Prof. Essam Awad El-Karef

Biography

Professor Essam Awad El-Karef is an orthopaedic and hand surgeon associated with Alexandria University and El-Hadara University Hospital. His research record includes original work on congenital thumb reconstruction, correction of scaphoid malunion and reconstruction after distal-radius fracture deformity. The IFSSH newsletter names him ESSHM President at the Society’s wrist-surgery instructional course in Alexandria in October 2014, and the banner of the April 2015 international conference identifies him as President of both the Society and the conference. He now chairs the Hand Committee of SICOT’s Board of Subspecialties.

A distinctive contribution is his 2004 single-author paper on the non-opposable triphalangeal thumb. It described a two-stage reconstructive approach combining skeletal correction and web-space treatment with subsequent opponensplasty. The study illustrates his interest in reconstructive problems that require attention to growth, stability and useful hand function.

His wrist research includes corrective osteotomy for symptomatic scaphoid malunion, staged reconstruction for malunited distal-radius fractures and proximal row carpectomy for advanced Kienböck disease. More recent work includes a 2024 report on spring-wire fixation of volar rim fragments in distal-radius fractures. His publication record therefore extends from congenital hand reconstruction into contemporary wrist trauma.

Training & career milestones

1. 2004Original two-stage technique · Non-opposable triphalangeal thumb
2. 2005Scaphoid corrective osteotomy and distal-radius reconstruction publications
3. 2014President · ESSHM wrist-surgery instructional course, Alexandria, 24–26 October
4. 2015President · ESSHM international conference, April
5. 2024Distal-radius volar rim fixation publication

Academic & institutional leadership

• Professor of Orthopaedics · Alexandria University
• President · ESSHM
• President of the Society and its April 2015 international conference
• Chair · Hand Committee, SICOT Board of Subspecialties

A distinctive contribution

ESSHM legacy

Two dated records frame his presidency across 2014–2015: the IFSSH newsletter names him President at the Alexandria wrist-surgery course in October 2014, and the April 2015 international conference banner identifies him as President of the Society and the conference. He precedes Magdy Nabil Morsy in the leadership sequence.

Selected publications · الأبحاث المختارة

Selected peer-reviewed work. Titles retain their original publication language; DOI links open the journal record.

1. 2024· Cureus · 16(10):e71463
   Spring-wire technique as a cost-effective alternative for volar rim fragment fixation in distal radius fracturesSalama M, Alieldin E, Awad El-Karef E, Hasan Ahmad MRead publication ↗ DOI 10.7759/cureus.71463
2. 2005· Injury · 36(12):1440–1448
   Corrective osteotomy for symptomatic scaphoid malunionEl-Karef EARead publication ↗ DOI 10.1016/j.injury.2005.09.003
3. 2005· J Hand Surg Br · 30(1):73–78
   Staged reconstruction for malunited fractures of the distal radiusEl-Karef ERead publication ↗ DOI 10.1016/j.jhsb.2004.03.016
4. 2004· J Hand Surg Br · 29(6):544–551
   The non-opposable triphalangeal thumb: a new technique of managementEl-Karef ERead publication ↗ DOI 10.1016/j.jhsb.2004.07.005