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Stephen Kennedy, M.D.

Associate Professor
Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program Director

Stephen Kennedy, M.D.
College
University of Victoria
Medical School
University of British Columbia
Internship
University of British Columbia
Residency
University of British Columbia
Fellowship
University of Washington Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine;
Pan Am Clinic at the University of Manitoba
Board Certification
Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC), 6/2011
Board Certified, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS), 8/2015
Subspecialty Certificate in Surgery of the Hand, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, 9/2016
About

Dr. Kennedy is a Hand and Upper Extremity Surgeon with subspecialty training in both Hand & Microvascular Surgery and Upper Extremity Sports Medicine and Reconstruction. He provides treatment options for problems of the Hand, Wrist and Elbow, including all forms of instability, trauma, deformity, and arthritis. Surgically, he performs open, arthroscopic, and microsurgical techniques.

Patient Care Philosophy

Giving the best care means listening carefully, sharing the best information, and helping each person make the best medical decisions for their needs. When surgery is chosen, it is undertaken with the greatest possible precision and care. Advanced practice providers, therapists, nurses, and other multidisciplinary providers are central to success.

Clinical Interests

Hand, wrist and elbow trauma; Elbow instability, stiffness, arthritis, or deformity; Arthroscopy of the wrist, elbow, and shoulder; Joint replacement (arthroplasty) of the hand, wrist and elbow

Personal Interests

Being outdoors in the Pacific Northwest. Spending time with family. Triathlon, hockey, and water sports. Reading about new ideas in education, technology, design, economics, sociology, and psychology.

Make an Appointment

206.520.5000 | 877.520.5000

Surgeries and Diagnosis

Scope Of Care

Bone, joint, and soft tissue problems of the hand and upper extremity; nerve entrapment; tendon problems; ligament injuries/instability; fractures; deformity; stiffness and contractures; arthritis; cartilage problems and repair; arthroscopic surgery; joint stabilization; arthroplasty or joint replacement; arthrodesis (fusion); tendon, nerve, and artery repair; replantation; microsurgery.

Common procedures include but are not limited to; carpal tunnel release (both open and endoscopic), trigger finger release, Dupuytren contracture release (with injection or surgery), wrist arthroscopy, wrist reconstruction procedures, elbow arthroscopy, ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction of the elbow ("Tommy John" procedure), contracture releases for stiff or arthritic elbows, fracture repairs, osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow, and joint replacements (arthroplasty) of upper extremity joints

Expertise

Hand, Wrist, and Elbow Surgery. Upper Extremity Sports Medicine. Elbow arthroscopic repair and reconstruction.Elbow joint replacement (elbow arthroplasty). Shoulder reconstruction in the context of brachial plexus problems or deformity.

Publications

Publications:

  • Crowe C, Yu J, Yesantharao P, Keys KA, and Kennedy SA. Predictors of Mortality and Amputation in Patients with Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections of the Upper Extremity. J Hand Surg Am. 2022 Jul;47(7):629-638. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2022.02.017. Epub 2022 May 7. PMID: 35537969.
  • Yu J, Crowe C, Yesantharao P, Kennedy SA, Keys KA. Soft Tissue Reconstruction for Upper Extremity Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections. Annals of Plastic Surgery. 2022 Jun 6. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000003237. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35703211.
  • Sarwar F, Teunis T, Ring D, Reichel LM, Crijns T, Fatehi A; Science of Variation Group (SOVG) (*Kennedy SA - member). Surgeon Ratings of the Severity of Idiopathic Median Neuropathy at the Carpal Tunnel Are Not Influenced by Magnitude of Incapability. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2021 Nov 24. doi: 10.1097/CORR.0000000000002062. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 34817441.
  • Bakker D, Kortlever JTP, Kraan GA, Mathijssen N, Colaris JW, Ring D; Science of Variation Group (*Kennedy SA - member). Treatment Recommendations for Suspected Scapholunate Ligament Pathology. J Wrist Surg. 2021 Jul 28;11(1):62-68. doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1732411. PMID: 35127266; PMCID: PMC8807106.
  • Bulstra AEJ, Crijns TJ, Janssen SJ, Buijze GA, Ring D, Jaarsma RL, Kerkhoffs GMMJ, Obdeijn MC, Doornberg JN; Science of Variation Group (*Kennedy SA - member). Factors associated with surgeon recommendation for additional cast immobilization of a CT-verified nondisplaced scaphoid waist fracture. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2021 Jul 24. doi: 10.1007/s00402-021-04062-0. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 34302522.
  • Giladi AM, Lin IC, Means KR Jr, Kennedy SA. Applying Evidence to Inform Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Care. J Hand Surg Am. 2020 Oct 30:S0363-5023(20)30534-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2020.09.007. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33139119.
  • Kennedy SA. Expression of Concern. CORR Insights®: To What Degree Do Pain-coping Strategies Affect Joint Stiffness and Functional Outcomes in Patients With Hand Fractures? Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2020 Nov;478(11):2690. doi: 10.1097/CORR.0000000000001503. Erratum for: Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2015 Nov;473(11):3484-90. PMID: 33009238.
  • Kyriakedes JC, Crijns TJ, Teunis T, Ring D, Bafus BT, Science of Variation Group (*Kennedy SA - member). International Survey: Factors Associated With Operative Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures and Implications for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' Appropriate Use Criteria. Journal of orthopaedic trauma. 2019;33(10):e394-e402. doi:10.1097/BOT.0000000000001517.
  • Lisanne Johanna HS, Wilkens SC, Ring D, Guitton TG, Chen N, Science of Variation Group (*Kennedy SA - member). Variation in Nonsurgical Treatment Recommendations for Common Upper Extremity Conditions. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2019;27(15):575-580. doi:10.5435/JAAOS-D-17-00882.
  • Yi, A, Kennedy C, Chia B, Kennedy SA. Radiographic Soft Tissue Thickness Differentiating Pyogenic Flexor Tenosynovitis from Other Finger Infections. J Hand Surg Am. 2019. 44(5):394-399_. doi:  10.1016/j.jhsa.2019.01.013. PubMed PMID: 30797654.
  • Smits LJH, Wilkens SC, Ring D, Guitton TG, Chen N; Science of Variation Group (*Kennedy SA - member). Variation in Nonsurgical Treatment Recommendations for Common Upper Extremity Conditions. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2019. 27(15):575-580. doi: 10.5435/JAAOS-D-17-00882.[Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 30768482.
  • Beks RB, Drijkoningen T, Claessen F, Guitton TG, Ring D; Science of Variation Group (*Kennedy SA - member). Interobserver Variability of the Diagnosis of Scaphoid Proximal Pole Fractures. J Wrist Surg. 2018 Sep;7(4):350-354. doi: 10.1055/s-0038-1641716. Epub 2018 Apr 10. PubMed PMID: 30174995; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC6117179.
  • Kennedy SA. Pearls: How to Use Subchondral Pin Assisted Reduction to Restore Alignment of Distal Radius Fractures. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2018. 476(8): 1575-1578. Doi:10.1097/CORR.0000000000000376. PubMed PMID: 29965895.
  • Farr S, Guitton TG, Ring D; Science of Variation Group (*Kennedy SA - member). How Reliable is the Radiographic Diagnosis of Mild Madelung Deformity? J Wrist Surg. 2018 Jul;7(3):227-231. doi: 10.1055/s-0037-1612636. Epub 2017 Dec 14. PubMed PMID:29922499
  • Andring N, Kennedy SA, Iannuzzi N. Anomalous Forearm Muscles and their Clinical Relevance: A Review. J Hand Surg Am. 2018. 43 (5):455-463. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2018.02.028. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhsa.2018.02.028. Epub 2018 Mar 27. PubMed PMID: 29602650
  • Miller EA, Iannuzzi N, Kennedy SA. Management of the Mangled Upper Extremity: A Critical Analysis Review. JBJS Rev. 2018. 6(4):e11. doi:10.2106/JBJS.RVW.17.00131. PubMed PMID: 29688909.
  • Kennedy SA. CORR Insights: Is NS-EDTA Effective in Clearing Bacteria From Infected Wounds in a Rat Model? Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2018. 476(5): 1091-1092 doi:10.1007/s11999.0000000000000273. PubMed PMID: 29601395.
  • Kennedy SA. CORR Insights: Hand Posturing Is a Nonverbal Indicator of Catastrophic Thinking for Finger, Hand, or Wrist Injury. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2018. 476(4), 714-715. http://doi.org/10.1007/s11999.0000000000000178
  • Sandstrom CK, Gross JA, and Kennedy SA. ‘Distal Clavicle Fracture Radiography and Treatment: A Pictorial Essay’ Emergency Radiology. 2018. 25(3):311-319. doi: 10.1007/s10140-018-1586-y. Epub 2018 Feb 3. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10140-018-1586-y. PubMed PMID: 29397463.
  • Kennedy SA. CORR Insights: What Are the Risk Factors and Complications Associated With Intraoperative and Postoperative Fractures in Total Wrist Arthroplasty? Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2017. 475(11), 2701-2703. http://doi.org/10.1007/s11999-017-5453-z
  •  Sullivan MP, Firoozabadi R, Kennedy SA, Agel J, Magnusson E, Schiffman B, Folchert M, Beingessner D. Radial neck dilatory remodeling following radial head arthroplasty with an uncemented, press fit, fully chemically etched stem design. J Orthop Trauma. 2017 Sep;31(9):496-502. doi: 10.1097/BOT.0000000000000876. PMID: 28471917
  • Wasterlain AS, Melamed E, Bello R, Karia R, Capo JT; Science of Variation Group (*Kennedy SA - member). The effect of price on surgeon’s choice of implants: a randomized controlled survey. J Hand Surg Am. 2017 Aug; 42(8):593-601. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2017.05.005. Pub 2017 Jun 10. PubMed PMID: 28606437.
  • Kennedy CD, Lauder AS, Pribaz JR, Kennedy SA. Differentiation Between Pyogenic Flexor Tenosynovitis and Other Finger Infections. HAND. 2017 29(7) 155894471769208. http://doi.org/10.1177/1558944717692089
  • Claessen FM, Stoop N, Doornberg JN, Guitton TG, van den Bekerom MP, Ring D; Science of Variation Group (*Kennedy SA - member). Interpretation of Post-operative Distal Humerus Radiographs After Internal Fixation: Prediction of Later Loss of Fixation. J Hand Surg Am. 2016 Oct;41(10):e337-e341. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2016.07.094. PMID: 27522299
  • van Wulfften Palthe OD, Neuhaus V, Janssen SJ, Guitton TG, Ring D; Science of Variation Group (*Kennedy SA - member). Among Musculoskeletal Surgeons, Job Dissatisfaction Is Associated With Burnout. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2016 Aug;474(8):1857-63. doi: 10.1007/s11999-016-4848-6. Epub 2016 Apr 25. PubMed PMID: 27113597; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4925415.
  • Kennedy SA. CORR Insights: Does Brachial Plexus Blockade Result in Improved Pain Scores After Distal Radius Fracture Fixation? A Randomized Trial. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2016 May;474(5):1255-56. doi: 10.1007/s11999-016-4783-6. Epub 2016 Mar 14. PMID: 26975380
  • Hageman MG, Bossen JK, Neuhaus V, Mudgal CS, Ring D; Science of Variation Group (*Kennedy SA - member). Assessment of Decisional Conflict about the Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, Comparing Patients and Physicians. Arch Bone Jt Surg. 2016 Apr;4(2):150-5. PubMed PMID: 27200394; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4852042.
  • Kennedy SA. CORR Insights: A Randomized Trial Among Compression Plus Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs, Aspiration, and Aspiration with Steroid Injection for Nonseptic Olecranon Bursitis. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2016 Mar; 474(3):784-786. doi: 10.1007/s11999-015-4608-z. Epub 2015 Oct 22. PMID: 26493988
  • Becker SJ, Bruinsma WE, Guitton TG, van der Horst CM, Strackee SD, Ring D; Science of Variation Group (*Kennedy SA - member). Interobserver Agreement of the Eaton-Glickel Classification for Trapeziometacarpal and Scaphotrapezial Arthrosis. J Hand Surg Am. 2016 Apr;41(4):532-540.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2015.12.028. PMID: 26826947
  • Janssen SJ, Molleman J, Guitton TG, Ring D; Science Of Variation Group (*Kennedy SA - member). What middle phalanx base fracture characteristics are most reliable and useful for surgical decision-making? Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2015 Dec;473(12):3943-50. doi: 10.1007/s11999-015-4394-7. Epub 2015 Jun 18. Erratum in: Clin Orthop Relat Res.2016 Apr;474(4):1080-1. PubMed PMID: 26084850; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4626472.
  • Janssen SJ, Teunis T, Guitton TG, Ring D; Science of Variation Group (*Kennedy SA - member). Do Surgeons Treat Their Patients Like They Would Treat Themselves? Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2015 Nov;473(11):3564-72. doi: 10.1007/s11999-015-4304-z. PMID: 25957212
  • Kennedy SA. CORR Insights: To What Degree Do Pain-coping Strategies Affect Joint Stiffness and Functional Outcomes in Patients with Hand Fractures? Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2015 Nov;473(11):3491-3493. PMID: 25894810
  • Kennedy SA, Barske H, Wing K, Penner M, Daniels T, Glazebrook M, Dryden P; Wong H, Younger A. ‘SF-36 Mental Component Summary (MCS) Score Does Not Predict Functional Outcome After Surgery for End-Stage Ankle Arthritis.’ J Bone Joint Surg Am, 2015 Oct 21; 97 (20): 1702 -1707 . http://dx.doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.N.01312 PMID: 26491135
  • Sandstrom CK, Kennedy SA, and Gross JA. ‘Acute shoulder trauma: what the surgeon wants to know.’ Radiographics. 2015 Mar-Apr;35(2):475-492
  • Kennedy SA, Stoll LE, and Lauder A. ‘Human and Other Mammalian Bite Injuries of the Hand: Evaluation and Management.’ J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2015 Jan; 23:47-57
  • Hageman MG, Jayakumar P, King JD, Guitton TG, Doornberg JN, Ring D; Science of Variation Group (*Kennedy SA - member). The factors influencing the decision making of operative treatment for proximal humeral fractures. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2015 Jan;24(1):e21-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jse.2014.05.013. Epub 2014 Aug 29. PubMed PMID:25168346.
  • Mellema, J. J., Doornberg, J. N., Guitton, T. G., Ring, D; Science of Variation Group (*Kennedy SA - member) Biomechanical studies: Science (f)or common sense? Injury. 2014 45(12), 2035–2039. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2014.09.014
  • Döring AC, Hagerman MG, Mulder FJ, Guitton TG, Ring D; Science of Variation Group (*Kennedy SA - member). Trigger Finger: Assessment of Surgeon and Patient Preferences and Priorities for Decision Making. J Hand Surg Am. 2014 Nov;39(11):2208-2213
  • Hageman MG, Kinaci A, Ju K, Guitton TG, Mudgal CS, Ring D; Science of Variation Group (*Kennedy SA - member). Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: assessment of surgeon and patient preferences and priorities for decision-making. J Hand Surg Am. 2014 Sep;39(9):1799-1804.
  • Tosti R, Ilyas AM, Mellema JJ, Guitton TG, Ring D; Science of Variation Group (*Kennedy SA - member). Interobserver variability in the treatment of little ringer metacarpal neck fractures. J Hand Surg Am. 2014 Sep;39(9):1722-1727.
  • Neuhaus V, Bot AG, Guitton TG, Ring DC; Science of Variation Group (*Kennedy SA - member). Scapula fractures: interobserver reliability of classification and treatment. J Orthop Trauma. 2014 Mar;28(3):124-9.
  • Gradl G, Neuhaus V, Fuchsberger T, Guitton TG, Prommersberger KJ, Ring D; Science of Variation Group (*Kennedy SA - member). Radiographic diagnosis of scapholunate dissociation among intra-articular fractures of the distal radius: interobserver reliability. J Hand Surg Am. 2013 Sep;38(9):1685-90.
  • Kennedy SA, and Hanel DP. Complex Distal Radius Fractures Orthopedic Clinics of North America 44 (3) (July 2013)
  • Kennedy SA and Clark TA. Identification and Radiologic Interpretation of Carpal Injuries. Canadian Orthopaedic Association Bulletin. Spring 2013
  • Hageman MG, Becker SJ, Bot AG, Guitton T, Ring D; Science of Variation Group (*Kennedy SA - member). Variation in recommendation for surgical treatment for compressive neuropathy. J Hand Surg Am. 2013 May;38(5):856-62.
  • Kennedy SA, and Allan CH. Classifications In Brief - Mayfield et al Classification: Carpal Dislocations and Progressive Perilunar Instability. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 470(4) (April 2012): 1243-1245
  •  White, T, Guy, P, CJ Cooke, SA Kennedy, KP Droll, PA Blachut and PJ O'Brien. The results of early primary open-reduction and internal fixation for treatment of AO C-type tibial pilon fractures. Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma. 24(12) (December 2010): 757-763
  • Kennedy SA and M Moran. Pharmacological treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip and knee. British Columbia Medical Journal. 52(8) (October 2010): 404-409
  • Kennedy SA, A-M Vranceanu, F Nunez and D Ring. Association between psychosocial factors and pain in patients with trigger finger. Journal of Hand and Microsurgery 2(1) (June 2010):18-23
  • Kennedy SA, GP Slobogean and K Mulpuri. 'Does degree of immobilization influence refracture rate in the forearm buckle fracture?'. Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics B. 19(1) (January 2010): 77-81
  • Slobogean, GP, Kennedy SA, D Davidson and PJ O'Brien. 'Single- Versus Multiple-Dose Antibiotic Prophylaxis in the Surgical Treatment of Closed Fractures: A Meta-Analysis'. Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma. 22(4) (April 2008): 264-269.
  • Kennedy SA, RA  Irvine, BD Westerberg and H Zhang. 'Meta-analysis: prophylactic drainage and bleeding complications in thyroid surgery'. Journal of Otolaryngology. 37(6) (December 2008): 768 - 773.
  • Macadam, SA, Kennedy S, D Lalonde, A Anzarut, HM Clarke and EE Brown. 'The Canadian plastic surgery workforce survey: interpretation and implications'. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 119(7) (June 2007): 2299 -2306.

Book chapters:

  • Kennedy SA, Yao J. (2020) Surgical Treatment of Purulent Flexor Tenosynovitis and Deep Space Infections of the Hand. In Wiesel S (ed.) Operative Techniques in Orthopaedic Surgery, 3rd Edition. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer, 2020, Chapter 97.
  • Kennedy SA, Hanel DP. (2019) Distal Radius and Distal Ulna Malunion and Nonunion. In Weiss P (ed.). The American Society for Surgery of the Hand Textbook of Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery, 2nd Edition. Chicago, IL: American Society for Surgery of the Hand, 2019, Chapter 19.
  • Kennedy SA, Pettrone S, Hanel DP. (2018) Distal Radius Fractures. In Gardner MJ, Henley MB (eds.). Harborview Illustrated Tips and Tricks in Fracture Surgery. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2018, Chapter 9.
  • Coleman, N, Kennedy SA, JI Huang. (2014) Chapter 19: Scaphoid Fractures and Nonunions. In D Slutsky (Ed.), Operative Orthopedics: Upper Extremity, 1st Ed. McGraw-Hill. May 9 2014.
  • Kennedy SA and Hanel DP. (2012) Hand and Proximal Replantation.  In D Slutsky (Ed.), The Art of Microsurgical Hand Reconstruction: A Palette of Procedures (Chapter 53). Thieme Publishers

Online Media:

  • Boe C and Kennedy SA (2021) Elbow Dislocations and Fracture-Dislocations. In Kain M (Course Director) Surgical Insights: Taking Orthopaedic Trauma Call. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Module 4: Acute Management of Dislocations and Fracture Dislocations (Firoozabadi R, ed.).
  • Kennedy SA and Boe C. (2021) Wrist Dislocations and Fracture-Dislocations. In Kain M (Course Director) Surgical Insights: Taking Orthopaedic Trauma Call. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Module 4: Acute Management of Dislocations and Fracture Dislocations (Firoozabadi R, ed.).
  • Crowe C and Kennedy SA. (2021) Tenosynovitis. eMedicine. Retrieved 4/2/2021 from https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/2189339-overview
  • Yi A, Cherones, A, and Kennedy SA. Distal Radius Fracture Anatomy and Manual Reduction Techniques. Video. Accepted to AAOS Video Theater 2019
Research

Clinical outcomes in hand and upper extremity trauma. Advances in joint reconstruction surgery, particularly of the wrist and elbow. Technology for the improvement of patient care. Advances in methods in surgical education. Arthroscopic and minimally invasive surgical techniques.

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