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Michael Pannunzio, M.D.
Hand & Microvascular Reconstructive Surgeon

Dr. Pannunzio grew up in South Florida, leaving to attend Cornell University in Ithaca, NY and graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1989. He received his M.D. degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine in 1993 and stayed on in Charlottesville for residency training.

During his general surgery internship, Dr. Pannunzio was awarded a one-year post-doctoral Research Fellowship in Gait Analysis at the Kluge Motion Analysis Laboratory. Following this, he stayed at the University of Virginia Health Sciences Center where he completed his Orthopaedic Surgery training in 1999. He then traveled to San Antonio, TX for a one-year fellowship at The Hand Center of San Antonio in Hand and Microvascular Reconstructive surgery.

During his fellowship year, Dr. Pannunzio was recruited to return to the University of Virginia to join the teaching faculty in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. During his tenure at the university, he co-directed the orthopaedic residency and hand fellowship programs, and received the resident's award for teaching excellence in 2005. He developed an entirely new vein of research, investigating the potential of genetically modified cells to improve outcomes in peripheral nerve repair. He published multiple articles and book chapters, spoke at numerous national conferences, and with his partners developed a regional Center of Excellence for upper extremity care.

In March, 2006, Dr. Pannunzio joined Reconstructive Hand Surgeons of Indiana to focus on upper extremity care below the shoulder. He treats patients of all ages with traumatic, non-traumatic or congenital conditions of the upper extremity and has a special interest in complex elbow reconstruction, treatment of the arthritic hand and microvascular reconstructive surgery.

Dr. Pannunzio lives in Zionsville and loves boating on Lake Michigan. He enjoys running, cycling, woodworking and spending time with his family.

Publications

Publications in Refereed Journals

  1. Cui Q, Chhabra AB, Leo B, & Pannunzio ME: (2007) Lipofibromatous Hamartoma of a Digital Nerve: A case report and review of the literature: American Journal of Orthopaedics (in press)
  2. Shields, JS, Chhabra, AB, Pannunzio, ME: (2007) Acute Calcific Tendonitis of the Hand: Two Case Reports Involving the Abductor Pollicis Brevis: Am J Orthop. 2007 Nov;36(11):605-7
  3. Dorf E, Chhabra AB, McGinty J, Golish R, Pannunzio ME: The Effect of Elbow Position on Grip Strength in the Evaluation of Lateral Epicondylitis: J Hand Surg [Am]. 2007 Jul-Aug;32(6):882-6
  4. Pannunzio ME, Chhabra AB, Golish SR, Brown MR, Pederson WC: Free Fibula Transfer in the Treatment of Difficult Distal Tibia Fractures: J Reconstr Microsurg. 2007 Jan;23(1):11-8
  5. Poelstra K, Flint JH, Chhabra AB, Pannunzio ME: Ulnar Nerve Neurapraxia in the Presence of Instability and Anomalous Ossicles at the Elbow: A Case Report: J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2006 Nov-Dec;15(6)
  6. Brunton LM, Anderson MW, Pannunzio ME, Khanna AJ, Chhabra AB. Magnetic resonance imaging of the elbow: update on current techniques and indications. J Hand Surg [Am]. 2006 Jul-Aug;31(6):1001-11
  7. Pannunzio ME, Dorf E, Chhabra A. Case Report: Multiple Ganglion Cyst Formation on a Flexor Tendon After Surgical Release of a Trigger Finger Am J Orthop. 2006 May;35(5):237-8
  8. Battaglia TC, Pannunzio ME, Chhabra A. A Carpal Tunnel Mass Causing Median Neuropathy Am J Orthop. 2006 Apr;35(4):186-8.
  9. Thomas R, Pannunzio ME, Miller MD, Chhabra AB. Locked Metacarpophalangeal Joint in a 20-year old Football Player Am J Sports Med. 2006 Jan;34: 29-31, 2006.
  10. Pannunzio ME, Jou IM, Long A, Wind TC, Beck G, Balian, G. A New Method of Selecting Schwann Cells from Adult Mouse Sciatic Nerve J Neurosci Methods. 2005 Nov 30;149(1):74-81.
  11. Battaglia TC, Pannunzio ME, Chhabra AB, Degnan GG. Interposition Arthroplasty With Bone-Tendon Allograft: A technique for Treatment of the Unstable Sternoclavicular Joint.
  12. J Orthop Trauma 2005 Feb;19(2):124-9, 2005.
  13. Pannunzio ME: Rugger jersey finger. Am J Orthop. 2004 Dec;33(12):596.
  14. Cohen SB, Chhabra AB, Anderson MW, and Pannunzio ME: The Use of Ultrasound in Determining Treatment of Rugger Jersey Finger: A Case Report. American Journal of Orthopaedics. 2004 Nov;33(11), pp 546-9.
  15. Damiano DL, Abel MF, Pannunzio ME, Romano J-P: Interrelationship of Strength and Gait Before and After Hamstring Lengthening. J. Pediatric Orthop. 19:(3), 352-8, 1999.
  16. Abel MF, Damiano DL, Pannunzio ME, Bush J: Muscle-Tendon Surgery in Diplegic Cerebral Palsy: Functional and Mechanical Changes. J. Pediatric Orthop. 19:(3), 366-75, 1999.

Publications in Review

  1. Goff J, Pannunzio ME, Chhabra AB: Psoriatic Arthritis of the Hand Following Trauma: A Case Report: Journal of Hand Surgery (in review)

Invited Articles

  1. Freilich AM, Pannunzio ME, Alternatives in thumb carpometacarpal arthroplasty In: Green's Operative Hand Surgery Online Updates, (Jan, 2007) Pannunzio ME, Chhabra AB, eds., Publisher: Elsevier, Philadelphia, PA.
  2. Pannunzio ME, Outcome of Carpal Tunnel Release in the Elderly Population In: Green's Operative Hand Surgery Online Updates, (Apr. 2006) Pannunzio ME, Chhabra AB, eds., Publisher: Elsevier, Philadelphia, PA.
  3. Thomas, RJ, Pannunzio ME, Update on Ulnar Impaction Syndrome In: Green's Operative Hand Surgery Online Updates, (Feb. 2006) Pannunzio ME, Chhabra AB, eds., Publisher: Elsevier, Philadelphia, PA.
  4. Orndorff, DG, Pannunzio ME, The role of bone morphogenic proteins in the treatment of scaphoid nonunions In: Green's Operative Hand Surgery Online Updates, (Oct. 2005) Pannunzio ME, Chhabra AB, eds., Publisher: Elsevier, Philadelphia, PA.
  5. Wein SM, Pannunzio ME, Nerve Conduits for Reconstruction of the Peripheral Nervous System In: Green's Operative Hand Surgery Online Updates, (July 2005) Pannunzio ME, Chhabra AB, eds., Publisher: Elsevier, Philadelphia, PA.
  6. Dorf E, Pannunzio ME, Long Term Results of Proximal Row Carpectomy In: Green's Operative Hand Surgery Online Updates, (July 2005) Pannunzio ME, Chhabra AB, eds., Publisher: Elsevier, Philadelphia, PA.
  7. Oliviero JA , Pannunzio ME, Radiation exposure with use of the Mini C-Arm In: Green's Operative Hand Surgery Online Updates, (Apr. 2005) Pannunzio ME, Chhabra AB, eds., Publisher: Elsevier, Philadelphia, PA.

A. Non-Refereed Publications

  1. Abel MF, Damiano DL, Payne PA, Pannunzio ME, Carmines DV, (1997) Assessing Effectiveness of Muscle-Tendon Surgery in Ambulatory Spastic Cerebral Palsy. Biomechanics 4: 51-6.

B. Book Chapters

  1. Pannunzio ME, Rettig, LA. Arthroscopy. In Plastic Surgery, 1st ed. Guyuron et al., eds, Philadelphia, Elsevier, 2009:1089-1100.
  2. Pannunzio ME, Pederson WC. General Principles of Hand Surgery. In Plastic Surgery, 2nd ed. Mathes, SJ, and Hentz, VR, eds, Philadelphia, Elsevier (WB Saunders) 2006:109-124.
  3. Brunton, LM , Pannunzio, ME, Elbow Anatomy and Biomechanics In: Core Knowledge of Orthopaedics. Miller, MD, Sekiya, J., eds, Philadelphia, Elsevier (WB Saunders), 2005:350-362
  4. Brunton, LM , Pannunzio, ME, Elbow History, Physical Examination, and Imaging In: Core Knowledge of Orthopaedics. Miller, MD, Sekiya, J., eds, Philadelphia, Elsevier (WB Saunders), 2005:363-366
  5. Brunton, LM , Pannunzio, ME, Elbow Arthroscopy In: Core Knowledge of Orthopaedics. Miller, MD, Sekiya, J., eds, Philadelphia, Elsevier (WB Saunders), 2005:367-369
  6. Brunton, LM , Pannunzio, ME, Elbow Instability In: Core Knowledge of Orthopaedics. Miller, MD, Sekiya, J., eds, Philadelphia, Elsevier (WB Saunders), 2005:370-371
  7. Brunton, LM , Pannunzio, ME, Tendon Injuries about the Elbow In: Core Knowledge of Orthopaedics. Miller, MD, Sekiya, J., eds, Philadelphia, Elsevier (WB Saunders), 2005:372-374
  8. Brunton, LM , Pannunzio, ME, Nerve Entrapment In: Core Knowledge of Orthopaedics. Miller, MD, Sekiya, J., eds, Philadelphia, Elsevier (WB Saunders), 2005:375-377
  9. Brunton, LM , Pannunzio, ME, Elbow Overuse Injuries In: Core Knowledge of Orthopaedics. Miller, MD, Sekiya, J., eds, Philadelphia, Elsevier (WB Saunders), 2005:378-380
  10. Brunton, LM , Pannunzio, ME, Elbow Loss of Motion In: Core Knowledge of Orthopaedics. Miller, MD, Sekiya, J., eds, Philadelphia, Elsevier (WB Saunders), 2005:381-382
  11. Wein, SM, Pannunzio, ME, Wrist and Hand Anatomy and Biomechanics In: Core Knowledge of Orthopaedics. Miller, MD, Sekiya, J., eds., Philadelphia, Elsevier (WB Saunders), 2005:383-388
  12. Wein, SM, Pannunzio, ME, Wrist and Hand History, Physical Examination, and Imaging In: Core Knowledge of Orthopaedics. Miller, MD, Sekiya, J., eds., Philadelphia, Elsevier (WB Saunders), 2005:389-392
  13. Wein, SM, Pannunzio, ME, Wrist Arthroscopy In: Core Knowledge of Orthopaedics. Miller, MD, Sekiya, J., eds., Philadelphia, Elsevier (WB Saunders), 2005:393-395
  14. Wein, SM, Pannunzio, ME, Carpal Instability In: Core Knowledge of Orthopaedics. Miller, MD, Sekiya, J., eds., Philadelphia, Elsevier (WB Saunders), 2005:396-398
  15. Wein, SM, Pannunzio, ME, Ulnar-Sided Wrist Pain In: Core Knowledge of Orthopaedics. Miller, MD, Sekiya, J., eds., Philadelphia, Elsevier (WB Saunders), 2005:399-403
  16. Wein, SM, Pannunzio, ME, Wrist and Hand Overuse Injuries In: Core Knowledge of Orthopaedics. Miller, MD, Sekiya, J., eds., Philadelphia, Elsevier (WB Saunders), 2005:404-405
  17. Wein, SM, Pannunzio, ME, Finger Injuries In: Core Knowledge of Orthopaedics. Miller, MD, Sekiya, J., eds., Philadelphia, Elsevier (WB Saunders), 2005:406-412
  18. Cohen, SB, Pannunzio ME, Soft Tissue Injuries of the Wrist in Athletes. In: Sports Medicine: Just the Facts. O'Connor, FG., Sallis, R., Wilder, R., St. Pierre, P., eds. New York, McGraw-Hill Publishing, 2005:299-305.
  19. Cohen, SB, Pannunzio ME, Soft Tissue Injuries of the Wrist in Athletes. In: Sports Medicine: Examination and Board Review. O'Connor, FG., Sallis, R., Wilder, R., St. Pierre, P., eds, New York, McGraw-Hill Publishing, 2005:70-71.

C. Short Communications

Provisional Patents Filed with Uva Patent Foundation:

  • Poelstra KA, Pannunzio ME, (2005) System and Method for Smart "Active" Anchor for Applications in Bone.
  • Poelstra KA, Pannunzio ME, (2005) Pedicle Screw with "Peg" Technology to Improve Hardware Fixation in Spine Surgery.
  • Poelstra KA, Pannunzio ME, (2005) Self Drilling, Self Tapping Screw and Fixation Solution for Utilization with the Sliding Screw and Plate Construct for Hip Fractures and Other Resolutions for Osteosynthesis and Related Methods Thereof.
  • Poelstra KA, Pannunzio ME, (2004) Surgical Tool and Inserter Device for Tube-Placement Solution During Myringotomy.

Abstracts, Presentations & Scientific Exhibits

Abstracts, Presentations & Scientific Exhibits

National Meetings

  1. Dorf ER, Chhabra AB, Golish SR, Pannunzio ME (2005) The Effect of Elbow Position on Grip Strength in the Evaluation of Lateral Epicondylitis. Poster Presentation at The 60th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, San Antonio, TX.
  2. Thomas R, Anderson M, Pannunzio M, Brunton, L, Khanna J, Chhabra A (2005) Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Elbow: Current Techniques and Spectrum of Disease. Scientific Exhibit at The 60th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, San Antonio, TX.
  3. Thomas R, Anderson M, Pannunzio ME, Brunton L, Khanna A, & Chhabra AB (2005): Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Elbow: Current Techniques and Spectrum of Disease: Poster and Podium Presentation at the 58th Annual Meeting of the Virginia Orthopaedic Society, Hot Springs, Virginia.
  4. Dorf E, Chhabra AB, Pannunzio ME (2005): The Effect of Elbow Position on Grip Strength in the Evaluation of Lateral Epicondylitis: Poster and Podium Presentation at the 58th Annual Meeting of the Virginia Orthopaedic Society, Hot Springs, Virginia
  5. Wind TC, Beck GL, Park JS, Balian G, Pannunzio ME (2005) In Vivo Imaging of Mesenchymal Cells Within a Biodegradeable Conduit Bridging a Rat Sciatic Nerve Defect: A Step to Improve Nerve Regeneration. Podium Presentation at the 51st Annual Meeting of the Orthopaedic Research Society, Washington, D.C.
  6. Poelstra K, Anderson M, Degnan G, Pannunzio M, Chhabra A (2004) Ultrasound Imaging of the Hand and Wrist: Current Techniques and Spectrum of Disease. Scientific Exhibit at the 59th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, New York, NY.
  7. Thomas R, Anderson M, Pannunzio M, Degnan G, Khanna J, Chhabra A (2004) Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Hand and Wrist: Current Techniques and Spectrum of Disease. Scientific Exhibit at the 59th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, New York, NY.
  8. Thaller J, Pannunzio M, Chhabra A (2004): Evaluation of the safety of the Flexor Carpi Radialis Approach for Carpal Tunnel Release: Poster Presentation at the 59th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, New York, NY.
  9. Chhabra AB, Thaller JT, Pannunzio ME, Bolano L, Pederson W (2003): Treatment of Chronic Nonunions of the Humerus with Free Vascularized Fibula Transfer: a report of 13 cases. Poster presentation at the 58th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, Chicago, IL.
  10. Abel MF, Pannunzio ME, Bush JL, Damiano DL (1997): Outcome of Muscle-Tendon Recession and Release in Diplegic Cerebral Palsy. Podium Presentation at the Annual meeting of the Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America, Banff, Alberta, Canada.
  11. Pannunzio ME, Abel MF, Damiano DL, Vaughan CL (1995): Direct Intra-operative Passive Muscle Tension Measurement System. Podium Presentation at the 19th meeting of the American Society of Biomechanics, San Francisco, CA.
  12. Romano JP, Pannunzio ME, Abel MF, Damiano DL (1995): Functional and Biomechanical Effects of Hamstring Lengthening on the Knee Joint in Spastic Cerebral Palsy. Podium Presentation at the 19th meeting of the American Society of Biomechanics, San Francisco, CA.

Regional / Local Meetings

  1. 1. Roy A, Gause D, Killen L, Poelstra KA, Pannunzio ME (2005): Otolaryngologist's Tool to Improve Tympanic Membrane Surgery. Podium Presentation at The University of Virginia Undergraduate Research and Design Symposium, Charlottesville, VA.
  2. Thaller J, Pannunzio M, Chhabra AB (2003): Evaluation of the Safety of the Flexor Carpi Radialis Approach for Carpal Tunnel Release: A cadaveric study. Podium Presentation at the 1st Annual UVa Subspecialty Meeting: Treatment of Hand, Wrist, and Elbow Disorders, Charlottesville, VA.
  3. Chhabra AB, Pannunzio, ME, Bolano L, Pederson WC (2003): Treatment of Chronic Nonunions of the Humerus with Free Vascularized Fibula Transfer: a report of 13 cases. Podium Presentation at the 56th Annual Meeting of the Virginia Orthopaedic Society, Williamsburg, VA.
  4. Thaller, JT, Pannunzio, ME, Chhabra, AB (2003): Evaluation of the Safety of the Flexor Carpi Radialis Approach for Carpal Tunnel Release: A cadaveric study. Podium Presentation at the 56th Annual Meeting of the Virginia Orthopaedic Society, Williamsburg, VA.
  5. Pannunzio ME, Pederson WC (2001): Free Vascularized Fibula Transfer for Distal Tibial Trauma. Podium Presentation at the 4th University of Virginia Orthopaedic Alumni Meeting, Charlottesville, VA.
  6. Jou I-M, Beck G, Balian G, Pannunzio ME (2001): Neuronal Cell-Polymer Composits for Surgical Repair of Severed Peripheral Nerves: A New Method of Isolating Schwann Cells from Adult Rat Sciatic Nerve and Seeding in an Alginate Matrix. Podium Presentation at the 4th University of Virginia Orthopaedic Alumni Meeting, Charlottesville, VA.
  7. Pannunzio ME, Abel MF, Romano JP, Damiano DL (1995): Functional Outcome of Muscle- Tendon Surgery in Diplegic Cerebral Palsy. Podium Presentation at the 48th Annual Meeting of the Virginia Orthopaedic Society, Williamsburg, VA.

Invited Lectures and Symposiums

  1. Approach to the Patient with Shoulder Pain: VCNP Conference, Williamsburg, Virginia, April, 2001
  2. Approach to the Patient with Shoulder Pain: VCNP Conference, Norfolk, Virginia, March, 2002
  3. Peripheral Nerve Injury and Repair: Orthopaedic Guild Meeting, Charlottesville, Virginia, September, 2002
  4. Implants for the Arthritic Hand: Channel 29 "House Calls" Segment, 2003
  5. Lateral Epicondylitis: Treatment of Hand, Wrist and Elbow Disorders - Annual UVa Orthopaedic Subspecialty Meeting, Charlottesville, VA, October 2003
  6. Fractures About the Elbow: Fourth and Fifth-Year Residents Review Course, Atlanta, GA, August 2004
  7. Injuries of the Forearm Axis: Fourth and Fifth-Year Residents Review Course, Atlanta, GA, August 2004
  8. Wrist Fractures and Injuries: Fourth and Fifth-Year Residents Review Course, Atlanta, GA, August 2004
  9. Why the Upper Extremity is Different: Southeastern Fracture Symposium, Greensboro, NC, January 2005
  10. Fragment-Specific Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Portsmouth Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, VA, June 2005
  11. Fractures About the Elbow: Fourth and Fifth-Year Residents Review Course, Atlanta, GA, August 2005
  12. Injuries of the Forearm Axis: Fourth and Fifth-Year Residents Review Course, Atlanta, GA, August 2005
  13. Wrist Fractures and Injuries: Fourth and Fifth-Year Residents Review Course, Atlanta, GA, August 2005
  14. Peripheral Nerve Reconstruction: Orthopaedic Senior Resident's Review Course, San Diego, CA, September 2005
  15. Elbow Anatomy: Orthopaedic Senior Resident's Review Course, San Diego, CA, September 2005
  16. Fractures About the Elbow: Orthopaedic Senior Resident's Review Course, San Diego, CA, September 2005
  17. Injuries of the Forearm Axis: Orthopaedic Senior Resident's Review Course, San Diego, CA, September 2005
  18. Wrist Fractures and Injuries: Orthopaedic Senior Resident's Review Course, San Diego, CA, September 2005
  19. Overuse Injuries of the Hand Wrist and Elbow: Orthopaedic Senior Resident's Review Course, San Diego, CA, September 2005
  20. Elbow Fractures and Injuries: Fourth and Fifth-Year Residents Review Course, Chicago, IL, August 2006
  21. Injuries of the Forearm Axis: Fourth and Fifth-Year Residents Review Course, Chicago, IL, August 2006
  22. Wrist Fractures and Injuries: Fourth and Fifth-Year Residents Review Course, Chicago, IL, August 2006
  23. Overuse Syndromes in the Upper Extremity - Grand Rounds, St. Vincent's Family Practice Residency, Indianapolis, IN, May, 2007 Chicago, IL, August 2007
  24. Injuries of the Forearm Axis: Fourth and Fifth-Year Residents Review Course, Chicago, IL, August 2007
  25. Wrist Fractures and Injuries: Fourth and Fifth-Year Residents Review Course, Chicago, IL, August 2007
  26. Common Hand Infections - Grand Rounds, Indiana University Orthopaedic Surgery Residency, Indianapolis, IN, Oct, 2007
  27. Rheumatoid Hand / Wrist - Grand Rounds, Indiana University Orthopaedic Surgery Residency, Indianapolis, IN, Oct, 2007
  28. Upper Extremity Trauma - Hand Lecture - Department of Occupational Therapy, Indiana University- Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN, Mar, 2007
  29. Vascular Disorders - Grand Rounds, Indiana University Orthopaedic Surgery Residency, Indianapolis, IN, May, 2008
  30. The Brachial Plexus: Fourth and Fifth-Year Residents Review Course, Chicago, IL, August 2008
  31. Humeral Shaft fractures: Fourth and Fifth-Year Residents Review Course, Chicago, IL, August 2008
  32. Elbow Fractures and Injuries: Fourth and Fifth-Year Residents Review Course, Chicago, IL, August 2008
  33. Injuries of the Forearm Axis: Fourth and Fifth-Year Residents Review Course, Chicago, IL, August 2008
  34. Wrist Fractures and Injuries: Fourth and Fifth-Year Residents Review Course, Chicago, IL, August 2008
  35. Hand Fractures: Fourth and Fifth-Year Residents Review Course, Chicago, IL, August 2008
  36. Dislocations and Soft Tissue Injuries in the Hand: Fourth and Fifth-Year Residents Review Course, Chicago, IL, August 2008
Michael Pannunzio, M.D.

  • 13431 Old Meridian Street
    Suite 225
    Carmel, IN 46032

  • 1312 W Arch Haven Ave
    Suite B
    Bloomington, IN 47403

  • 6920 Gatwick Drive
    Indianapolis, IN 46241

  • 6085 Heartland
    Suite 200
    Zionsville, IN 46077