At the age of 18, Dr. Jim Plettner was working on a barge in New Orleans when he suffered a complex fracture. For nearly one year, and through two subsequent surgeries, he plodded around with his leg in a cast.

What began as an accident turned out to be a life-changing incident. It was then that the young Cincinnati native decided to be a surgeon. Later, while doing research at the Shriner's Burns Insitute, his interests turned to surgery of the hand. He is now board certified in general surgery as well as hand and microsurgery.

Receiving his undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., Dr. Plettner completed his medical degree and residency at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He has performed research at both the National Cancer Institute and the Shriner's Burn Hospital. He has also completed a fellowship in hand and microsurgery at the University of Louisville, studying under the pioneering hand surgery group in the country.

Using microsurgical techniques, Dr. Plettner performs vascular and nerve surgery for small vessel repair as well as treating fractures and sprains of the hand. "Today, people who previously would have been permanently disabled are being restored to normal function," said Dr. Plettner, who is married and has two children.

The surgeon, who practices out of the Clifton, Five Mile and Blue Ash offices, sees patients of all ages--from children with congenital hand defects through adults with sports injuries to seniors with rheumatoid arthritis. "The hand is one of our major contacts with our world--from the sensation to caress and express our love to our children to the strength and dexterity necessary to earn a living," he said. "My goal is to return my patients to as near normal as possible."

Certifications

• American Board of Surgery - Qualification in Surgery of the Hand