Now accepting patients · Fort Lauderdale, FL

Hand & upper
extremity care
you can trust

Arya Minaie, MD

Compassionate, individualized care for conditions of the hand, wrist, and upper extremity — whether or not surgery is the right answer for you. Every patient deserves a thoughtful plan, not a rushed decision.

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Arya Minaie, MD

Hand & Upper Extremity · Fort Lauderdale, FL

HSS

Hand & Upper Extremity Fellowship

Hospital for Special Surgery, New York

UM

Orthopaedic Surgery Residency

University of Miami / Jackson Health System

QU

Doctor of Medicine

Quinnipiac University — Netter School of Medicine

UC

BA, Integrative Biology

University of California, Berkeley

29⁺

Publications

ABOS

Board Eligible 2025

HSS

Fellowship Trained

S.FL

Fort Lauderdale

01

Your goals come first

Every patient has different priorities and demands. Treatment starts with listening — not a predetermined plan. Dr. Minaie takes time to understand what matters most to you.

02

Surgery isn't always the answer

Many conditions respond to non-surgical care — splinting, therapy, injections, and activity modification. When surgery is right, it's because we've genuinely considered everything else first.

03

Supported through recovery

Recovery is a partnership. You'll leave every appointment with a clear plan, realistic expectations, and someone in your corner at every step of the process.

What we treat

Conditions treated

Surgical and non-surgical care for the full spectrum of hand, wrist, and upper extremity conditions, serving Fort Lauderdale and Broward County. View all conditions →

01

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Median nerve compression causing numbness and weakness. Many patients improve without surgery.

02

Trigger Finger

Painful catching or locking of the finger. Often resolved with a single injection.

03

Fractures & Trauma

Hand, wrist, and forearm fractures — managed with the approach that best fits your life.

04

De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

Painful inflammation of tendons at the base of the thumb, treated with injection or surgery.

05

Dupuytren's Contracture

Progressive tightening of palm tissue causing finger contracture — treated with needle aponeurotomy or surgery.

06

Thumb UCL Injury

Skier's thumb — a tear of the ulnar collateral ligament causing thumb instability and pinch weakness.

07

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis of the hand and wrist at every stage.

08

Nerve Injuries

Nerve compression, laceration, and peripheral nerve conditions affecting strength and sensation.

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View all conditions

See the full list including wrist conditions, tennis elbow, tendon injuries, and more.

See full list →

Biography

Arya Minaie, MD

Dr. Arya Minaie is a fellowship-trained hand and upper extremity surgeon who completed his training at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York, with a focus on nerve surgery, microvascular reconstruction, and complex elbow and wrist surgery.

He completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of Miami / Jackson Memorial Health System, where he developed a deep commitment to both surgical excellence and patient-centered care. He approaches each patient as an individual — taking time to listen, explain, and develop a plan that fits their life and their goals.

Following his fellowship, Dr. Minaie was selected for the Scott W. Wolfe, MD International Traveling Fellowship — a competitive honor supporting advanced training at leading centers around the world. He trained alongside internationally recognized leaders in upper extremity surgery: in Antwerp, Belgium, with Dr. Roger van Riet, President of the European Society for Surgery of the Shoulder and Elbow; in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, with Professor Denise Eygendaal, Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery at Erasmus MC; and in Tokyo, Japan, at Shin-Yurigaoka General Hospital, with a focus on complex fracture care and reconstructive microsurgery. The experience gave him a global perspective on elbow reconstruction, trauma, and nerve surgery — ideas and techniques he now brings home to his patients in South Florida.

Whether the answer is surgery, therapy, a brace, or simply reassurance, Dr. Minaie believes that good care starts with an honest conversation, and that patients deserve to feel heard, informed, and supported throughout their recovery.

Education & Training

2026

Scott W. Wolfe, MD International Traveling Fellowship

Antwerp, Belgium · Rotterdam, Netherlands · Tokyo, Japan

2025–2026

Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY

Fellowship — Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery

2020–2025

University of Miami / Jackson Health System

Orthopaedic Surgery Residency

2015–2020

Quinnipiac University — Frank H. Netter SOM

Doctor of Medicine — Distinction in Research

2010–2014

University of California, Berkeley

BA, Integrative Biology

Professional Memberships & Certifications

ABOS Board Eligible — Part I Pass (2025)

American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH)

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)

American Association for Hand Surgery (AAHS)

What we treat

Conditions & Procedures

Dr. Minaie provides comprehensive surgical and non-surgical care for the full spectrum of hand, wrist, and upper extremity conditions — always starting with the least invasive approach that is right for you.

Nerve

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Median nerve compression at the wrist causing numbness, tingling, and weakness. Treated with splinting, corticosteroid injection, or minimally invasive surgical release.

Tendon

Trigger Finger

Stenosing tenosynovitis causing painful catching or locking. Often resolved with a single corticosteroid injection; surgical A1 pulley release when needed.

Trauma

Fractures & Trauma

Distal radius, scaphoid, metacarpal, and phalangeal fractures — treated surgically or non-surgically based on your specific injury and functional goals.

Nerve

Nerve Injuries & Compression

Peripheral nerve repair, grafting, and surgical decompression for cubital tunnel syndrome, carpal tunnel, and other nerve compression conditions.

Tendon

Tendon Injuries

Primary repair and staged reconstruction of flexor and extensor tendons following acute laceration or chronic tendon rupture.

Wrist

Wrist Conditions

TFCC tears, scapholunate instability, ganglion cysts, Kienböck's disease, and complex wrist pain — evaluated with thorough clinical assessment and imaging.

Arthritis

Arthritis of the Hand & Wrist

Osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis — managed at every stage from activity modification, splinting, and injections through to surgical reconstruction.

Elbow

Tennis & Golf Elbow

Lateral and medial epicondylitis causing pain with gripping. Usually treated successfully with therapy, injections, or activity modification.

Tendon

De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

Inflammation of the tendons at the base of the thumb causing pain and swelling with gripping or pinching. Treated with splinting, corticosteroid injection, or surgical release of the first dorsal compartment.

Fascia

Dupuytren's Contracture

Progressive thickening of the palmar fascia causing one or more fingers to bend toward the palm. Treated with needle aponeurotomy, collagenase injection (Xiaflex), or surgical fasciectomy.

Ligament

Thumb UCL Injury

Skier's thumb or Gamekeeper's thumb — a tear of the ulnar collateral ligament at the thumb MCP joint causing instability with pinching. Partial tears may be casted; complete tears typically require surgical repair.

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Not seeing your condition?

Reach out — we're happy to talk through your situation, even if surgery isn't what you need.

Contact us →

Academic work

Research &
Publications

Dr. Minaie is an active researcher with publications in leading orthopaedic journals. His work spans hand trauma, distal radius fractures, nerve surgery, and evidence-based outcomes in upper extremity surgery.

G

View on Google Scholar

29⁺

Peer-reviewed publications

12⁺

Podium presentations

17⁺

Poster presentations

JBJS

Grant recipient

Selected publications

2025

The incidence and risk factors for volar shear distal radius fractures at a level 1 trauma center

J Wrist Surg · Murgai R, Martin A, Minaie A, Ghali M, Dodds SD

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2025

Distal radius fracture pattern correlates with pronator quadratus injury severity

J Wrist Surg · Murgai R, Ghali M, Minaie A, Martin A, Dodds SD

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2025

Flexor carpi ulnaris surgical approach to the volar ulnar corner of the distal radius

Tech Hand Up Extrem Surg · Minaie A, Warburton C, Patel N, et al.

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2024

Return-to-work after attempted digit replantation: a systematic review of 31 studies

Hand (NY) · Treger D, Weinerman J, Cai N, Syros A, Minaie A, Dodds SD

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2022

Reconstructive hip surgery in children with cerebral palsy: factors influencing risk of femoral head avascular necrosis

J Pediatr Orthop B · Minaie A, Smythe M, Gordon JE, Schoenecker P, Hosseinzadeh P

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View all publications on Google Scholar →

Patient resources

Resources for patients

Everything you need to prepare for your visit, understand your condition, and recover well — organized in one place.

Patient education

Hand & Wrist Anatomy

The human hand is one of the most complex structures in the body — made up of 27 bones, 27 joints, 34 muscles, and over 100 ligaments and tendons. Understanding basic anatomy can help you better understand your diagnosis and treatment options.

🦴 Bones of the Hand

The wrist contains 8 carpal bones connecting the forearm to the 5 metacarpals of the palm. Each metacarpal connects to a finger at the MCP (knuckle) joint. Finger bones are phalanges — each finger has 3, the thumb has 2.

💪 Muscles & Tendons

Intrinsic muscles control fine motor movements within the hand. Extrinsic muscles in the forearm drive gross movements via long tendons. Flexor tendons bend the fingers; extensor tendons straighten them.

⚡ Nerves of the Hand

Median nerve — carpal tunnel; supplies thumb, index, middle, and part of ring finger. Ulnar nerve — Guyon's canal; little finger and half the ring finger. Radial nerve — back of the hand, thumb side.

🩸 Vessels & Ligaments

The radial and ulnar arteries supply the hand. The volar plate is the strongest ligament, preventing hyperextension at the PIP joint. Collateral ligaments — including the thumb UCL — stabilize each joint against sideways forces.

Why anatomy matters for your care

When Dr. Minaie explains your diagnosis, he'll often refer to these structures. For example:

Carpal tunnel syndrome — the median nerve is compressed at the wrist, causing numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
Trigger finger — the flexor tendon sheath becomes inflamed, preventing smooth gliding through the A1 pulley.
De Quervain's tenosynovitis — inflammation of the APL and EPB tendons in the first dorsal compartment at the base of the thumb.
Dupuytren's contracture — the palmar fascia thickens into cords that tether the finger toward the palm.
Thumb UCL tear — the ulnar collateral ligament at the thumb MCP joint is torn, causing instability with pinch and grip.
TFCC tears — involve the triangular fibrocartilage complex on the ulnar side of the wrist.

Recovery guidance

Post-op Instructions

Select your procedure for detailed instructions. Always follow the specific guidance given at your discharge appointment — Dr. Minaie may tailor these for your individual case.

These are general guidelines. If you have any questions about your recovery, please call our office.

Hand / Wrist

Carpal Tunnel Release

▼

Wound care

Remove dressing 5 days after surgery; replace with a bandaid
Do not apply ointments to the incision
Keep incision dry and clean; shower only after removing initial dressing
Sutures removed at your 2-week follow-up

Elevation & exercises

Keep the hand elevated to minimize swelling; ice intermittently
Move thumb, wrist, and fingers 10 times every hour when awake — fully straighten and fully bend into a tight fist
Avoid heavy gripping; limit lifting to 5 lbs for first 2 weeks

Pain control

Regional block may be in place; sensation returns within 12–24 hours
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 1000 mg every 6 hours (max 4000 mg/day)
Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) 600 mg every 6 hours as secondary pain control
Narcotics are not prescribed for this procedure

Hand

Trigger Finger Release

▼

Wound care

Remove dressing 5 days after surgery; replace with a bandaid
Do not apply ointments to the incision
Keep incision covered, dry, and clean; shower after removing initial dressing
Sutures removed at 2-week follow-up

Elevation & exercises

Elevate the hand; ice intermittently to reduce swelling
Move fingers 10 times every hour when awake — fully straighten and fully bend into a tight fist
Avoid heavy gripping; limit lifting to 5 lbs for first 2 weeks

Pain control

Regional block may be in place; sensation returns within 12–24 hours
Acetaminophen 1000 mg every 6 hours (max 4000 mg/day)
Ibuprofen 600 mg every 6 hours as secondary pain control

Wrist

Wrist Fracture (Distal Radius)

▼

Wound care

Keep dressing clean, dry, and intact until your 2-week follow-up
Cover when showering at all times until follow-up
Sutures removed at 2-week follow-up appointment

Elevation & exercises

Elevate hand and wrist above heart level; ice over dressing to reduce swelling
Move fingers 10 times every hour when awake — full straightening and full fist
Do not push, pull, or lift with the operative hand; limit to 5 lbs

Pain control

Regional block in place; sensation returns within 12–24 hours
Acetaminophen 1000 mg every 6 hours (max 4000 mg/day)
Ibuprofen 600 mg every 6 hours as secondary pain control

General

General Hand Surgery

▼

Wound care & activity

Follow discharge-specific dressing instructions; keep dry and covered when showering
Sutures removed at 2-week follow-up
Elevate hand and ice intermittently to reduce swelling
Move fingers 10 times every hour when awake unless instructed otherwise
Avoid heavy gripping; light activities generally fine as tolerated

Pain control

Acetaminophen 1000 mg every 6 hours (max 4000 mg/day)
Ibuprofen 600 mg every 6 hours as additional pain relief

Not sure which instructions apply? Call our office — we're happy to clarify.

Preparing for your visit

First Visit Guide

Here's what to bring and expect at your first appointment with Dr. Minaie.

1

Insurance & ID

Bring a current driver's license or government-issued ID, and your health insurance card. Contact our office in advance if you have questions about coverage.

2

Prior imaging & records

If you have prior X-rays, MRI, CT scans, EMG/NCS studies, or operative reports, please bring copies or request they be sent to our office before your visit.

3

Medication list

Bring a current list of all medications, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and vitamins. Note any medication allergies.

4

Describe your symptoms

Be prepared to describe when symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, whether they affect your work or daily activities, and any treatments you've already tried.

5

Will I need surgery?

Many patients are treated without surgery. Dr. Minaie always explores non-surgical options first — including therapy, splinting, and injections — and will discuss all options at your appointment.

6

Referral

Some insurance plans require a referral from your primary care physician. Contact our office if you're unsure whether you need one.

Hand & upperextremity careyou can trust

Why anatomy matters for your care

Hand & upper
extremity care
you can trust