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J. Grant Thomson

MD, FACS, MSc

Professor of Surgery (Plastic); Affiliated Faculty, Yale Institute for Global Health; Director, Yale Hand & Microsurgery Program

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Biography
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Research Summary

Dr Thomson has studied and published on the pathophysiology of flap failure, flap monitoring, ischemic preconditioning of flaps, the biomechanics aspects of tendon repair and trigger finger, and quality improvement of international surgery.

Coauthors

Research Interests

Finger Injuries; Hand; Osteoarthritis; Tendon Injuries; Thumb; Wrist; Health Care Quality, Access, and Evaluation; Tendinopathy

Public Health Interests

Global Health

Research Image

Work of flexion during triggering

The graph depicts the work of complete finger flexion through excursion of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon from 0 to 30 mm. The 5 lines indicate 5 identical trials of the same condition. The load exerted on the tendon rises sharply until approximately 23 mm, then experiences a sharp dip, then rises again at approximately the same slope as before, indicating that triggering occurred. TNC, tension normalized by circumference.

Selected Publications

Analysis of Strengths in Exposure to Cases During Plastic and Orthopaedic Hand Surgery FellowshipsSilvestre J, Thomson JG, Thompson TL, Chang B, Wilson RH. Analysis of Strengths in Exposure to Cases During Plastic and Orthopaedic Hand Surgery Fellowships Journal Of The American Academy Of Orthopaedic Surgeons 2022, 30: 721-727. PMID: 35333806, DOI: 10.5435/jaaos-d-22-00118.
Sex, Race, Insurance, and Pain: Do Patient Sociodemographics Influence Postoperative Opioid Prescriptions Among Hand Surgeons?Peck CJ, Carney M, Chiu A, Park KE, Prassinos A, Allam O, Thomson JG, Prsic A. Sex, Race, Insurance, and Pain: Do Patient Sociodemographics Influence Postoperative Opioid Prescriptions Among Hand Surgeons? Hand 2021, 17: 1133-1138. PMID: 33682465, PMCID: PMC9608288, DOI: 10.1177/1558944721998020.
Differential Pulley Release in Trigger Finger: A Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial.Wu RT, Walker ME, Peck CJ, Liu YJ, Hetzler P, Le NK, Smetona J, Thomson JG. Differential Pulley Release in Trigger Finger: A Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial. Hand 2021, 1558944721994231. PMID: 33648377, DOI: 10.1177/1558944721994231.
Axillary artery pseudoaneurysm and distal ulnar embolization in collegiate pitcher: a case report and review.Sayadi LR, Shah A, Chopan M, Thomson JG. Axillary artery pseudoaneurysm and distal ulnar embolization in collegiate pitcher: a case report and review. Case Reports In Plastic Surgery & Hand Surgery 2018, 5: 27-30. PMID: 29707610, PMCID: PMC5917312, DOI: 10.1080/23320885.2018.1458311.
A prospective, randomized-controlled pilot study comparing closed suction versus negative pressure drains for panniculectomy patientsWalker ME, Tsay C, Broer PN, Zhu VZ, Sturrock T, Ng R, Scoutt LM, Thomson JG, Kwei SL. A prospective, randomized-controlled pilot study comparing closed suction versus negative pressure drains for panniculectomy patients Journal Of Plastic Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery 2017, 71: 438-439. PMID: 29289501, DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2017.11.013.
Functional and Quality of Life Outcomes of a Hand Surgery Mission to HondurasChuang C, Azurdia J, Asuzu D, Ragins KT, Tomany K, Islam S, Williams S, Safanda J, Thomson JG. Functional and Quality of Life Outcomes of a Hand Surgery Mission to Honduras Hand 2017, 13: 305-312. PMID: 28452578, PMCID: PMC5987978, DOI: 10.1177/1558944717704515.
Diagnosis and treatment of carpal tunnel syndromeThomson JG. Diagnosis and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome The Lancet Neurology 2017, 16: 263. PMID: 28327334, DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(17)30059-5.
Decision-making and Management of Ulnar Polydactyly of the Newborn: Outcomes and SatisfactionSamra S, Bourne D, Beckett J, Matthew M, Thomson JG. Decision-making and Management of Ulnar Polydactyly of the Newborn: Outcomes and Satisfaction The Journal Of Hand Surgery (Asian-Pacific Volume) 2016, 21: 313-320. PMID: 27595947, DOI: 10.1142/s2424835516500272.
Aesthetic Breast Shape Preferences Among Plastic SurgeonsBroer PN, Juran S, Walker ME, Ng R, Weichman K, Tanna N, Liu YJ, Shah A, Patel A, Persing JA, Thomson JG. Aesthetic Breast Shape Preferences Among Plastic Surgeons Annals Of Plastic Surgery 2015, 74: 639-644. PMID: 24691316, DOI: 10.1097/sap.0000000000000001.
An exceptional case of xanthomatous infiltration of the musculoskeletal and integumentary systemsSong JW, Ersahin D, Much MA, Thomson JG, Smitaman E. An exceptional case of xanthomatous infiltration of the musculoskeletal and integumentary systems Skeletal Radiology 2015, 44: 1181-1187. PMID: 25690426, DOI: 10.1007/s00256-015-2116-6.
A novel use for suture button suspension: reconstruction of the dorsal ulnar ligament to treat thumb metacarpal dislocationShah A, Martin G, Thomson JG. A novel use for suture button suspension: reconstruction of the dorsal ulnar ligament to treat thumb metacarpal dislocation Case Reports In Plastic Surgery And Hand Surgery 2015, 2: 7-11. PMID: 27252958, PMCID: PMC4623541, DOI: 10.3109/23320885.2014.997823.
Helping Hands: A Cost-Effectiveness Study of a Humanitarian Hand Surgery MissionTadisina KK, Chopra K, Tangredi J, Thomson JG, Singh DP. Helping Hands: A Cost-Effectiveness Study of a Humanitarian Hand Surgery Mission Plastic Surgery International 2014, 2014: 921625. PMID: 25225616, PMCID: PMC4158142, DOI: 10.1155/2014/921625.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Syndrome of Partial Thenar Atrophy, and W. Russell Brain: A Historical PerspectiveBoskovski MT, Thomson JG. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Syndrome of Partial Thenar Atrophy, and W. Russell Brain: A Historical Perspective The Journal Of Hand Surgery 2014, 39: 1822-1829.e1. PMID: 25063392, DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2014.05.025.
Acroparesthesia and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Historical PerspectiveBoskovski MT, Thomson JG. Acroparesthesia and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Historical Perspective The Journal Of Hand Surgery 2014, 39: 1813-1821.e1. PMID: 25063390, DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2014.05.024.
Digit replantation in children: a nationwide analysis of outcomes and trends of 455 pediatric patients.Berlin NL, Tuggle CT, Thomson JG, Au A. Digit replantation in children: a nationwide analysis of outcomes and trends of 455 pediatric patients. Hand (New York, N.Y.) 2014, 9: 244-52. PMID: 24839429, PMCID: PMC4022954, DOI: 10.1007/s11552-014-9628-8.
Abstract 142Walker ME, Zhu VZ, Webb ML, Sturrock T, Ng R, Thomson JG, Broer PN, Kwei SL. Abstract 142 Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery 2014, 133: 158. PMID: 25942253, DOI: 10.1097/01.prs.0000444970.05033.02.
Experimental Model of Trigger Finger Through A1 Pulley Constriction in a Human Cadaveric Hand: A Pilot StudyLiu KJ, Thomson JG. Experimental Model of Trigger Finger Through A1 Pulley Constriction in a Human Cadaveric Hand: A Pilot Study The Journal Of Hand Surgery 2013, 38: 1933-1940. PMID: 23978786, DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2013.06.033.
The Effects of A1 Pulley Release after Flexor Tendon Repair in a Cadaveric ModelBuonocore SD, Broer PN, Kaldany A, Sawh-Martinez R, Thomson JG. The Effects of A1 Pulley Release after Flexor Tendon Repair in a Cadaveric Model Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery 2012, 130: 857-864. PMID: 22691846, DOI: 10.1097/prs.0b013e318262f251.
Prognostication for body contouring surgery after bariatric surgery.Singh D, Forte AJ, Zahiri HR, Janes LE, Sabino J, Matthews JA, Bell RL, Thomson JG. Prognostication for body contouring surgery after bariatric surgery. Eplasty 2012, 12: e46. PMID: 22993644, PMCID: PMC3443410.
Mental and physical impact of body contouring procedures on post-bariatric surgery patients.Singh D, Zahiri HR, Janes LE, Sabino J, Matthews JA, Bell RL, Thomson JG. Mental and physical impact of body contouring procedures on post-bariatric surgery patients. Eplasty 2012, 12: e47. PMID: 22993645, PMCID: PMC3443403.
The Effects of Edema and Self-adherent Wrap on the Work of Flexion in a Cadaveric HandBuonocore S, Sawh-Martinez R, Emerson JW, Mohan P, Dymarczyk M, Thomson JG. The Effects of Edema and Self-adherent Wrap on the Work of Flexion in a Cadaveric Hand The Journal Of Hand Surgery 2012, 37: 1349-1355. PMID: 22633224, DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2012.03.038.
Does the Severity of Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Influence the Timing of Staged Bilateral Release?Chin SH, Tom LK, Thomson JG. Does the Severity of Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Influence the Timing of Staged Bilateral Release? Annals Of Plastic Surgery 2011, 67: 30-33. PMID: 21467913, DOI: 10.1097/sap.0b013e3181ebe617.
Ideal Anthropomorphic Values of the Female BreastLiu YJ, Thomson JG. Ideal Anthropomorphic Values of the Female Breast Annals Of Plastic Surgery 2011, 67: 7-11. PMID: 21301308, DOI: 10.1097/sap.0b013e3181f77ab5.
Mild Intraoperative Hypothermia Reduces Free Tissue Transfer ThrombosisLiu1 2, Hirsch2 B, Shah2 3, Reid2 M, Thomson2 J. Mild Intraoperative Hypothermia Reduces Free Tissue Transfer Thrombosis Journal Of Reconstructive Microsurgery 2010, 27: 121-126. PMID: 20981640, DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1268211.
The use of a surgical glove in microsurgical training: A new point of viewColebunders B, Matthew MK, Thomson JG. The use of a surgical glove in microsurgical training: A new point of view Microsurgery 2010, 30: 505-506. PMID: 20878733, DOI: 10.1002/micr.20785.
The effect of ischemic preconditioning on secondary ischemia in myocutaneous flaps.Shah AA, Arias JE, Thomson JG. The effect of ischemic preconditioning on secondary ischemia in myocutaneous flaps. Journal Of Reconstructive Microsurgery 2009, 25: 527-31. PMID: 19774502, DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1238220.
The Effect of Core Temperature on the Success of Free Tissue TransferThomson1 J, Mine1 R, Shah2 A, Palesty3 J, Yaghjyan4 G, Ahmed1 S, Braün5 S, Chao1 R. The Effect of Core Temperature on the Success of Free Tissue Transfer Journal Of Reconstructive Microsurgery 2009, 25: 411-416. PMID: 19455487, DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1223849.
Surface Area Measurement of the Female Breast: Phase I. Validation of a Novel Optical TechniqueThomson JG, Liu YJ, Restifo RJ, Rinker BD, Reis A. Surface Area Measurement of the Female Breast: Phase I. Validation of a Novel Optical Technique Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery 2009, 123: 1588-1596. PMID: 19407633, DOI: 10.1097/prs.0b013e3181a076ad.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Associated with the Use of Aromatase Inhibitors in Breast CancerNishihori T, Choi J, DiGiovanna MP, Thomson JG, Kohler PC, McGurn J, Chung GG. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Associated with the Use of Aromatase Inhibitors in Breast Cancer Clinical Breast Cancer 2008, 8: 362-365. PMID: 18757265, DOI: 10.3816/cbc.2008.n.043.
Retinoids, 585-nm Laser, and Carbon Dioxide Laser: A Numeric Comparison of Neocollagen Formation in Photoaged Hairless Mouse SkinLee CJ, Park JH, Ciesielski TE, Thomson JG, Persing JA. Retinoids, 585-nm Laser, and Carbon Dioxide Laser: A Numeric Comparison of Neocollagen Formation in Photoaged Hairless Mouse Skin Aesthetic Plastic Surgery 2008, 32: 894-901. PMID: 18301943, DOI: 10.1007/s00266-008-9121-2.
Growth factor expression with different wound treatments after laser resurfacingLee C, Whang J, Lazova R, Ciesielski TE, Thomson JG, McCarthy T, Persing JA. Growth factor expression with different wound treatments after laser resurfacing Aesthetic Surgery Journal 2007, 27: 55-64. PMID: 19341630, DOI: 10.1016/j.asj.2006.12.002.
Differences in Breast Shape Preferences between Plastic Surgeons and Patients Seeking Breast AugmentationHsia HC, Thomson JG. Differences in Breast Shape Preferences between Plastic Surgeons and Patients Seeking Breast Augmentation Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery 2003, 112: 312-320. PMID: 12832909, DOI: 10.1097/01.prs.0000066365.12348.a7.
Microarray Gene Analysis and Expression Profiles of Dupuytren’s ContracturePan D, Watson HK, Swigart C, Thomson JG, Honig SC, Narayan D. Microarray Gene Analysis and Expression Profiles of Dupuytren’s Contracture Annals Of Plastic Surgery 2003, 50: 618-622. PMID: 12783014, DOI: 10.1097/01.sap.0000069066.35253.b3.
The optimal sequence of microvascular repair during prolonged clamping in free flap transfer.Braün SA, Mine R, Syed SA, Ta KT, Chao RP, Ciesielski TE, Perez-Morel A, Thomson JG. The optimal sequence of microvascular repair during prolonged clamping in free flap transfer. Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery 2003, 111: 233-41. PMID: 12496584, DOI: 10.1097/01.PRS.0000034935.39353.BD.
Salvage of the exposed irradiated knee joint with free tissue transfer.Pu LL, Thomson JG. Salvage of the exposed irradiated knee joint with free tissue transfer. Annals Of Plastic Surgery 2000, 44: 334-9. PMID: 10735229, DOI: 10.1097/00000637-200044030-00015.
Telemedicine: low-bandwidth applications for intermittent health services in remote areas.Otake LR, Thomson JG, Persing JA, Merrell RC. Telemedicine: low-bandwidth applications for intermittent health services in remote areas. JAMA 1998, 280: 1305-6. PMID: 9794301, DOI: 10.1001/jama.280.15.1305-a.
Ischemic preconditioning improves the survival of skin and myocutaneous flaps in a rat model.Zahir KS, Syed SA, Zink JR, Restifo RJ, Thomson JG. Ischemic preconditioning improves the survival of skin and myocutaneous flaps in a rat model. Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery 1998, 102: 140-50; discussion 151-2. PMID: 9655419, DOI: 10.1097/00006534-199807000-00022.
The effect of prolonged clamping and vascular stasis on the patency of arterial and venous microanastomoses.Thomson JG, Kim JH, Syed SA, Reid MA, Madsen J, Restifo RJ. The effect of prolonged clamping and vascular stasis on the patency of arterial and venous microanastomoses. Annals Of Plastic Surgery 1998, 40: 436-41. PMID: 9556001, DOI: 10.1097/00000637-199804000-00019.
Trends in the incidence of upper extremity soft tissue malignancies: a 40-year review of the Connecticut State Tumor Registry.Zahir KS, Quin JA, Brown W, Thomson JG, Dudrick SJ. Trends in the incidence of upper extremity soft tissue malignancies: a 40-year review of the Connecticut State Tumor Registry. Connecticut Medicine 1998, 62: 9-14. PMID: 9509707.
Aneurysm of the radial artery following blunt trauma to the wrist.Turowski GA, Amjadi N, Sterling A, Thomson JG. Aneurysm of the radial artery following blunt trauma to the wrist. Annals Of Plastic Surgery 1997, 38: 527-30. PMID: 9160137, DOI: 10.1097/00000637-199705000-00015.
Timing, magnitude, and utility of surgical delay in the TRAM flap: I. Animal studies.Restifo RJ, Ahmed SS, Isenberg JS, Thomson JG. Timing, magnitude, and utility of surgical delay in the TRAM flap: I. Animal studies. Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery 1997, 99: 1211-6. PMID: 9105347, DOI: 10.1097/00006534-199704001-00001.
The results of surgical treatment of trigger finger.Turowski GA, Zdankiewicz PD, Thomson JG. The results of surgical treatment of trigger finger. The Journal Of Hand Surgery 1997, 22: 145-9. PMID: 9018628, DOI: 10.1016/S0363-5023(05)80195-9.
Hydrogen clearance: assessment of technique for measurement of skin-flap blood flow in pigs.Thomson JG, Kerrigan CL. Hydrogen clearance: assessment of technique for measurement of skin-flap blood flow in pigs. Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery 1991, 88: 657-63. PMID: 1896537.
Effects of sodium pentobarbital anesthesia on blood flow in skin, myocutaneous, and fasciocutaneous flaps in swine.Thomson JG, Kerrigan CL, Abrahamowicz M. Effects of sodium pentobarbital anesthesia on blood flow in skin, myocutaneous, and fasciocutaneous flaps in swine. Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery 1991, 88: 269-74. PMID: 1852820, DOI: 10.1097/00006534-199108000-00016.
Dermofluorometry: thresholds for predicting flap survival.Thomson JG, Kerrigan CL. Dermofluorometry: thresholds for predicting flap survival. Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery 1989, 83: 859-64; discussion 865. PMID: 2710835.
Fasciocutaneous flaps: an experimental model in the pig.Thomson JG, Kerrigan CL. Fasciocutaneous flaps: an experimental model in the pig. Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery 1989, 83: 110-7. PMID: 2909051.

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J. Grant Thomson

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