About Kleinert, Kutz and Associates Hand Care Center

Web site address: www.kleinertkutz.com

Kleinert Kutz Hand Care Center was founded by Harold E. Kleinert, M.D., who began his hand surgery practice in Louisville in 1953. Joseph E. Kutz, M.D., became Dr. Kleinert’s first partner, joining him in 1964.

Today the physicians group along with Drs. Kleinert and Kutz includes: Thomas W. Wolff, M.D., Tsu-Min Tsai, M.D., Luis R. Scheker, M.D., Warren C. Breidenbach, M.D., B. Thomas Harter, M.D., Margaret Napolitano, M.D., Rodrigo Moreno, M.D., Tuna Ozyurekoglu, M.D., Huey Y. Tien, M.D., Sunil M. Thirkannad, M.D., P. Stephen Mahoney, M.D., Michael S. Joyner, M.D., Michelle D. Palazzo, M.D., and affiliated hand surgeon Erdogan Atasoy, M.D.

Most of the physicians hold teaching appointments at the University of Louisville School of Medicine.

1962 - First reported repair of a digital artery

1967 - First reported successful technique for primary flexor tendon repair in “No Man’s Land”

1973 - First vascularized epiphyseal transfer

1977 - First bilateral forearm replantation

1981 - One of the world’s first cross-hand replantations

1983 - Pioneered work in primary reconstruction using free tissue transfer

1984 - First bilateral upper arm replantation

1989 - National award for research in blood flow to the nerves

1999 - World’s Most Successful hand transplant and the only three transplants performed in the U.S.

Research and educational initiatives are administered through the Christine M. Kleinert Institute for Hand and Microsurgery, Inc., known worldwide for pioneering upper extremity care and microsurgery.  Through the Institute, more than 1,100 physician Fellows from over 58 countries have come to Louisville since 1960 for additional training in hand and microsurgery with physicians of the Kleinert Kutz Hand Care Center.

Kleinert Kutz Hand Care Center through the Christine M. Kleinert Institute has a unique practice incorporating orthotics, therapy and rehabilitation to provide comprehensive care for all types of hand problems - from major to minor.

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