Hand, Wrist & Elbow Surgery in Columbus, GA

Expert Surgical Care Focused on Function and Recovery

At Columbus Hand Institute, we believe surgery should never be the first solution. Instead, it should be the right solution. In cases where surgery is the best available option for treating a patient's condition, CHI offers expert care that is rooted in a deep understanding of physical therapy, recovery and patient lifestyle.

Dr. Blake, our lead surgeon, brings a unique and powerful perspective to surgical care. With a dual background as both a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a board-certified hand surgeon, he approaches every patient with the same principle that guided his early career in prevention and wellness: prioritizing the restoration of function and improvement of quality of life, with or without surgery.

Smarter, More Thoughtful Surgical Planning

At CHI, we approach surgical planning with a much broader focus than just trying to fix a problem. Before choosing surgical intervention, we strive to understand the patient's goals, lifestyle and what they need their body to do, ensuring that the procedure is well-aligned with the outcome they want to achieve. Dr. Blake takes the time to listen, often finding that the most important diagnostic clue comes from “the last thing a patient says.” This commitment to personalized care means that every surgical recommendation is made with the patient's full story in mind.

Because of Dr. Blake’s background in physical therapy, he brings a holistic approach to surgical planning, always considering how your recovery will look and feel. If more conservative treatment, such as therapeutic exercises or physical therapy, can help you reach your goals, he will encourage that first. But if surgery is the best path forward, you can feel confident knowing that your procedure will be carefully tailored to maximize long-term function, not just short-term relief.

Conditions We Operate On

CHI offers a wide range of surgical procedures focused on restoring mobility, reducing pain and helping patients return to the activities that matter most to them. Some of our core surgical services include:

Nerve and Tendon Procedures

Nerve repair, especially following trauma
Endoscopic carpal tunnel release (minimally invasive)
Trigger finger release

Joint and Bone Surgery

Thumb arthroplasty (for thumb arthritis)
Wrist reconstruction
Joint replacements in the hand
Fracture repair (fingers, wrist)

Soft Tissue and Other Procedures

Ganglion and other cyst removals
Neuroma removal
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow procedures
Ulnar nerve release at the elbow (cubital tunnel syndrome)

These procedures are all performed by Dr. Blake himself, ensuring consistent, expert-level care from diagnosis to recovery.

What We Don’t Treat

While CHI specializes in a variety of hand and upper extremity surgeries, we do not treat congenital conditions or perform digit replantation (reattaching amputated fingers or hands). Our practice focuses on adult and trauma-related conditions, rather than congenital or developmental issues. If you aren't sure whether your condition falls into one of these categories, we are happy to offer guidance.

What to Expect from Surgery at Columbus Hand Institute

A Thorough, Personalized Consultation

Your first visit is all about you. Dr. Blake will take the time to listen to your story and understand both your symptoms and your treatment goals. At CHI, nonsurgical options are always considered first. If you’ve been told by another provider that surgery is your only option, we encourage you to come in for a second opinion. You may be surprised by what conservative care can accomplish.

Finding Solutions When Others Say No

Many of our patients come to us after being told by another provider that nothing can be done for them. We take pride in finding creative, functional solutions for even the most challenging cases, and we are often able to help patients that other providers have given up on.

Holistic Surgical Care

Preparing for surgery involves more than scheduling a date. Dr. Blake and the team will guide you through every step, including stopping or adjusting medications when needed and using wellness-focused approaches to improve healing. Supplements and herbal remedies may be prescribed alongside or in place of traditional medicines, particularly for patients seeking non-pharmaceutical support for pain and inflammation.

Seamless, Team-Based Recovery

After surgery, you won’t be navigating recovery alone. The entire team at CHI will be with you every step of the way. Physician assistants Heather and Jonathan work side by side with Dr. Blake to monitor your healing, answer questions and coordinate therapy referrals. We believe collaboration is key to great outcomes and take an "all-hands-on-deck" approach to post-surgery recovery.

When It’s Time for Surgery, Choose a Function-Focused Approach

If you're dealing with ongoing pain or dysfunction in your hand and wrist and have been told that surgery is your only option, we highly encourage you to reach out to CHI for a consultation. Whether you’re seeking a conservative-first treatment plan or a surgeon who prioritizes long-term function, we’re here to help you get back to living fully.