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Andrew Federer, M.D.
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

Hand, Wrist, and Elbow Specialist

Federer_Photo1 (002)

We interact with the world through our hands, and hand pathology can have a dramatic effect on our lives. Because treatments for these injuries are so tailored, I believe that understanding the patient and their specific needs is the first step in delivering the highest quality care.

My passion for treating individuals so they can return to their active lifestyle has led me to pursue a career in hand/upper extremity. I approach each patient with the compassion I would give a family member and am dedicated to using the best available scientific evidence and advanced techniques to improve their function.

I live an active lifestyle outside of work and enjoy running, rowing, hiking, and skiing. I am the fourth of five children and have seven nieces and nephews. I relax outside of work playing guitar and enjoying concerts.

Education

Fellowships - 2020
University of Utah Medical Center Program

Residency Program - 2019
Duke University Hospital Program

Medical School - 2014
MD, Rush Medical College of Rush University Medical Center

Undergraduate School - 2010
BS, Georgetown University (DC)

Andrew Federer, Hand, Wrist, Elbow Specialist-Surgeon

Andrew Federer, MD

Complications of Low-Profile Plate Fixation in Metacarpal Fractures
10/1/2020
High complication rates have been reported using conventional plating systems to treat metacarpal fractures. This study investigated complication rates in metacarpal fractures treated with low-profile anatomic plates. A retrospective chart review was performed of patients with metacarpal fractures who were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using low-profile anatomic plates at a single institution from January 2010 to February 2017. Patients with concomitant tendon injury, open...
Humeral intramedullary nail placement through the rotator interval: an anatomic and radiographic analysis
8/23/2020
CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the clinical feasibility of a mini-deltopectoral approach and shows that the ideal starting point through the RI radiographically lies along the medial aspect of the lateral third of the humeral head on the AP view and along the posterior aspect of the anterior third of the humeral head on the lateral view.
Increased Rate of Complications following Trigger Finger Release in Diabetic Patients
6/27/2020
CONCLUSION: This retrospective case-control study identified that diabetic patients undergoing trigger finger release are at increased risk of all-cause postoperative complications and, specifically, range of motion limitation when compared with similar patients without diabetes.
Metacarpal Position and Lunate Facet Screw Fixation in Dorsal Wrist-Spanning Bridge Plates for Intra-Articular Distal Radial Fracture: A Biomechanical Analysis
1/7/2020
CONCLUSIONS: Plate fixation to the third metacarpal with an intrafragmentary screw was the most biomechanically favorable construct, although other factors may favor an alternative distal fixation site. Mean displacement of the lunate facet fragment at 300 N was <1 mm in all groups.
Elevated Preoperative Hemoglobin A1c Associated with Increased Wound Complications in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Primary, Open Carpal Tunnel Release
10/1/2019
CONCLUSIONS: Diabetic patients undergoing open, primary carpal tunnel release with a hemoglobin A1c value of 7.8 percent or higher had a higher rate of postoperative wound complications compared to diabetic patients with improved preoperative glucose control. Diabetics with poor glycemic control should be counseled that their risk of postoperative complication is higher. Further work is needed to determine whether delaying surgery to optimize glucose control could result in a reduction of wound...
Complications of Low-Profile Plate Fixation of Phalanx Fractures
6/18/2019
Background: Phalanx fractures are common, and plate fixation can be used to treat difficult fractures. Major complications have been reported in up to 64% of phalanx fractures treated with plate fixation, with stiffness being the most common. Low-profile anatomic plates (LPAP) have been designed to decrease soft tissue irritation and postoperative stiffness. The objective of this study was to determine whether the use of LPAP has decreased complications in plate fixation of phalanx fractures....
Determination of the Optimal Location for Bone Graft Harvest in the Distal Radius
3/5/2019
Background: The distal radius is commonly used as a bone graft donor site for surgery in the hand and wrist. The aim of this study was to evaluate the volume and relative density of cancellous bone in the distal radius. Methods: Thirty-four consecutive computed tomographic scans of the wrist in 33 patients without distal radius pathology were included. For each subject, 6 spherical regions of interest (ROIs) were identified within the distal radius. In each ROI, volumetric measurements and mean...
Cost-effectiveness analysis of total elbow arthroplasty versus open reduction-internal fixation for distal humeral fractures
12/16/2018
CONCLUSION: These findings suggest TEA is a slightly more cost-effective procedure than ORIF for most elderly patients who sustain acute, intra-articular distal humeral fractures. Still, the unique limitations, complications, and revision rates for each strategy must be carefully weighed for each patient when making a decision.
Open Reduction Internal Fixation With Transverse Volar Plating for Unstable Proximal Interphalangeal Fracture-Dislocation: The Seatbelt Procedure
7/31/2018
Background: Unstable intra-articular proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint fracture-dislocations present a difficult problem that requires congruous joint reduction and stable internal fixation or distraction. Though fractures with limited articular involvement may be treated successfully with less invasive procedures, fracture-dislocations with a volar shear component may benefit from joint reduction with subchondral support for maintenance of stability. The purpose of this article is to...
Ulnar Nerve Injury in Pediatric Midshaft Forearm Fractures: A Case Series
6/16/2018
CONCLUSIONS: The ulnar nerve lies in a precarious position in the middle to distal one-third forearm and is bound by anatomic constraints that place the nerve at risk of injury. This article offers a treatment algorithm that includes conservative treatment, acute exploration, early exploration (≤3 months), and late exploration (>3 months).

Podium Presentations

Federer AE, Yoo M, Stephens AS, Nelson RE, Steadman BS, Tyser AR, Kazmers NH. “Dorsal Wrist Ganglion Treatment Cost Minimization Analysis.” E-Podium Presentation. American Association for Hand Surgery (AAHS) Annual Meeting. Jan 2021
Federer AE, Pyfer BJ, Tocci F, Richard MJ, Mithani SK. Understanding the Factors that Influence Patients’ Decision for Operative vs Non-Operative Management of Distal Radius Fracture: A Conjoint Analysis Study. Paper Presentation. J. Leonard Goldner Annual Research Meeting at Duke University Hospital. Durham, NC. April 2019
Federer AE, Mather RC III, Garrigues GE. “Cost Effective Analysis of ORIF vs Total Elbow Arthroplasty for Distal Humerus Fractures.” Paper Presentation. North Carolina Society for Surgery of the Hand (NCSSH) Annual Meeting. Kiawah Island, SC. Oct 2018
Pyfer BJ, Federer AE, Tocci F, Richard MJ, Mithani SK. Understanding the Factors that Influence Patients’ Decision for Operative vs Non-Operative Management of Distal Radius Fracture: A Conjoint Analysis Study. Paper Presentation. North Carolina Society for Surgery of the Hand (NCSSH) Annual Meeting. Kiawah Island, SC. Oct 2018
Baumgartner RE, Guerrero EM, Federer AE, Mithani SK, Ruch DS, Richard MJ. Complications of Low-Profile Plate Fixation in Phalanx Fractures. Paper Presentation. North Carolina Society for Surgery of the Hand (NCSSH) Annual Meeting. Kiawah Island, SC. Oct 2018
Federer AE, Mather RC III, Ramsey ML, Garrigues GE. “Cost Effective Analysis of ORIF vs Total Elbow Arthroplasty for Distal Humerus Fractures.” Paper Presentation. North Carolina Society for Surgery of the Hand (NCSSH) Annual Meeting. Kiawah Island, SC. Oct 2018
Matson AP, Federer AE, Meisel EM, Richard MJ. “What is the Optimal Location for Bone Graft Harvest in the Distal Radius?” Oral Presentation. American Association for Hand Surgery (AAHS) Annual Meeting. Boston, MA. Sept 2018
Federer AE, Mather RC III, Ramsey ML, Garrigues GE. “Cost Effective Analysis of ORIF vs Total Elbow Arthroplasty for Distal Humerus Fractures.” Paper Presentation. Annual Piedmont Orthopaedic Society Meeting. Key Largo, Fl. May 2018
Lourie GM, Federer AE, Murphy JS, Calandruccio JH, Devito DP, Kozin SH, Slappey GS. Ulnar Nerve Injury in Pediatric Midshaft Forearm Fractures: A Case Series. Paper Presentation. Annual Piedmont Orthopaedic Society Meeting. Key Largo, Fl. May 2018
Federer AE, Mather RC III, Ramsey ML, Garrigues GE. “Cost Effective Analysis of ORIF vs Total Elbow Arthroplasty for Distal Humerus Fractures.” Paper Presentation. American Association for Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Annual Meeting. New Orleans, LA. Mar 2018
Matson AP, Federer AE, Meisel EM, Richard MJ. “What is the Optimal Location for Bone Graft Harvest in the Distal Radius?” Oral Presentation. American Association for Hand Surgery (AAHS) Annual Meeting. Phoenix, AZ. Jan 2018
Baumgartner RE, Federer AE, Meisel EM, Mithani SK, Ruch DS, Richard MJ. “Complications of Low-Profile Plate Fixation in Metacarpal Fractures” Oral Presentation. American Association for Hand Surgery (AAHS) Annual Meeting. Phoenix, AZ. Jan 2018
Baumgartner RE, Federer AE, Cunningham DJ, Mithani SK. “Elevated Preoperative Hemoglobin A1c Increases Complications in Diabetic Patients undergoing Carpal Tunnel Release.” Oral Presentation. American Association for Hand Surgery (AAHS) Annual Meeting. Phoenix, AZ. Jan 2018
Federer AE, Baumgartner RE, Cunningham DJ, Mithani SK. “Effect of Diabetes on Trigger Finger Release Post-surgical Hand Complications: a Retrospective Cohort Study.” Oral Presentation. North Carolina Society of Surgeons of the Hand (NCSSH) Annual Meeting. Colonial Williamsburg, VA. Oct 2017
Federer AE, Dekker TJ, Steel JR, Tainter DM, Liles JT, Adams SB. “Radiographic Recurrence of Hallux Valgus by Technique.” Oral Presentation. North Carolina Society for Surgery of the Hand Annual Meeting. Colonial Williamsburg, VA. Oct 2017
Baumgartner RE, Federer AE, Cunningham DJ, Mithani SK. “Elevated Preoperative Hemoglobin A1c Increases Complications in Diabetic Patients undergoing Carpal Tunnel Release.” Oral Presentation. North Carolina Society of Surgeons of the Hand (NCSSH) Annual Meeting. Colonial Williamsburg, VA. Oct 2017
Baumgartner RE, Federer AE, Meisel EM, Mithani SK, Ruch DS, Richard MJ. “Complications of Low-Profile Plate Fixation in Metacarpal Fractures” Oral Presentation. North Carolina Society of Surgeons of the Hand (NCSSH) Annual Meeting. Colonial Williamsburg, VA. Oct 2017
Dekker TJ, Steele JR, Federer AE, Adams SB. “The Use of 3D Printed Titanium Implants for Complex Foot and Ankle Limb Salvage, Deformity Correction and Arthrodesis Procedures” Oral Presentation. Southern Orthopaedic Association (SOA) Annual Meeting. Hilton Head Island, SC. June 2017
Federer AE, Rosenwald AG. “Genome Annotation and Heavy Metal Inhibition of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Agona str. SL483.” Oral Presentation. Georgetown University Senior Thesis Day, Washington DC. April 24, 2010.

Poster Presentations

Guerrero EM, Lauder A, Federer AE, Glisson R, Richard MJ, Ruch DS. The Effect of Metacarpal Position and Lunate Facet Screw Fixation on Displacement of Intraarticular Distal Radius Fractures Treated with Dorsal Spanning Plate Fixation: A Biomechanical Analysis. Electronic Poster. American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) Annual Meeting. Las Vegas, NV. Sept 2019
Guerrero EM, Baumgartner RE, Federer AE, Mithani SK, Ruch DS, Richard MJ. “Complications of Low Profile Anatomic Plate Fixation for Phalanx Fractures” Electronic poster. American Association for Orthopaedic Surgery (AAOS) Annual Meeting. Las Vegas, NV. Mar 2019
Federer AE, Dekker TJ, Steele JR, Tainter DM, Adams SB. “Radiographic Recurrence of Hallux Valgus Based on Osteotomy Location.” Poster Presentation. American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Annual Meeting. Boston, MA. June 2018
Federer AE, Mather RC III, Ramsey ML, Garrigues GE. “Cost Effective Analysis of ORIF vs Total Elbow Arthroplasty for Distal Humerus Fractures.” Paper Presentation. J. Leonard Goldner Annual Research Meeting at Duke University Hospital. Durham, NC. May 2018
Federer AE, Baumgartner RE, Cunningham DJ, Mithani SK. “Elevated Hemoglobin A1c at Time of Trigger Finger Release Does Not Increase Complications in Diabetic Patients.” Poster Presentation. American Association for Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Annual Meeting. New Orleans, LA. Mar 2018
Dekker TJ, Steele JR, Federer AE, Hamid KS, Adams SB. ““The Use of 3D Printed Titanium Implants for Complex Foot and Ankle Limb Salvage, Deformity Correction and Arthrodesis Procedures.” Poster Presentation. American Association for Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Annual Meeting. New Orleans, LA. Mar 2018
Baumgartner RE, Federer AE, Cunningham DJ, Mithani SK. “Matched, Case-Control Analysis of Wound Complications in Patients With and Without Diabetes Mellitus after Primary, Open Carpal Tunnel Release” Poster Presentation. American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) Annual Meeting. Boston, MA. Sept 2018
Federer AE, Guerrero EM, Dekker TJ, Mithani SK, Aldridge JM III, Ruch DS, Richard MJ. “Open Reduction Internal Fixation with Transverse Volar Plating for Unstable Proximal Interphalangeal Fracture-Dislocation: The Seatbelt Procedure.” Electronic poster. American Association for Hand Surgery (AAHS) Annual Meeting. Phoenix, AZ. Jan 2018
Federer AE, Mather RC III, Ramsey ML, Garrigues GE. “Cost Effective Analysis of ORIF vs Total Elbow Arthroplasty for Distal Humerus Fractures.” Electronic poster. American Association for Hand Surgery (AAHS) Annual Meeting. Phoenix, AZ. Jan 2018
Federer AE, Baumgartner RE, Cunningham DJ, Mithani SK. “Increased Rate of Complications following Trigger Finger Release in Diabetic Patients.” Electronic Poster. American Association for Hand Surgery (AAHS) Annual Meeting. Phoenix, AZ. Jan 2018
Federer AE, Crawford MD, Butler R, Schmitt A, Diehl L, Sell T. “Evaluating Between-Limb Symmetry During Cycling Following ACL Reconstruction.” Electronic Poster. Eastern Orthopaedic Association (EOA) Annual Meeting. New Orleans, LA. Oct 2016
Van Thiel GS, Freedman RL, Mather RC III, Federer AE, Nho SJ. “Anchor Placement for Labral Repair in Hip Arthroscopy: An Analysis of Insertion Angle.” Electronic poster. International Society for Hip Arthroscopy: Annual Scientific Meeting. Boston, MA. Sep 2012