Patient Resources
James E. Popp, M.D.
Hand & Upper Extremity
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Dr. James E. Popp specializes in surgery of the hand and upper extremity in adult and pediatric patients. He has special interests in hand problems like carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist arthroscopy, joint replacement surgery for arthritis and complex pediatric and adult reconstructive micro-vascular surgery.
Dr. James E. Popp specializes in surgery of the hand and upper extremity in adult and pediatric patients. He has special interests in hand problems like carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist arthroscopy, joint replacement surgery for arthritis and complex pediatric and adult reconstructive micro-vascular surgery.
He is a graduate of Case Western Reserve with a concentration in musculoskeletal studies. He completed a residency at The Ohio State University Medical Center, where he also participated in an orthopaedic surgery research fellowship and a general surgery internship. Dr. Popp also completed a fellowship in hand and upper extremity surgery at the Indiana Hand Center in Indianapolis.
Dr. Popp has excellent research experience gained from his involvement in several clinical studies and training programs. He has written and contributed to an extensive list of published articles and abstracts including pieces for The American Journal of Sports Medicine. In addition, Dr. Popp also has presented at and contributed to several exhibits, presentations, and teaching opportunities in the area of orthopedic medicine.
For more than 10 years, he has served as Director of Hand Services at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. In this role, he ensures that any pediatric patient coming to the hospital receives the best possible hand and upper extremity care, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Commonly Treated Conditions
- de Quervain’s Syndrome | de Quervain’s Tendinitis
- Hand and Wrist Arthritis
- Hand Fractures
- Trigger Finger
- Pediatric Hand Conditions
- Pediatric Elbow Injuries and Congenital Differences
Commonly Performed Procedures
Clinic Location
Surgery Locations
Education
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Undergraduate:
Worcester Polytechnic Institute -
Medical School:
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine -
Orthopedic Residency:
The Ohio State University Medical Center -
Fellowship:
Orthopedic Research, Indiana Hand Center -
Board Certification:
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Titles, Honors & Awards
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Title
Director, Hand Services at Nationwide Children's Hospital -
Awards
Castle Connolly Top Doctors
Associations
- American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH)
- American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS)
- Clinical Orthopedic Society (COS)
- Mid-America Orthopedic Association (MAOA)
- American Medical Association (AMA)
- Ohio State Medical Association (OSMA)
Research & Teaching
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Clinical Educator
Ohio University DO School -
Research
Presenter and writer at top associations including The American Journal of Sports Medicine, MAOA, and AAOS
Patient Reviews
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Dr. Popp’s passion for pediatric hand care led to role at Nationwide Children’s Hospital
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Dr. James Popp is giving back in a big way to support Columbus Academy’s “The New Quest Campaign”
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see an orthopedic specialist?
Consider seeing an orthopedic specialist when pain persists, limits your movement or interferes with daily activities. A specialist can identify the cause and discuss surgical and nonsurgical treatment options. Traumatic bone or joint injuries caused by an accident or fall may require immediate orthopedic trauma and fracture care.
What is the difference between an orthopedic surgeon and a sports medicine physician?
An orthopedic surgeon treats conditions affecting the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons and can perform surgery when necessary. Sports medicine focuses on preventing and rehabilitating activity-related injuries.
Orthopedic ONE’s sports medicine program includes primary care sports medicine physicians, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons, athletic trainers and physical therapists. The right provider depends on the condition and whether surgical expertise may be needed.
Can physical therapy help me avoid surgery?
Yes. Physical therapy is often a first-line treatment for musculoskeletal pain and injuries. A treatment plan may include therapeutic exercise, manual treatment, pain-relief techniques, activity changes and injury-prevention education.
For some patients with osteoarthritis, physical therapy and other conservative treatments may help delay or avoid joint-replacement surgery. Learn more about Orthopedic ONE’s approach to joint preservation.