Alejandro Badia M.D. to Host 4th Annual Miami Hand Reconstruction Course in Coral Gables and at the DaVinci Learning Center on Feb. 22-23.

* Presentations by world renowned hand surgeons

* Focus on innovation in arthroscopy & arthroplasty

* First cadaveric hand surgery workshops at new facility

MIAMI -- Miami-based Alejandro Badia, MD, one of the world's leading academic and practicing hand surgeons, will host an estimated 100 orthopedic surgeons and therapists from around the world at next month's 4th Annual Miami Hand Reconstruction Course (www.miamihandcourse.com).

The event features presentations by twelve renowned hand surgeons and a hand therapist on Sunday, February 22, at the Westin Colonnade in Coral Gables, followed by four cadaveric workshops at Miami's DaVinci Learning Center on Monday, February 23. The principal sponsor of the event is Small Bone Innovations, Inc., Morrisville, PA (www.totalsmallbone.com).

The DaVinci Learning Center was formally opened last year as the world's largest and most technologically advanced facility for cadaveric training of surgeons.

The Hand Reconstruction Course will share and explore latest techniques in joint repair, reconstruction and replacement in treating various forms of arthritis or trauma in the hand, wrist and elbow.

In addition to prominent U.S. surgeons, six orthopedists from Asia, Europe and South America and a hand therapist from Guatemala will discuss conditions in the hands, wrist and elbow, as well as physically demonstrating some of the procedures.

Dr. Badia says: "Each time I have hosted this event these remarkable men and women have shown us exciting advances. Arthritis and trauma in the upper limbs can be cruel and debilitating, making routine tasks impossible or extremely painful. Also the aesthetic impact can be equally distressing - especially among women."

The event is open to all physicians, therapistsand other professionals or students in orthopedics. As well as hosting the event, Dr. Badia will describe his pioneering use of arthroscopy to implant biodegradable 'spacers' to treat osteoarthritis in the base of the thumb, one of the most debilitating conditions affecting women.

The event is presented jointly with the Florida Medical Association (FMA) and the Florida Orthopaedic Society, and supported by exhibits from leading device companies such as Small Bone Innovations, the principal sponsor, Synthes, MAST Biosurgery, Osteotech and Medartis. Baptist Health South Florida is also partnering in this year's course.

The FMA is recognized by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (CME) from whom qualified attendees will receive a maximum of seven AMA PRA Category 1 credits. Hours are 9 am to 4.15 pm on Sunday, February 22, at the Westin Colonnade, and from 9 am to 5 pm at the DaVinci Learning Center on Monday, February 23.

Dr. Badia studied physiology at Cornell University and obtained his medical degree at NYU, where he also trained in orthopedics. A hand fellowship at Alleghany General Hospital in Pittsburgh was followed by an AO trauma fellowship in Freiburg, Germany. Dr. Badia maintains an online patient education portal for hand and upper limb problems at www.drbadia.com. He is the principal of the Badia Hand-to-Shoulder Center in Doral, FL and Chief of Hand Surgery at the Baptist Hospital of Miami.

For more information, please visit www.miamihandcourse.com or contact Susana Rylander - Course Director at: [phone], [e-mail].

Note to Editors/Reporters: Contact Susana Rylander, Course Director, [phone], [e-mail] for more information)