Speaker Profile
Dennis S. Kao

Dennis S. Kao MD

Orthopedic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Surgery of the Hand
Seattle, Washington, United States of America

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Dennis Kao, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon at Harborview Medical Center and the Hand, Elbow, and Shoulder Center at UW Medical Center - Northwest. He is also an Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery in the Division of Plastic Surgery and an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at UW School of Medicine.

Dr. Kao is experienced in treating common hand problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome and finger fractures, as well as complex hand issues such as finger replantation, toe-to-hand transfer, peripheral nerve reconstruction, and brachial plexus reconstruction. Dr. Kao specializes in hand and wrist reconstructive surgery. Dr. Kao believes it is important for patients to understand all the treatment options available, and he helps patients choose options that will work best for their individual circumstances. He is fluent in English, Mandarin, and Taiwanese.

Dr. Kao’s clinical interest in adult peripheral nerve reconstruction has sparked his curiosity in the biology of peripheral nerve degeneration and regeneration. His current research includes the role of cadaveric nerve allograft in nerve reconstruction, minimization of distal peripheral nerve degeneration after nerve injury, as well as surgical treatment of painful neuromas.
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