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John J. Fernandez, MD

Areas of Care
  • Elbow
  • Hand & Wrist
  • IME
  • Workers Compensation
Special Procedures
  • Hand surgery
  • Microsurgery
Research Interests
  • Elbow tendon repair
  • Hand mechanics
  • Wrist mechanics

Dr. Fernandez is a pioneering orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand, wrist, and elbow surgery. He is renowned for his innovative techniques in minimally invasive surgery, significantly advancing the field with his original research and patented implants.

As the Director of Microsurgery at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, Dr. Fernandez has performed hundreds of complex microsurgical procedures, including replantations of amputated limbs and intricate reconstructions for deformities and wounds.

Born in the Midwest to a family with Spanish origins, Dr. Fernandez graduated magna cum laude from Northeastern Ohio College of Medicine, where he was Salutatorian. He completed his orthopedic residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where he also served as editor of the Pittsburgh Orthopaedic Journal. Dr. Fernandez then pursued a fellowship in hand and microsurgery at the prestigious Indiana Hand Center.

He is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) and holds a Certificate of Added Qualification in hand and microsurgery. Dr. Fernandez is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and a member of the American Association for Hand Surgery and the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.

Dr. Fernandez also serves as a team physician for the Chicago White Sox (MLB), Chicago Bulls (NBA), and Chicago Steel. His academic contributions include publications in leading journals and textbooks, and he is a sought-after lecturer at national and international courses. Dr. Fernandez is a proud recipient of the "Golden Apple Teaching Award" for his excellence in teaching residents and fellows.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Dr. Fernandez enjoys restoring vintage trucks and cars, pistol target shooting, scuba diving, climbing, and running. He has also volunteered on medical missions in Haiti and Africa.

Dr. Fernandez's Videos
  • John Fernandez, MD
    Orthopedic Surgeon at RUSH
  • Dr Fernandez on his father
    his patients and his passion
  • Dr John Fernandez on Telemundo
    Discussing a Rare Finger Transplant
  • Dr John Fernandez Performs Finger Transplant Changes Patient's Life
View All Videos

Clinical Support Staff

Education / Certifications
  • Medical School
    Northeastern College of Medicine, Rootstown, OH
  • Residency
    Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
  • Fellowship
    Hand and Microvascular Surgery, Indiana Hand Center, Indianapolis, IN
  • Professional Certifications
    Orthopaedic Surgery
Research & Publications

The incidence and decompression rates of median and ulnar neuropathies following shoulder surgery.
Dua K, Kazi O, Hoy J, Xu B, Verma NN, Wysocki RW, Fernandez JJ, Cohen MS, Simcock XC.
JSES Int. 2024 May 31;8(5):1110-1114. doi: 10.1016/j.jseint.2024.05.011. eCollection 2024 Sep.
PMID: 39280141 Free PMC article.

Recalcitrant Lateral Epicondylitis: A Systematic Review on Current Nonoperative and Operative Treatment Modalities.
Kim JH, Hoy JF, Smith SR, Sabet A, Fernandez JJ, Cohen MS, Wysocki RW, Simcock XC.
JBJS Rev. 2024 Aug 6;12(8). doi: 10.2106/JBJS.RVW.24.00059. eCollection 2024 Aug 1.
PMID: 39106325

Outcomes of upper extremity sensory neuromas treated with excision and burial.
Smith SR, Carroll M, Dua K, Fernandez JJ, Simcock XC.
J Hand Microsurg. 2024 Mar 14;16(3):100054. doi: 10.1016/
j.jham.2024.100054. eCollection 2024 Aug.
PMID: 39035859 Free PMC article.

The Complication and Safety Profile of Utilizing Kirschner Wires in Four Corner Fusions.
Smith SR, Dua K, Wysocki RW, Fernandez JJ, Cohen MS, Simcock XC.
J Wrist Surg. 2024 Jan 25;14(2):121-127. doi: 10.1055/s-0043-1778084. eCollection 2025 Apr.
PMID: 40151774 Free PMC article.

Traumatic Rhabdomyolysis: Crush Syndrome, Compartment Syndrome, and the 'Found Down' Patient.
Fernandez JJ, Smith SR.
J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2024 Feb 15;32(4):e166-e174. doi: 10.5435/JAAOS-D-23-00734. Epub 2023 Dec 13.
PMID: 38109720 Review.

Carpal Joint Malalignment With Distal Radius Malunion and Factors in Correction After Distal Radius Osteotomy.
Doarn M, Xu B, Winterton M, Fernandez JJ, Cohen MS, Wysocki RW.
J Hand Surg Glob Online. 2023 Jul 27;5(6):722-727. doi: 10.1016/
j.jhsg.2023.06.008. eCollection 2023 Nov.
PMID: 38106951 Free PMC article.

Avascular Necrosis of an Adolescent Distal Radius: A Literature Review.
Ahmad F, Torres-Gonzalez L, Sabet A, Simcock X, Fernandez JJ.
J Hand Surg Glob Online. 2023 Feb 12;5(3):379-381. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsg.2022.12.009. eCollection 2023 May.
PMID: 37323985 Free PMC article.

Relationship Between Preoperative and Postoperative Motion After Four-Corner Wrist Fusion for Osteoarthritis: Clustering and Regression Analyses.
Ahmad F, Ayala S, Smith S, Fernandez JJ, Cohen MS, Simcock XC, Wysocki RW.
J Hand Surg Am. 2022 Sep;47(9):874-880. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2022.06.011.
PMID: 36058565

Traction Tenolysis for Flexor Tendon Adhesions: Outcomes in 97 Patients.
Ahmad F, Fitch A, Obioha OA, Fernandez JJ, Cohen MS, Simcock X, Wysocki RW.
J Hand Surg Am. 2024 Jan;49(1):65.e1-65.e6. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2022.05.017. Epub 2022 Aug 6.
PMID: 35940997

The use of tranexamic acid in open elbow release surgery.
Goyal N, Wilson DJ, Wysocki RW, Fernandez JJ, Cohen MS.
Shoulder Elbow. 2022 Apr;14(2):189-193. doi: 10.1177/1758573220976055. Epub 2020 Dec 6.
PMID: 35265185 Free PMC article.

Return to Sport Following Distal Triceps Repair.
Agarwalla A, Gowd AK, Liu JN, Garcia GH, Jan K, Naami E, Wysocki RW, Fernandez JJ, Cohen MS, Verma NN.
J Hand Surg Am. 2023 May;48(5):507.e1-507.e8. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2021.11.021. Epub 2022 Jan 22.
PMID: 35074247

Patient Perspectives on Telemedicine During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Ahmad F, Wysocki RW, Fernandez JJ, Cohen MS, Simcock XC.
Hand (N Y). 2023 May;18(3):522-526. doi: 10.1177/15589447211030692. Epub 2021 Sep 13.
PMID: 34515550 Free PMC article.

Clinical Outcomes After Revision Distal Biceps Tendon Surgery.
Grewal G, Bernardoni ED, Cohen MS, Fernandez JJ, Verma NN, Romeo AA, Frank RM.
Orthop J Sports Med. 2021 Jan 29;9(1):2325967120981752. doi: 10.1177/2325967120981752. eCollection 2021 Jan.
PMID: 33614801 Free PMC article.

Return to work following distal triceps repair.
Agarwalla A, Gowd AK, Jan K, Liu JN, Garcia GH, Naami E, Wysocki RW, Fernandez JJ, Cohen MS, Verma NN.
J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2021 Apr;30(4):906-912. doi: 10.1016/j.jse.2020.07.036. Epub 2020 Aug 6.
PMID: 32771606

Anatomic Restoration of the Biceps Brachii Insertion Through a Single Anterior Incision.
Goyal N, Wilson DJ, Wysocki RW, Cohen MS, Fernandez JJ.
Tech Hand Up Extrem Surg. 2020 Dec;24(4):159-165. doi: 10.1097/BTH.0000000000000289.
PMID: 32349097

Restoration of peak strength and endurance following distal biceps reconstruction with allograft for chronic ruptures.
Goyal N, Wilson DJ, Salzano MB, Fernandez JJ, Cohen MS, Wysocki RW.
J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2020 Apr;29(4):853-858. doi: 10.1016/j.jse.2019.12.016.
PMID: 32197770

Index Finger Metacarpophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis With a Dorsal Locking Plate.
Goyal N, Wilson DJ, Salzano MB, Wysocki RW, Cohen MS, Fernandez JJ.
Tech Hand Up Extrem Surg. 2020 Mar;24(1):47-52. doi: 10.1097/BTH.0000000000000270.
PMID: 31693572

Saline Load Test for Detecting Traumatic Arthrotomy in the Wrist.
Goyal N, Bohl DD, Frank RM, Slikker W 3rd, Fernandez JJ, Cohen MS, Wysocki RW.
J Wrist Surg. 2019 Jun;8(3):221-225. doi: 10.1055/s-0039-1683365. Epub 2019 Mar 8.
PMID: 31192044 Free PMC article.

Surgical Repair of Distal Triceps Tendon Injuries: Short-term to Midterm Clinical Outcomes and Risk Factors for Perioperative Complications.
Waterman BR, Dean RS, Veera S, Cole BJ, Romeo AA, Wysocki RW, Cohen MS, Fernandez JJ, Verma NN.
Orthop J Sports Med. 2019 Apr 30;7(4):2325967119839998. doi: 10.1177/2325967119839998. eCollection 2019 Apr.
PMID: 31069242 Free PMC article.

Cerclage Fusion Technique for 4-Corner Arthrodesis.
Goyal N, Bohl DD, Fernandez JJ.
J Hand Surg Am. 2019 Aug;44(8):703.e1-703.e8. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2019.02.016. Epub 2019 Mar 27.
PMID: 30928022 Review.

Physician Extenders in Hand Surgery: The Patient's Perspective.
Manning BT, Bohl DD, Luchetti TJ, Christian DR, Fernandez JJ, Cohen MS, Wysocki RW.
Hand (N Y). 2019 Jan;14(1):127-132. doi: 10.1177/1558944718795303. Epub 2018 Aug 22.
PMID: 30132712 Free PMC article.

Fixation of proximal pole scaphoid nonunion with non-vascularized cancellous autograft.
Luchetti TJ, Rao AJ, Fernandez JJ, Cohen MS, Wysocki RW.
J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2018 Jan;43(1):66-72. doi: 10.1177/1753193417743438. Epub 2017 Nov 22.
PMID: 29165014

The morphology of proximal pole scaphoid fractures: implications for optimal screw placement.
Luchetti TJ, Hedroug Y, Fernandez JJ, Cohen MS, Wysocki RW.
J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2018 Jan;43(1):73-79. doi: 10.1177/1753193417739546. Epub 2017 Nov 6.
PMID: 29105589

Total Wrist Fusion Using an Intramedullary Rod Technique With Proximal Row Carpectomy.
Frank JM, Slikker W 3rd, Al-Shihabi L, Saltzman BM, Fernandez JJ.
Tech Hand Up Extrem Surg. 2015 Sep;19(3):133-6. doi: 10.1097/BTH.0000000000000093.
PMID: 26197156

Local and regional flaps for hand coverage.
Biswas D, Wysocki RW, Fernandez JJ, Cohen MS.
J Hand Surg Am. 2014 May;39(5):992-1004. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2013.09.027.
PMID: 24766831 Review.

Radioscapholunate arthrodesis with compression screws and local autograft.
Biswas D, Wysocki RW, Cohen MS, Fernandez JJ.
J Hand Surg Am. 2013 Apr;38(4):788-94. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2013.01.026.
PMID: 23537444 Review.

Acute brachial plexopathy after clavicular open reduction and internal fixation.
Gross CE, Chalmers PN, Ellman M, Fernandez JJ, Verma NN.
J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2013 May;22(5):e6-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jse.2013.01.014. Epub 2013 Mar 20.
PMID: 23522601 No abstract available.

Thumb carpometacarpal suspension arthroplasty using interference screw fixation: surgical technique and clinical results.
Wysocki RW, Cohen MS, Shott S, Fernandez JJ.
J Hand Surg Am. 2010 Jun;35(6):913-20. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2010.03.013.
PMID: 20513573

Posterior elbow coverage using whole and split flexor carpi ulnaris flaps: a cadaveric study.
Wysocki RW, Gray RL, Fernandez JJ, Cohen MS.
J Hand Surg Am. 2008 Dec;33(10):1807-12. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2008.08.019.
PMID: 19084183

EndoButton-assisted repair of distal biceps tendon ruptures.
Greenberg JA, Fernandez JJ, Wang T, Turner C.
J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2003 Sep-Oct;12(5):484-90. doi: 10.1016/s1058-2746(03)00173-3.
PMID: 14564273

Partial olecranon excision: the relationship between triceps insertion site and extension strength of the elbow.
Didonna ML, Fernandez JJ, Lim TH, Hastings H 2nd, Cohen MS.
J Hand Surg Am. 2003 Jan;28(1):117-22. doi: 10.1053/jhsu.2003.50036.
PMID: 12563647

Outcome of distal radius fractures using the short form 36 health survey.
Fernandez JJ, Gruen GS, Herndon JH.
Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1997 Aug;(341):36-41.
PMID: 9269152

Disclosures

AAOS Record of Disclosures

Second Language

Spanish

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