Our Team
David M. Brown, MD, FACS
Hand and Wrist Surgeon in St. Louis, Creve Coeur, MO and Southern Illinois
Hand, Wrist and Elbow Care
Hand, wrist or elbow pain can make work, sports and everyday activities more difficult. Dr. David M. Brown provides specialized orthopedic care in St. Louis, Creve Coeur, MO and Southern Illinois for conditions and injuries affecting the hand, wrist and elbow, offering advanced surgical techniques and individualized treatment to help relieve pain and restore function.
Dr. Brown's Services
About Dr. David M. Brown
David M. Brown, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a fellowship-trained hand and upper extremity surgeon with extensive experience treating conditions affecting the hand, wrist, elbow and arm. He combines advanced surgical experience with a patient-centered approach, helping individuals regain function, reduce pain and return to their daily activities. A St. Louis native, Dr. Brown earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center and completed his surgical and plastic surgery training at Washington University School of Medicine, followed by a Hand, Upper Extremity and Microsurgery Fellowship at the University of Texas Health Science Center. Board-certified in both Plastic Surgery and Surgery of the Hand, Dr. Brown serves as a hand surgery consultant to the St. Louis Cardinals and has been recognized as a "Best Doctor in America" in Hand Surgery by St. Louis Magazine. He also holds a U.S. patent for a method of inhibiting intimal hyperplasia. As part of OrthoMO, he provides specialized care for upper extremity injuries and conditions at the practice's Creve Coeur location.
Education and Training
- Undergraduate: Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX (B.S. in Biology)
- Medical School: University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX (M.D.)
- Internship: General Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Residency: General Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Research Fellowship: Reconstructive Microsurgery Laboratory, Division of Plastic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Residency: Plastic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Chief Residency: Plastic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Fellowship: Hand, Upper Extremity and Microsurgery Fellowship, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX
Organizations
- American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH)
- American Association for Hand Surgery (AAHS)
- American College of Surgeons (ACS)
- American Medical Association (AMA)
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
- The Plastic Surgery Foundation (PSF)
- St. Louis Metropolitan Medical Society (SLMMS)
Areas of Focus
- Burn Care
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
- Dupuytren’s Disease
- Elbow Fracture Care
- Fracture Care
- Ganglion Cyst Treatment
- Hand Arthritis Care
- Hand and Wrist Surgery
- Kienböck’s Disease
- Nerve and Tendon Injuries
- Sprain Treatment
- Tennis Elbow Treatment
- Trigger Finger Treatment
- Wrist Fracture Care
- Wrist Injury Care
When Should I See an Orthopedic Surgeon?
An orthopedic surgeon can help with musculoskeletal problems, including persistent pain lasting more than 3 months, limited range of motion, difficulty standing or moving or symptoms that affect daily activities. An acute injury that does not improve with simple measures may also require orthopedic care. Immediate medical attention is needed for certain emergencies, including broken bones, severe bleeding or loss of consciousness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Brown’s Orthopedic Hand, Wrist and Elbow Care
Dr. Brown may use a splint for a fresh injury, then replace it with a full cast as swelling decreases. A cast may also need replacement if it becomes too loose. As a fracture heals, returning to a splint may be recommended which can be removed more easily for therapy.
Cortisone injections help reduce inflammation, swelling and pain. Cortisone is a locally injected steroid and differs from steroids used to increase muscle size. Complications are uncommon but risks include temporary increases in blood sugar, skin changes, tendon rupture, nerve injury, allergic reactions and infection. Pain may increase briefly before relief develops.
Hand nerves are particularly sensitive, making injuries tender during early healing. Tenderness around scars may increase one to two weeks after an injury or surgery. As the hand heals, the skin needs time to become accustomed to touch again. Avoiding contact with sensitive areas may cause tenderness to continue longer.
Dr. Brown may use stainless steel pins that remain in place for several weeks. Patients should keep the pins clean and protect them from catching on clothing or bedding. These steel pins will eventually be removed during an office visit, although some may require removal in an operating room.
Keep steel pins clean and protect them from being pulled or caught. Clean the pin and surrounding skin with hydrogen peroxide and a cotton swab at least three times daily and after getting wet. Do not push a partially dislodged pin back in. Contact Dr. Brown’s office if the pins become increasingly red, painful or develop pus.
Patients can request an appointment with Dr. David M. Brown by contacting his practice to schedule a consultation here. Dr. Brown provides specialized orthopedic care for hand, wrist and elbow conditions and injuries. Patients can discuss their symptoms, concerns and treatment needs with his office to determine the appropriate next steps for care.
