alongside physical and occupational therapists to help your child achieve the best possible outcome. We also partner with physicians and experts across Children’s National to deliver seamless care for complex conditions.

Our team approach helps maximize your child’s quality of life. We work with other members of the orthopaedic team, as well as pediatric surgical subspecialists, to seamlessly deliver every phase of your child’s treatment. Meet the team.

Our team includes:

  • Surgeons: Pediatric orthopedic hand surgeons, Emily Hattwick, M.D., and Robert Wilson, M.D., have more than 30 years of combined experience. Your child may also receive care from pediatric experts in plastic and reconstructive surgery who participate in caring for pediatric hand patients.
  • Physical and occupational therapists: Using special exercises and a personalized treatment plan, our therapists help your child gain as close to normal functioning as possible. Learn more about rehabilitation medicine.
  • Anesthesiologists: Our team specializes in protecting children from pain and discomfort during and shortly after surgical procedures. Learn more about anesthesiology, sedation and perioperative medicine.
  • Orthopaedic cast technicians: Your child may need a cast or splint to stabilize his or her hand or arm before or after surgery. Our cast technicians are experts in safely putting on and removing children’s casts and splints.
  • Radiologists and radiology technicians: Using the most advanced radiology equipment, we perform X-rays and other imaging tests with a focus on safety and accuracy. Learn more about diagnostic imaging and radiology.

We deliver seamless care to children with complex conditions through specialized clinics and programs. Our orthopaedic hand surgeons participate in comprehensive, multi-specialty clinics and programs, including:

Contact Us

For more information or to make an appointment, please call us at 202-476-2112.

Hand Program Team

  • Gary Rogers

    Gary Rogers
    Division Chief, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

  • Michael Boyajian

    Michael Boyajian
    Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

  • Albert Oh

    Albert Oh
    Director, Cleft and Craniofacial Program
    Director, Plastic Surgery Fellowship
    Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

  • Emily Hattwick

    Emily Hattwick
    Orthopaedic Surgeon
    Hand and Upper Extremity Specialist

  • Joe Letzelter

    Joseph Letzelter III
    Orthopaedic Surgeon
    Hand and Upper Extremity Specialist

  • Robert Wilson

    Robert Wilson
    Orthopaedic Surgeon
    Hand and Upper Extremity Specialist