J. Grant Thomson
MD, FACS, MSc
Professor of Surgery (Plastic); Affiliated Faculty, Yale Institute for Global Health; Director, Yale Hand & Microsurgery Program
Research & Publications
Biography
News
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
- Carpal tunnel syndrome, syndrome of partial thenar atrophy, and W. Russell Brain: a historical perspective.Boskovski 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 perspective.Boskovski 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.
- An exceptional case of xanthomatous infiltration of the musculoskeletal and integumentary systems.Song 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: 1181-7. PMID: 25690426, DOI: 10.1007/s00256-015-2116-6.
- Aesthetic breast shape preferences among plastic surgeons.Broer 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: 639-44. PMID: 24691316, DOI: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000000001.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Microsurgery for cranial base tumors.Thomson JG, Restifo RJ. Microsurgery for cranial base tumors. Clinics In Plastic Surgery 1995, 22: 563-72. PMID: 7554724.
- The extended lateral arm free flap for head and neck reconstruction: the Yale experience.Ross DA, Thomson JG, Restifo R, Tarro JM, Sasaki CT. The extended lateral arm free flap for head and neck reconstruction: the Yale experience. The Laryngoscope 1996, 106: 14-8. PMID: 8544621, DOI: 10.1097/00005537-199601000-00004.
- Distal dorsal forearm flap.Syed SA, Zahir KS, Zink JR, Saglaam O, Restifo RJ, Thomson JG. Distal dorsal forearm flap. Annals Of Plastic Surgery 1997, 38: 396-403. PMID: 9111901, DOI: 10.1097/00000637-199704000-00015.
- 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.
- 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.
- Transferring vascular territories from one axial pattern flap to another: a comparison of delay procedures.Zink JR, Syed SA, Zahir K, Thomson JG, Restifo R. Transferring vascular territories from one axial pattern flap to another: a comparison of delay procedures. Annals Of Plastic Surgery 1997, 38: 385-7. PMID: 9111899, DOI: 10.1097/00000637-199704000-00013.
- 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.
- A new experimental model: the vascular pedicled cutaneous flap over the mid-dorsum of the rat.Ahmed SS, Pierce J, Reid M, Thomson JG, Restifo RJ. A new experimental model: the vascular pedicled cutaneous flap over the mid-dorsum of the rat. Annals Of Plastic Surgery 1997, 39: 495-9. PMID: 9374146.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Comparison of the effects of ischemic preconditioning and surgical delay on pedicled musculocutaneous flap survival in a rat model.Zahir KS, Syed SA, Zink JR, Restifo RJ, Thomson JG. Comparison of the effects of ischemic preconditioning and surgical delay on pedicled musculocutaneous flap survival in a rat model. Annals Of Plastic Surgery 1998, 40: 422-8; discussion 428-9. PMID: 9555999, DOI: 10.1097/00000637-199804000-00017.
- Ischemic preconditioning of musculocutaneous flaps: effects of ischemia cycle length and number of cycles.Zahir TM, Zahir KS, Syed SA, Restifo RJ, Thomson JG. Ischemic preconditioning of musculocutaneous flaps: effects of ischemia cycle length and number of cycles. Annals Of Plastic Surgery 1998, 40: 430-5. PMID: 9556000, DOI: 10.1097/00000637-199804000-00018.
- 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.
- TRAM flap perforator ligation and the delay phenomenon: development of an endoscopic/laparoscopic delay procedure.Restifo RJ, Ahmed SS, Rosser J, Zahir K, Zink J, Lalikos JA, Thomson JG. TRAM flap perforator ligation and the delay phenomenon: development of an endoscopic/laparoscopic delay procedure. Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery 1998, 101: 1503-11. PMID: 9583479, DOI: 10.1097/00006534-199805000-00012.
- The preconditioned TRAM flap: preliminary clinical experience.Restifo RJ, Thomson JG. The preconditioned TRAM flap: preliminary clinical experience. Annals Of Plastic Surgery 1998, 41: 343-7. PMID: 9788213, DOI: 10.1097/00000637-199810000-00001.
- Effects of nerve growth factor on nerve regeneration through a vein graft across a gap.Pu LL, Syed SA, Reid M, Patwa H, Goldstein JM, Forman DL, Thomson JG. Effects of nerve growth factor on nerve regeneration through a vein graft across a gap. Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery 1999, 104: 1379-85. PMID: 10513921, DOI: 10.1097/00006534-199910000-00021.
- Patient satisfaction and outcomes of surgery for de Quervain's tenosynovitis.Ta KT, Eidelman D, Thomson JG. Patient satisfaction and outcomes of surgery for de Quervain's tenosynovitis. The Journal Of Hand Surgery 1999, 24: 1071-7. PMID: 10509287, DOI: 10.1053/jhsu.1999.1071.
- Endothelial cell growth factor enhances musculocutaneous flap survival through the process of neovascularization.Pu LL, Ahmed S, Thomson JG, Reid MA, Madsen JA, Restifo RJ. Endothelial cell growth factor enhances musculocutaneous flap survival through the process of neovascularization. Annals Of Plastic Surgery 1999, 42: 306-12. PMID: 10096623, DOI: 10.1097/00000637-199903000-00013.
- Pedal macrodactyly: coverage of a large defect with a rectus abdominus free flap.Hendrix CL, Thomson JG, Blume PA. Pedal macrodactyly: coverage of a large defect with a rectus abdominus free flap. The Journal Of Foot And Ankle Surgery : Official Publication Of The American College Of Foot And Ankle Surgeons 2000, 39: 184-8. PMID: 10862390.
- 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.
- Long-term outcome of embolotherapy and surgery for high-flow extremity arteriovenous malformations.White RI, Pollak J, Persing J, Henderson KJ, Thomson JG, Burdge CM. Long-term outcome of embolotherapy and surgery for high-flow extremity arteriovenous malformations. Journal Of Vascular And Interventional Radiology : JVIR 2000, 11: 1285-95. PMID: 11099238, DOI: 10.1016/s1051-0443(07)61302-5.
- Early passive mobilization after digital nerve repair and grafting in a fresh cadaver.Chao RP, Braün SA, Ta KT, Palesty JA, Mine R, Syed SA, Chang DJ, Thomson JG. Early passive mobilization after digital nerve repair and grafting in a fresh cadaver. Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery 2001, 108: 386-91. PMID: 11496180, DOI: 10.1097/00006534-200108000-00017.
- Microarray gene analysis and expression profiles of Dupuytren's contracture.Pan 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: 618-22. PMID: 12783014, DOI: 10.1097/01.SAP.0000069066.35253.B3.
- Differences in breast shape preferences between plastic surgeons and patients seeking breast augmentation.Hsia HC, Thomson JG. Differences in breast shape preferences between plastic surgeons and patients seeking breast augmentation. Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery 2003, 112: 312-20; discussion 321-2. PMID: 12832909, DOI: 10.1097/01.PRS.0000066365.12348.A7.
- 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.
- Growth factor expression with different wound treatments after laser resurfacing.Jae Lee C, Hee 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 / The American Society For Aesthetic Plastic Surgery 2007, 27: 55-64. PMID: 19341630, DOI: 10.1016/j.asj.2006.12.002.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome associated with the use of aromatase inhibitors in breast cancer.Nishihori 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: 362-5. 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 skin.Lee 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.
- Surface area measurement of the female breast: phase I. Validation of a novel optical technique.Thomson 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 And Reconstructive Surgery 2009, 123: 1588-1596. PMID: 19407633, DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181a076ad.
- The effect of core temperature on the success of free tissue transfer.Thomson JG, Mine R, Shah A, Palesty JA, Yaghjyan G, Ahmed S, Braün SA, Chao RP. The effect of core temperature on the success of free tissue transfer. Journal Of Reconstructive Microsurgery 2009, 25: 411-6. PMID: 19455487, DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1223849.
- 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 use of a surgical glove in microsurgical training: a new point of view.Colebunders B, Matthew MK, Thomson JG. The use of a surgical glove in microsurgical training: a new point of view. Microsurgery 2010, 30: 505-6. PMID: 20878733, DOI: 10.1002/micr.20785.
- 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: 30-3. PMID: 21467913, DOI: 10.1097/SAP.0b013e3181ebe617.
- Mild intraoperative hypothermia reduces free tissue transfer thrombosis.Liu YJ, Hirsch BP, Shah AA, Reid MA, Thomson JG. Mild intraoperative hypothermia reduces free tissue transfer thrombosis. Journal Of Reconstructive Microsurgery 2011, 27: 121-6. PMID: 20981640, DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1268211.
- Ideal anthropomorphic values of the female breast: correlation of pluralistic aesthetic evaluations with objective measurements.Liu YJ, Thomson JG. Ideal anthropomorphic values of the female breast: correlation of pluralistic aesthetic evaluations with objective measurements. Annals Of Plastic Surgery 2011, 67: 7-11. PMID: 21301308, DOI: 10.1097/SAP.0b013e3181f77ab5.
- The effects of edema and self-adherent wrap on the work of flexion in a cadaveric hand.Buonocore 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: 1349-55. PMID: 22633224, DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2012.03.038.
- The effects of A1 pulley release after flexor tendon repair in a cadaveric model.Buonocore 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 And Reconstructive Surgery 2012, 130: 857-864. PMID: 22691846, DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0b013e318262f251.
- Abstract 142: Prevention of Seroma and Post-operative Wound Complications Using Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Devices Following Panniculectomy in Massive Weight-Loss Patients.Walker ME, Zhu VZ, Webb ML, Sturrock T, Ng R, Thomson JG, Broer PN, Kwei SL. Abstract 142: Prevention of Seroma and Post-operative Wound Complications Using Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Devices Following Panniculectomy in Massive Weight-Loss Patients. Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery 2014, 133: 158. PMID: 25942253, DOI: 10.1097/01.prs.0000444970.05033.02.
- 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.
- Helping hands: a cost-effectiveness study of a humanitarian hand surgery mission.Tadisina 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- A novel use for suture button suspension: reconstruction of the dorsal ulnar ligament to treat thumb metacarpal dislocation.Shah 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 & Hand Surgery 2015, 2: 7-11. PMID: 27252958, PMCID: PMC4623541, DOI: 10.3109/23320885.2014.997823.
- Experimental model of trigger finger through A1 pulley constriction in a human cadaveric hand: a pilot study.Liu 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: 1933-40. PMID: 23978786, DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2013.06.033.
- Decision-making and Management of Ulnar Polydactyly of the Newborn: Outcomes and Satisfaction.Samra 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: 313-20. PMID: 27595947, DOI: 10.1142/S2424835516500272.
- Diagnosis and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.Thomson JG. Diagnosis and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. The Lancet. Neurology 2017, 16: 263. PMID: 28327334, DOI: 10.1016/S1474-4422(17)30059-5.
- Functional and Quality of Life Outcomes of a Hand Surgery Mission to Honduras.Chuang 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 (New York, N.Y.) 2018, 13: 305-312. PMID: 28452578, PMCID: PMC5987978, DOI: 10.1177/1558944717704515.
- A prospective, randomized-controlled pilot study comparing closed suction versus negative pressure drains for panniculectomy patients.Walker 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 : JPRAS 2018, 71: 438-439. PMID: 29289501, DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2017.11.013.
- 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.
- 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 (New York, N.Y.) 2021, 1558944721998020. PMID: 33682465, 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 (New York, N.Y.) 2021, 1558944721994231. PMID: 33648377, DOI: 10.1177/1558944721994231.
- Analysis of Strengths in Exposure to Cases During Plastic and Orthopaedic Hand Surgery Fellowships.Silvestre J, Thomson JG, Thompson TL, Chang B, Wilson RH. Analysis of Strengths in Exposure to Cases During Plastic and Orthopaedic Hand Surgery Fellowships. The Journal Of The American Academy Of Orthopaedic Surgeons 2022 PMID: 35333806, DOI: 10.5435/JAAOS-D-22-00118.