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Andrew Tyser, M.D.Orthopedic Surgeon

Andrew R. Tyser M.D. is an Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Utah Hospital and Clinics who exclusively specializes in hand, upper extremity (hand / wrist / forearm / elbow), peripheral nerve, and microvascular surgery. Dr. Tyser works together with Katie Fossen, a hand and upper extremity Physician's Assistant (PA). He treats common upper extremity disorders such as:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome (endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery)
  • Dupuytren's disease (surgery, percutaneous needle aponeurotomy)
  • Trigger finger
  • Thumb arthritis
  • Cubital tunnel syndrome (in-situ decompression)

He also frequently treats injuries of the elbow, wrist and hands including:

  • Distal Radius Fractures
  • Elbow Fractures
  • Scaphoid Fractures
  • Lacerations to nerves and tendons

For many selected smaller procedures, and based on patient preference, he commonly performs "wide-awake" surgery using local anesthesia only--a streamlined experience that can help decrease the time, expense, and inconvenience associated with having smaller hand surgeries. This is also known as WALANT (wide-awake, local anesthesia, no tourniquet) surgery, and is commonly the preferred option for minor procedures such as trigger finger releases and carpal tunnel releases.

He has special interest and expertise in the surgical treatment of wrist injuries such as distal radius fractures, scaphoid fractures, and non-unions (MFC and MFT vascularized bone transfer), and treats all other injuries of the hand and arm; all types of arthritis of the hand, fingers, wrist, and elbow; and many other common surgical and non-surgical problems that occur in the hand and arm.

He also has an interest in complex post-traumatic reconstruction of the upper extremity (nerve grafting, nerve transfers and tendon transfers), the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, as well as an interest in hand and wrist injuries related to sports and active outdoor pursuits such as skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking.

Internationally, Dr. Tyser has been involved with multiple service trips to locations such as the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and Ecuador. He is a member of Health Volunteers Overseas, and considers care of the underserved both at home and abroad a priority.

Originally from Wisconsin, Dr. Tyser received his B.A. in Biology from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, his medical degree at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, and completed a residency in Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Utah. His fellowship training in Hand and Microvascular Surgery was completed at the Curtis National Hand Center in Baltimore, MD.

Specialties

Board Certification & Academic Information

Academic Departments
Orthopaedics - Primary

Education History

  • Fellowship
    The Curtis National Hand Center, Union Memorial Hospital (Fellow)
    Orthopaedic Surgery - University of Utah (Resident)
  • Professional Medical
    Medicine - University of Wisconsin School of Medicine (M.D.)
    Biology - Saint Olaf College (B.A.)

Research interests

  • Surgical Clinical Outcomes
  • Value-Based Care
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Wrist Injuries
  • Fractures
  • Hand Surgery
  • Hand and Upper Extremity Therapy
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes
  • Tendon Injuries

Podcasts & News

Patient Comments

  • Dr Tysen made me feel very comfortable about the procedure I will be having and very confident in his ability.
  • He did an amazing job from start to finish explained, showed me everything he was doing! I feel lucky to have had him perform this procedure! 100% can't wait to see him again for my next procedure!
  • Dr. Tyser was wonderful. He had such great insight on all of the experiences I was having after the surgery and addressed them with great knowledge and understanding and humor. I really appreciated his incredible expertise with this type of surgery.