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Rearm Yourself Texas ("Company" or "We") owns and operates the website located at www.rearmyourselftexas.com as well as many subsites. The Company delivers advertisements and offers by email to its "list members," that is, people who sign up for offers through our opt-in process via our Site or

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Metacarpal Fractures

Metacarpal Fractures

The metacarpals are the bones that make up the hand itself. Most metacarpal fractures can be treated without surgery. The most common metacarpal fracture is the ‘Boxer’s Fracture’, which is a fracture of the 5th (small finger) metacarpal close to the knuckle,

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Humerus Fractures

The humerus is the arm bone between the shoulder and the elbow. Humeral fractures are very painful. While some humeral fractures can be treated non-operatively, many humerus fractures require surgery in order for them to heal in an appropriate position with good function.

Fractures of the

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Triceps Tendon Tear

The Triceps Tendon extends the elbow. While Triceps Tendon Tears are less common than Biceps Tendon Tears, they do happen. They most commonly occur when the arm is extended against a resistance, such as when catching oneself during a fall.

If the Triceps Tendon is torn, it should be

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Olecranon Bursitis

Olecranon bursitis is a common problem where a sac of fluid appears on the back of the elbow. It usually occurs after the elbow is hit against a hard object, but may occasionally occur for no reason at all. The olecranon bursa becomes inflamed and swells with fluid, like a blister beneath the

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Subscapularis Tears

Torn Subscapularis Tendon
(Note: Loss of Tension)
Repaired Subscapularis Tendon
(Note: Normal Tension in Tendon)
The Subscapularis is the largest of the rotator cuff muscles. It has a tendon attachment that is separate from the rest of the rotator cuff. Subscapularis tendon tears can lead

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Extensor Carpi Ulnaris (ECU) Tendon

The ECU tendon is on the back of the wrist on the small finger side. The ECU tendon is a common source of wrist pain, as there are many problems that can affect it.

The ECU tendon can get pinched in its tunnel or sheath. This is similar to DeQuervain's tendinitis, or trigger finger. ECU

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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Houston

Carpal tunnel syndrome leads to tingling and numbness of the fingers of the hand. The most common fingers involved are the middle and ring fingers, but all fingers may be involved. The numbness of carpal tunnel syndrome is often worse at night, when it often wakes people up, and in the morning

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Do You Have Trigger Finger?

What are the symptoms of Trigger Finger?

Trigger Finger is a painful condition that causes the finger or thumb to catch or lock in a bent position.
It causes soreness at the base of the finger.
The most common symptom is a painful clicking or snapping when trying to straighten the

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Radial Tunnel Syndrome

Radial Tunnel Syndrome is entrapment of the Posterior Interosseous Nerve (PIN), the major branch of the Radial Nerve, near the outside of the elbow. Radial Tunnel Syndrome leads to pain on the outside of the elbow, and its symptoms are often confused with the much more common Tennis Elbow. While

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SLAP Lesions

SLAP (Superior Labral Anterior-Posterior) Lesions refer to tears of the labrum (the "meniscus of the shoulder") near the top of the glenoid socket. SLAP lesions detach the base of the Long Biceps Tendon, as the Long Biceps Tendon essentially originates from the top of the labrum. SLAP lesions

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Elbow Stiffness

Elbow Joint (Articular) Capsule and Ligaments - Here the MCL is called the "Ulnar Collateral Ligament" and the LCL is called the "Radial Collateral Ligament".
HO is present following a radial head replacement.
An arthroscopic biter is used to remove the elbow's joint capsule.
Part of the

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Shoulder & Arm Pain

Shoulder and arm pain can be caused by many disorders: Rotator Cuff Tendinosis, Rotator Cuff Tears, Biceps Tendon Disorders, Shoulder Instability, SLAP Lesions, AC Joint Instability, AC Joint Arthritis, Suprascapular Nerve Compression, Clavicle Fractures, Frozen Shoulder, Avascular Necrosis

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Frozen Shoulder

Capsular Release - The capsule around the shoulder is cut.
Capsular Release - The capsule is cut with a biting instrument.
Capsular Release - Note the separation between the cut edges of the joint capsule.
Completed Capsular Release - Note the separation between the cut edges of the

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Clavicle (Collarbone) Fractures

Clavicle (collarbone) Fractures are very common injuries. If a Clavicle Fracture is not significantly displaced (moved) or angled (bent), then it can be treated in a sling for 6 weeks. For people who do a lot of deskwork, a "figure-8" brace that leaves the arms free may be preferred.

If a

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Suprascapular Nerve Compression

Arthroscopic view of the needle about to cut the transverse scapular ligament. The transverse scapular ligament is the off-white horizontal structure that looks like a fence immediately behind the needle (the vertical long metal object in the center of the photograph).
The transverse scapular

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Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Arthritis

AC Joint Arthritis leads to pain at the top of the shoulder. Painful AC Joint Arthritis occurs more frequently in laborers and weight-lifters, but is very common in the general population as well. It is important to understand that AC Joint Arthritis is extremely common on X-rays and MRIs. In

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Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Instability, Subluxation & Dislocation

The Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint is the small joint on top of the shoulder where the clavicle inserts. If the AC joint is hit head-on, such as when falling off a bike or tackling somebody without shoulder pads, the clavicle can dislocate from the AC joint, spring upwards and become prominent /

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Biceps Tendon Disorders at the Shoulder

The Biceps Tendon has two "heads", or origins, that contribute to it: the Long Head and the Short Head. The Long Head goes through the shoulder, where it frequently degenerates from overuse and becomes painful. Depending on the severity of its degeneration, the Long Head of the Biceps can be

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Wrist Pain

Wrist pain can be caused by many disorders: tendon entrapment, tendon degeneration, occult ganglion cysts (that are too small to be seen, but still press on nerves or other sensitive structures), fractures, ligament injuries, Triangular Fibrocartilage injuries, Kienbock's Disease and arthritis.

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Kienbock's Disease

MRI of Kienbock's Disease - Note the lack of blood flow in the lunate (dark).
Kienbock's Disease without Collapse - Note the increased density of the lunate (arrow).
Kienbock's Disease with Lunate Collapse
Healed Total Wrist Fusion


The lunate is the key central load-bearing bone in the

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Luno-Triquetral (LT) Ligament Injuries

Now that Kobe Bryant suffered a Luno-Triquetral Ligament injury in his wrist, many people are interested in this problem. The Luno-Triquetral Ligament keeps two of the wrist's bones, the lunate and the triquetrum, aligned and connected to each other so that they move together in a normal,

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Scapho-Lunate (SL) Ligament Injuries

SL Ligament Injury - Note the gap between the two bones.
Scapho-Lunate (SL) Ligament injuries are serious injuries to the wrist. The Scapho-Lunate Ligament connects two of the most important bones of the wrist together: the scaphoid and the lunate. The Scapho-Lunate Ligament keeps those small

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Forearm Fractures

Plated Radius Forearm Fracture
The forearm consists of two bones, the radius and the ulna. Forearm fractures are usually significant injuries that lead to pain, stiffness and deformity. In adults and teenagers, forearm fractures usually require surgical fixation. The best way to fix forearm

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Hook of Hamate (Hamulus) Fractures

CT of Hook of Hamate Fracture - The arrow points to the fracture.
Fractures of the Hook of the Hamate (also called the "Hamulus") occur mainly in people who play racket or batting sports, such as tennis, golf or baseball. Hamate hook fractures lead to pain in the base of the palm on the small

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Distal Radius Malunions

Many Distal Radius Fractures heal in "suboptimal" position, either because they were not surgically fixed or because the surgical fixation did not turn out well. When a Distal Radius Fracture heals in poor position it is called a "malunion". Distal Radius Malunions can lead to deformity, pain,

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Flexor Carpi Ulnaris (FCU) Tendinosis

The Flexor Carpi Ulnaris (FCU) tendon is on the palmar side of the wrist, on the small finger side. The FCU is one of the major tendons that flex the wrist. Occasionally, overuse can cause damage to the FCU tendon. As opposed to the Flexor Carpi Radialis (FCR) tendon, which runs in a sheath and

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Flexor Carpi Radialis (FCR) Tendinitis

The Flexor Carpi Radialis (FCR) is one of the tendons that helps flex the wrist. It is located on the palmar surface of the wrist, near the base of the thumb muscles. Overuse, usually from repetitive lifting with the palm up, may lead to FCR Tendinitis. Computer use may also cause FCR Tendinitis

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Intersection Syndrome

Intersection Syndrome leads to pain, swelling and occasionally "squeaking" on the back of the wrist. The pain of Intersection Syndrome is usually worse with gripping or lifting, especially with the "palm down". Intersection syndrome is usually due to overuse from activities that require

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Swan-Neck Deformity of the Thumb

Swan-Neck deformity of the thumb occurs when the thumb's metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint, the joint where the thumb attaches to the hand, hyperextends too much. The ligament that usually prevents this is called the "volar plate". Some people are born with loose joints, also known as being

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Basilar Thumb Pain in Young Individuals

Arthritis commonly affects the base of the thumb. Older patients, or those with more advanced arthritis, are well-treated by the LRTI procedure, which is well-covered in the Basilar Thumb Arthritis section of this website. While the LRTI is extremely effective, it may be more surgery than a

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Finger Nail Injuries

The Nail
Injuries to the finger nail are fairly common. While these often lead to some degree of nail deformity or change in the nail's appearance, good treatment can often minimize the degree of damage.

If the finger nail gets crushed, bleeding may occur underneath it. If this bleeding

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The Stiff Finger

Contracted PIP Joint
The Digit Widget
Straightened PIP Joint
PIP Joint Flexion remains intact


There are many causes of finger stiffness. Usually finger stiffness is due to an injury to the hand or wrist, especially a previous fracture, ligament injury or surgery. Finger stiffness can

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PIP Joint Injuries

PIP Joint Dislocation
PIP Joint Fracture-Subluxation
PIP Joint Fracture-Subluxation

The proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint is the middle joint of the finger. It is an unforgiving joint when injured, and often becomes extremely stiff. What most people don't realize is that the bones of

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Finger Fractures

The Bones of the Hand and Wrist
Distal Phalangeal Fracture
Proximal Phalangeal Fractures
Plated Proximal Phalangeal Fracture
Plated Proximal Phalangeal Fracture - The DIP Joint had an old, untreated fracture and has early arthritis.
Proximal Phalangeal Fracture fixed with three

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MP Joint & PIP Joint Arthroscopy

Infolded Partial Ligament Tear being removed from MP Joint
Cleaned Out MP Joint
The metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint is the large joint where the finger connects to the hand. The proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint is the middle joint of the finger. If pain occurs at these joints, initial

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Skier's Thumb

Joint Ligament Box (V.P. = Volar Plate Ligament)
Joint Ligaments
Skier's Thumb -The UCL has torn off and flipped away from its attachment (arrow).
(A.k.a., Gamekeeper's Thumb)
Skier's thumb used to be called "gamekeeper's thumb". However, the #1 cause of this injury is currently skiing,

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Extensor Tendon Subluxation

Extensor Tendon Subluxation / Boxer's Knuckle
Subluxation or snapping of an extensor tendon on the back of the hand can occur for different reasons. It's often due to a trauma, such as punching a hard object. That's why some refer to this injury as "Boxer's Knuckle". It can also happen when a

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EPL Tendon Rupture

The EPL (extensor pollicis longus) tendon is the structure that extends the thumb and keeps it from falling into the palm. Following a wrist fracture, or sometimes due to arthritis and bone spur formation, the EPL tendon can rupture. In cases of arthritis, the EPL tendon can rub across a bone

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Mallet Finger

Mallet Finger refers to an injury that causes the tip of the finger to droop, or "lag". Mallet Finger is a very common injury that occurs when the extensor tendon on the back of the finger tears off the small distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint near the finger tip. Mallet Fingers can occur with

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Extensor Tendon Injuries

The Extensor Tendons
The extensor tendons are the structures on the back of your hand that extend the fingers. The tendons are like ropes that connect the muscles to the finger bones. The extensor tendons are often cut when the back of the hand or the back of the finger is lacerated. The

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Mucous Cysts

Mucous Cyst
Mucous Cysts are a very common cause of finger masses over the small finger joint closest to the tip. Mucous cysts are a type of ganglion cyst that usually arises because of an underlying arthritis of that joint. Initial treatment is by aspirating the cyst. Please don't try this

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Retinacular Cysts

Tender masses that appear in the palm by the base of a finger are usually retinacular cysts. Retinacular cysts are simply ganglion cysts that come from the flexor tendon sheath of the finger. Retinacular cysts often lead to pain when gripping objects. Fortunately, they are benign and easily

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Ulnar Tunnel Syndrome

The Transverse Carpal Ligament (transverse white structure) is the roof of the carpal tunnel and the floor of the ulnar tunnel (arrow).
The Ulnar Nerve in the Ulnar Tunnel

Ulnar Nerve Entrapment at the Wrist
Ulnar tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve gets compressed at the wrist.

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Hand Pain

Hand Pain is very common. There are many things that can cause hand pain. By far, the person most qualified to diagnose and treat the source of hand pain is a Hand Surgeon. Hand surgeons have specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of common and uncommon hand conditions. Hand

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Elbow Pain

Triceps Tendinosis Excision: Skin Incision
Triceps Tendinosis Excision: Incision Into Triceps Tendon
Triceps Tendinosis Excision: Scratch Test
Triceps Tendinosis Excision: Triceps Tendon Repair
Bone spurs in the front of the elbow and in the back of the elbow. The bone spurs in the back of

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Pronator Syndrome

Pronator syndrome is compression of the median nerve about the elbow and/or upper forearm. Pronator syndrome leads to symptoms similar to those of carpal tunnel syndrome, as the same nerve is involved, but is much less common. The two syndromes are therefore often confused. In addition, the

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Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)

OCD lesion in back of capitellum nearly broken off and loose
Curette inserted into OCD's crater to stimulate healing
Stabilizing wire inserted (left). Drill for bioabsorbable screw (right).
Bioabsorbable screw being inserted
The bioabsorbable screw is buried in the OCD lesion. The tail of

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Snapping Elbow (Plica)

The Plica and inflammation (which looks like reddish seaweed) at the front of the elbow. This inflamed tissue became entrapped between the bones of the elbow joint with motion, leading to painful snapping.
A motorized shaver removing the Plica and its associated inflammation.
Shows the front

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About Dr. Budoff

Dr. Budoff is a board certified Orthopaedic Hand & Upper extremity surgeon involved in cutting-edge research involving the treatment of upper extremity disorders. Dr. Budoff has written and published over 40 articles in leading medical journals and has authored over 20 textbook chapters.

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National Committees Served On

Evidence-Based Medicine Committee, The American Society for Surgery of the Hand, 2009 to 2012
Annual Meetings Committee, The American Society for Surgery of the Hand, 2009 to 2012
Research Committee, Arthroscopy Association of North America, 2008-2009
Chairman, Scientific Display Committee,

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Get Directions

Directions to the Medical Center office:
From the North:
Take I-45 or Highway 59 South through downtown.
Take 288 South near downtown.
Exit N. MacGregor.
Follow N. MacGregor, keep right at Herman golf course.
Cross Fannin and turn left on Main.
Turn left on University.
Scurlock Tower is

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Subjects Lectured On

Dr. Budoff has lectured on the following topics:
Hand

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Median Nerve Disorders
Anatomy and Physical Examination of the Hand
Surgical Exposures of the Hand & Wrist
Physical Examination of the Hand & Wrist
Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Thank You

Thank you for your interest our services. We will contact you soon!


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Swan-Neck Deformity of the Thumb

Swan-Neck deformity of the thumb occurs when the thumb's metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint (the joint where the thumb attaches to the hand) hyperextends too much. The ligament that usually prevents this is called the 'volar plate'. Some people are born with loose ('double') joints; these joints are

Read more...

Luno-Triquetral Ligament Injuries

Now that Kobe Bryant suffered a luno-triquetral ligament injury in his wrist, many people are interested in this problem. The luno-triquetral ligament keeps two of the wrist's small bones, the lunate and the triquetrum, aligned and connected to each other so that they move together in a normal,

Read more...

Retinacular Cysts

Tender masses that appear in the base of a finger near the palm are usually retinacular cysts. Retinacular cysts are simply ganglion cysts that come from the flexor tendon sheath of the finger. Retinacular cysts may appear rather quickly and can lead to pain when gripping objects. Fortunately,

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Snapping Elbow (Plica)

One of the most common causes of a snapping elbow is a plica. A plica is an inflamed part of the joint lining that catches in between the bones of the elbow with motion. A plica can be caused by anything that inflames the elbow, typically either an injury or overuse.

Although symptoms may

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Flexor Carpi Ulnaris (FCU) Tendinosis

The flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) tendon is on the palmar side of your wrist, above the small finger. It is one of the major tendons that flexes your wrist. Occasionally, overuse can cause damage to the FCU tendon. As opposed to the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) tendon, which runs in a sheath and can

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Metacarpophlangeal (MP) Joint Replacement

The metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint is the large joint where the finger attaches to the hand. Arthritis of the MP joint can lead to pain, swelling and stiffness. Nonoperative management includes a steroid injection or two, activity limitation and buddy taping the finger to its neighbor. In

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Scapho-Lunate Ligament Injuries

Scapho-lunate (SL) ligament injuries are serious injuries to the wrist. The scapho-lunate ligament connects two of the most important bones of the wrist together: the scaphoid and the lunate. The scapho-lunate ligament keeps those small bones of the wrist moving together in a normal, synchronous

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Finger Nail Injuries

Injuries to the finger nail are fairly common. While these often lead to some degree of nail deformity or change in the nail's appearance, good treatment can often minimize the degree of damage.

If the finger nail gets crushed, bleeding may occur underneath it. If this bleeding doesn't hurt,

Read more...

Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Injuries Subluxation Dislocation Instability

The Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint is the small joint on top of the shoulder where the clavicle attaches. If the AC joint is hit head-on, such as when falling off a bike or tackling somebody without shoulder pads, the clavicle may detach, raise up and become noticeably 'out of joint'. A

Read more...

Extensor Tendon Subluxation / Boxer's Knuckle

Subluxation or snapping of the tendons on the back of the hand can occur for different reasons. It's often due to a trauma, such as punching a hard object. That's why some refer to this injury as 'Boxer's Knuckle'. It can also happen when a ball or other object strikes the finger, or from a

Read more...

Forearm Fractures

The forearm consists of two bones, the radius and the ulna. Forearm fractures are usually signicant injuries that lead to pain, stiffness and deformity. If the forearm bones are broken in an adult, surgical fixation is usually required. The best way to fix forearm fractures in an adult is with

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Clavicle (Collarbone) Fractures

Clavicle (collarbone) fractures are very common injuries. If the clavicle fracture is not significantly displaced (translated) or angulated (bent), then it can be treated in a sling for 6 weeks. For people who do a lot of deskwork, a 'figure-8' brace that leaves the arms free is also fine, and

Read more...

Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

The rotator cuff is made up of the muscles and tendons that help you elevate your shoulder (for details, please see the rotator cuff section in my main website). If the rotator cuff becomes damaged enough, a tear may occur. However, not all rotator cuff tears require surgery.
Rotator cuff tears

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Scapho-Lunate (SL) Ligament Injuries

Scapho-lunate (SL) ligament injuries are serious injuries to the wrist. The scapho-lunate ligament connects two of the most important bones of the wrist together: the scaphoid and the lunate. The scapho-lunate ligament keeps those small bones of the wrist moving together in a normal, synchronous

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Metacarpophalangeal Joint (MPJ) and Proximal Interphalangeal (PIP) Joint Arthroscopy

The metacarpophalangeal joint (MPJ) is the large joint where the finger connects to the hand. The proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint is the middle joint of the finger. If pain occurs at these joints, initial treatment consists of buddy-taping the finger to its neighbor and an injection. If the

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Proximal Interphalangeal (PIP) Joint Replacement

The proximal interphalangeal joint is the middle joint of the finger. Injuries to the proximal interphalangeal joint often lead to arthritis. The treatment of proximal interphalangeal joint arthritis starts with buddy taping of the finger to its neighboring digit and a steroid injection into the

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Proximal Interphalangeal (PIP) Joint Injuries

The proximal interphalangeal joint is the middle joint of your finger. It is an unforgiving joint when injured, and often becomes extremely stiff. What most people don't realize is that the bones of the fingers heal extremely quickly, and if this joint suffers a severe injury it can become

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Suprascapular Nerve Compression

The suprascapular nerve is the nerve to the rotator cuff. The suprascapular nerve runs in the back of the shoulder, where it can be compressed. This is effectively the 'carpal tunnel syndrome of the shoulder', although it's nowhere near as common.
Suprascapular nerve compression leads to pain

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Hamate Hook (Hamulus) Fractures

Fractures of the Hook of the Hamate (also called the "Hamulus") occur mainly in people who play racket or batting sports, such as tennis, golf or baseball. Hamate hook fractures lead to pain in the base of the palm on the small finger's side.
If seen soon after injury, Hamate Hook fractures are

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