Dr. Evan Collins, Renowned Hand and Upper Extremity Specialist of Methodist Hospital, Gives Talk on Repetitive Stress Conditions at Rice University

Houston, TX (PRWEB) September 23, 2007 -- Internationally recognized orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand and upper extremity, Dr. Evan D. Collins of The Methodist Hospital recently presented a talk on repetitive stress conditions on behalf of the Center for Performing Arts Medicine (CPAM) at the Rice University campus.

As the official hand and upper extremity orthopedic specialist for the Center for Performing Arts and lead researcher on some of today's most compelling studies on the hand, wrist and elbow, Dr. Collins addressed a crowd of professional musicians and medical students regarding the most common conditions affecting the hand and upper extremity.

Dr. Collins explained that the conditions most commonly found among professional musicians such as pianists, violinists and even conductors are similar to those found in professional athletes. They are categorized as "repetitive stress" conditions, because of the repetitive movement and position required in practice and a performance. He discussed the causes, symptoms and treatment options for some of the most common repetitive stress conditions he sees including; DeQuervain's Syndrome, Intersection Syndrome, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Ulnar Tunnel Syndrome -- as well as a number of different tendinopathies affecting the hand, wrist and elbow.

"Doctors are teachers as well as caregivers. We have a responsibility to not only treat the conditions from which our patients suffer but also to help them understand," said Dr. Collins.

"It is important to continue sharing what we learn from conditions that can be crippling for many in their careers and in everyday life. Understanding what causes a condition -- a constant movement, a prolonged position -- is key to not only establishing a treatment plan but also taking preventative steps," Dr. Collins added.

Though one of the most sought-after physicians in the treatment of such common conditions as carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow, as well as nerve damage, fractures and joint replacement, Dr. Collins continues to present his research findings at medical conferences around the world. His work is recognized today among leading hand and upper extremity specialists working to treat many of these repetitive stress and overuse conditions.

His recent study involving a biodegradable implant in a carpal metacarpal (CMC) arthroplasty of the thumb to treat osteoarthritis was accepted for presentation at the 31st Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) in October 2008 and the American Association for Hand Surgery (AAHS) annual meeting in January 2008. His work was also presented at the 2007 International Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand (IFSSH) Congress in Sydney, Australia and the XI Congress of the Federation of European Societies for Surgery of the Hand (FESSH) in Glasgow, Scotland -- resulting in publication in the Journal of Hand Surgery (British edition).

For access to Dr. Collins' complete Repetitive Stress presentation and information on the conditions and treatment options in which he specializes, log onto www.drevancollins.com.

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