Dr. Jeffrey K. Smith, MD

Dr. Jeffrey K. Smith, MD Orthopedic Hand and Upper Extremity Surgeon

Dr. Jeffrey K. Smith, MD, FAAOS, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in hand and upper-extremity surgery. His practice profile uses the name J. Kevin Smith and identifies his clinical focus as injuries and disorders involving the hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, and shoulder.

Patients may consult Dr. Smith for numbness, weakness, joint pain, fractures, tendon injuries, nerve compression, arthritis, reduced movement, or an upper-limb injury that has not improved with initial treatment.

A consultation with an orthopedic surgeon does not automatically mean surgery will be recommended. Depending on the diagnosis, care may begin with activity changes, splinting, physical or occupational therapy, medication, an injection, or continued observation.

About Dr. Jeffrey K. Smith

Dr. Smith provides orthopedic care through Texas Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine. His official practice profile lists hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder conditions as his main area of work. It also describes previous experience as an associate professor of upper-extremity surgery at Scott & White Hospital.

His areas of care may include:

• Hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder injuries
• Sprains and strains
• Tendon irritation and tendon tears
• Hand, wrist, forearm, and elbow fractures
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Cubital tunnel syndrome
• Peripheral nerve injuries
• Flexor and extensor tendon injuries
• Biceps and triceps tendon injuries
• Arthritis affecting upper-extremity joints
• Reduced movement after injury
• Joint damage requiring reconstruction or replacement
• Complex hand, wrist, or forearm problems

Patients comparing doctors involved in orthopedic procedures can review other providers offering

Education and Medical Training

Training area	Institution	Details
Medical education	Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine	Doctor of Medicine, completed in 2001
Residency	Texas A&M College of Medicine and Scott & White Medical Center	Orthopedic surgery, 2001 to 2006
Fellowship	University of Chicago	Hand and upper-extremity surgery, 2006 to 2007
Board certification	American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery	Orthopedic surgery
Professional recognition	American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons	Fellow, FAAOS

Dr. Smith completed orthopedic surgery residency training through Texas A&M and Scott & White before undertaking a hand surgery fellowship at the University of Chicago. During that fellowship, his practice biography states that he trained with Dr. Daniel Mass in tendon and upper-extremity surgery.

Orthopedic residency provides broad training in bone, joint, muscle, ligament, tendon, and nerve conditions. A hand surgery fellowship adds focused preparation in the complex anatomy and function of the fingers, hand, wrist, forearm, and elbow.

Board Certification and Professional Credentials

Dr. Smith is listed as board-certified in orthopedic surgery and uses the professional designation FAAOS, meaning Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

His credentials include:

• MD, meaning Doctor of Medicine
• Residency training in orthopedic surgery
• Fellowship training in hand surgery
• Board certification in orthopedic surgery
• FAAOS professional recognition
• Experience in surgical and nonsurgical upper-extremity treatment

Board certification is separate from medical licensing. A medical license permits a physician to practice, while board certification reflects specialist education, supervised training, and professional assessment.

What an Upper-Extremity Orthopedic Surgeon Does

An upper-extremity orthopedic surgeon evaluates conditions involving the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves from the shoulder to the fingertips.

The hands and arms are involved in many daily activities, including writing, typing, lifting, dressing, driving, cooking, sports, and work. Even a small loss of sensation, grip strength, or finger movement can affect independence and job performance.

A specialist assessment may be helpful when:

• Pain continues after rest or basic treatment
• Numbness repeatedly wakes the patient at night
• Grip strength has decreased
• A finger, hand, wrist, or elbow appears deformed
• A tendon injury affects movement
• A fracture involves a joint
• The shoulder repeatedly feels unstable
• Symptoms return after previous surgery
• Arthritis interferes with daily activities
• Another doctor has recommended an operation

The first appointment may be used to decide whether the problem originates in the hand or arm or whether symptoms may be coming from the neck, another nerve, or a wider medical condition.

Hand and Wrist Pain

Hand or wrist pain can develop suddenly after an injury or gradually through repeated activity, arthritis, nerve compression, or tendon irritation.

Possible symptoms include:

• Aching
• Sharp pain
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Weak grip
• Clicking or catching
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Reduced finger movement
• Pain during lifting or twisting

The location of the symptoms can provide useful clues. Pain near the thumb may involve a tendon, joint, or wrist bone, while numbness in particular fingers may suggest pressure on a specific nerve.

Evaluation may include examination of movement and strength, X-rays, ultrasound, MRI, or nerve testing. The selected tests depend on the suspected condition rather than being required for every patient.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome develops when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through a narrow space in the wrist.

Possible symptoms include:

• Numbness in the thumb, index, or middle fingers
• Tingling
• Burning discomfort
• Nighttime symptoms
• Weak grip
• Dropping objects
• Difficulty with buttons or other detailed tasks

Early treatment may involve a nighttime wrist splint, activity changes, selected exercises, or an injection. Surgery may be considered when symptoms continue, testing shows substantial nerve compression, or weakness suggests that the nerve is being damaged.

Dr. Smith’s official profile lists endoscopic and mini-open carpal tunnel release among the procedures he offers.

Carpal Tunnel Release

Carpal tunnel release is designed to create more space for the median nerve by releasing the ligament that forms the top of the tunnel.

The procedure may be performed through a small open incision or with an endoscopic approach, depending on the surgeon’s recommendation and the patient’s circumstances.

Patients should ask:

• Which approach is being recommended?
• What symptoms should improve?
• How long may numbness take to change?
• When can the hand be used for normal tasks?
• Will hand therapy be needed?
• Could permanent nerve damage already be present?

Nerve recovery can be gradual, particularly when compression has been severe or present for a long period.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve is compressed or irritated near the elbow.

Patients may notice:

• Numbness in the small finger
• Tingling in part of the ring finger
• Aching near the inner elbow
• Weak pinch or grip
• Difficulty coordinating the fingers
• Symptoms that worsen when the elbow remains bent

Initial treatment may include avoiding prolonged elbow bending, changing activities, or using a brace. Surgery may be considered when nonsurgical care does not help or when weakness and nerve damage are present.

An examination may help distinguish cubital tunnel syndrome from nerve compression in the wrist, shoulder, or neck.

Nerve Injuries

Upper-extremity nerves carry signals responsible for sensation and muscle movement.

A nerve may be affected by:

• Compression
• A cut
• A fracture
• A dislocation
• Scar tissue
• Repetitive pressure
• Stretching during an injury
• Another medical condition

Possible symptoms include numbness, burning, electric-like pain, weakness, reduced coordination, or loss of movement.

Nerve conduction studies and electromyography may be used when the examination cannot fully identify where the nerve is affected or how severe the damage may be.

Treatment depends on whether the nerve is compressed, partly damaged, completely divided, or recovering naturally.

Tendon Injuries

Tendons connect muscles to bones and allow joints and fingers to move.

Dr. Smith’s official procedure list includes:

• Biceps and triceps tendon repair or reconstruction
• Flexor tendon repair
• Extensor tendon repair
• Other upper-extremity reconstruction

A flexor tendon injury can make it difficult to bend a finger toward the palm. These injuries may occur after a cut or when a finger is forcefully pulled while gripping an object.

Possible signs of a serious tendon injury include:

• Inability to bend or straighten a finger
• A visible cut over the hand or wrist
• Sudden weakness after a pop
• A change in the normal shape of a muscle
• Loss of movement after an injury
• Pain and bruising near the elbow or shoulder

Some tendon injuries require prompt surgery because delayed treatment may make repair and recovery more difficult.

Biceps and Triceps Tendon Conditions

The biceps and triceps muscles control important movements of the elbow and forearm.

A tendon injury may occur during lifting, falling, sports, or a sudden force against the arm.

Symptoms may include:

• A popping sensation
• Bruising
• Swelling
• Weakness
• Pain near the elbow or shoulder
• Difficulty bending or straightening the elbow
• Reduced ability to rotate the forearm
• A visible change in muscle shape

Not every partial injury requires surgery. The treatment decision depends on the tendon involved, the degree of tearing, patient age, physical needs, arm dominance, and expected loss of strength.

Dr. Smith may discuss rehabilitation, activity modification, or surgical repair after reviewing examination and imaging findings.

Hand and Wrist Fractures

A fracture may affect the fingers, hand bones, small wrist bones, radius, ulna, or the joint surfaces connecting them.

Hand fractures commonly result from falls, direct impact, crush injuries, twisting accidents, or sports contact.

Possible symptoms include:

• Immediate pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Deformity
• Difficulty moving
• Reduced grip strength
• Tenderness over a bone
• Numbness
• A finger crossing over another when making a fist

Treatment may include:

• Splinting
• Casting
• Activity restriction
• Repeat X-rays
• Hand therapy
• Reduction of displaced bones
• Pins, screws, plates, or other fixation

Dr. Smith’s official profile lists minimally invasive and fragment-specific fixation for fractures involving the wrist, hand, forearm, and elbow.

Scaphoid Fractures

The scaphoid is a small wrist bone near the base of the thumb. It is commonly injured after a fall onto an outstretched hand.

Symptoms may include pain and swelling near the thumb side of the wrist. Grasping, pushing, or pulling may increase discomfort. Some scaphoid fractures do not cause an obvious deformity and may initially be mistaken for a sprain.

Prompt assessment is important because parts of the scaphoid have a limited blood supply. Treatment may involve casting or surgical fixation depending on fracture location, displacement, and healing risk.

Wrist Sprains and Ligament Injuries

A wrist sprain develops when supporting ligaments are stretched or torn, often after the wrist is bent forcefully during a fall.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tenderness
• A popping feeling
• Weakness
• Pain when pushing up from a chair

A wrist injury with limited swelling may still involve a torn ligament or an unseen fracture. Continuing pain after an injury should therefore be assessed rather than assumed to be a minor sprain.

Treatment may involve a brace, cast, therapy, arthroscopy, or reconstruction depending on the damaged structure and joint stability.

Elbow Injuries

The elbow is formed by three bones and several important tendons, ligaments, nerves, and muscles.

Dr. Smith may evaluate:

• Elbow fractures
• Tendon injuries
• Nerve compression
• Arthritis
• Joint stiffness
• Sports injuries
• Reduced movement after trauma
• Conditions requiring arthroscopy or reconstruction

An elbow injury may affect both bending and forearm rotation. It may also produce symptoms in the hand when a nearby nerve is involved.

Treatment may range from temporary immobilization and therapy to fracture fixation, tendon repair, nerve surgery, arthroscopy, or joint replacement.

Shoulder Conditions

Although Dr. Smith’s training is centered on the hand and upper extremity, his official profile also lists shoulder injuries, shoulder arthroscopy, and shoulder joint replacement among his areas of care.

Patients may seek assessment for:

• Shoulder pain
• Reduced movement
• Rotator cuff concerns
• Joint damage
• Arthritis
• Instability
• Tendon injury
• Pain after trauma
• Symptoms that have not improved with therapy

The examination may assess strength, movement, stability, tenderness, and whether symptoms extend from the neck into the arm.

Shoulder Arthroscopy

Shoulder arthroscopy uses a small camera and specialized instruments inserted through small openings around the joint.

It may be used to evaluate or treat damage involving the rotator cuff, labrum, cartilage, or other soft tissues surrounding the shoulder.

Arthroscopy may use smaller incisions than open surgery, but recovery still depends on the structure treated. A simple diagnostic or cleaning procedure may have a different recovery plan from a tendon or labral repair.

Physical therapy and movement restrictions are often important parts of the treatment plan.

Joint Replacement of the Upper Extremity

Dr. Smith’s practice profile lists joint replacement involving the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand.

Joint replacement may be considered when arthritis or another condition has caused:

• Continuing pain
• Severe stiffness
• Joint deformity
• Loss of movement
• Difficulty sleeping
• Reduced ability to work or complete daily tasks
• Limited improvement with nonsurgical treatment

In shoulder replacement, damaged joint surfaces are removed and replaced with artificial components. Different implant designs may be used depending on the condition of the joint, bone, and rotator cuff.

Replacement of smaller joints in the elbow, wrist, or hand has different goals and limitations. Patients should ask how much movement and strength can realistically be expected after the proposed procedure.

Arthritis of the Hand, Wrist, Elbow, or Shoulder

Arthritis can cause cartilage loss, inflammation, stiffness, pain, and changes in joint shape.

Upper-extremity arthritis may result from:

• Age-related joint changes
• An earlier fracture
• A ligament injury
• Inflammatory arthritis
• Joint infection
• Repeated stress
• Another medical condition

Post-traumatic wrist arthritis can develop after a fracture or ligament injury changes how the bones move together.

Treatment may include:

• Activity changes
• Splinting
• Medication
• Hand or physical therapy
• Injections
• Arthroscopy
• Joint reconstruction
• Joint fusion
• Joint replacement

The most appropriate option depends on the affected joint, severity of damage, age, occupation, and the movements most important to the patient.

Nonsurgical Treatment

Many upper-extremity problems are first managed without surgery.

A treatment plan may include:

• Temporary activity restriction
• A brace or splint
• Medication
• Ice or heat guidance
• Physical therapy
• Occupational or hand therapy
• Movement and strengthening exercises
• Ergonomic changes
• An injection
• Monitoring over time

Therapy may be particularly important after stiffness, fractures, tendon injuries, nerve problems, or surgery.

Patients should tell Dr. Smith when treatment causes new numbness, substantial swelling, weakness, or loss of movement rather than expected mild soreness.

When Surgery May Be Discussed

Surgery may become an option when:

• A fracture is unstable or displaced
• A tendon is fully torn
• A nerve is severely compressed
• Weakness is progressing
• A joint is badly damaged
• Nonsurgical treatment has not restored acceptable function
• Pain continues to affect sleep or daily activity
• An injury is unlikely to heal correctly without repair
• Earlier treatment has failed
• Reconstruction is needed after trauma

The decision should consider the expected benefit, surgical risks, recovery time, work requirements, overall health, and the patient’s goals.

Patients should understand whether the purpose of surgery is to reduce pain, restore movement, improve strength, prevent further damage, or make the limb more stable.

Who May Benefit From Seeing Dr. Smith

A consultation may be appropriate for patients who:

• Have continuing hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder pain
• Experience numbness or tingling in the fingers
• Have reduced grip or pinch strength
• Have difficulty bending or straightening a finger
• Sustained a fracture or tendon injury
• Notice increasing joint stiffness
• Have symptoms of carpal or cubital tunnel syndrome
• Need assessment after a sports injury
• Have arthritis affecting arm function
• Have not improved with therapy or splinting
• Have been advised to consider upper-extremity surgery
• Need another opinion before reconstruction or joint replacement
• Have recurring symptoms after a previous procedure

Active patients may also find the Doctiplus guide to common sports injuries and prevention useful when preparing to discuss activity-related symptoms.

What Patients Can Expect During an Appointment

The consultation usually begins with a review of the symptoms, injury history, work demands, physical activities, medication, and previous treatment.

Dr. Smith may ask:

• When did the symptoms begin?
• Did a particular injury occur?
• Which fingers feel numb?
• Is grip strength changing?
• Does pain wake you at night?
• Which movements make symptoms worse?
• Is the dominant arm affected?
• Has therapy or splinting been attempted?
• Have injections been given?
• Was surgery previously performed?
• What activities does the patient want to return to?

The examination may include:

• Checking joint movement
• Testing grip and pinch strength
• Examining sensation
• Assessing tendon function
• Looking for swelling or deformity
• Testing joint stability
• Examining scars
• Comparing both arms
• Checking circulation
• Performing specific nerve-compression tests

Possible next steps include X-rays, MRI, ultrasound, nerve testing, a brace, medication, therapy, an injection, further observation, or discussion of surgery.

Preparing for the Appointment

Patients can prepare by bringing:

• A complete medication list
• Allergy information
• Previous X-rays
• MRI or CT images
• Nerve-testing results
• Earlier surgical reports
• Therapy notes
• Injection records
• Details of the original injury
• Workers’ compensation documents when applicable
• Insurance information
• Referral paperwork
• Written questions

Patients should bring the actual imaging files when possible, not only the written radiology report.

It may also help to record:

• Which fingers are affected
• When numbness occurs
• Whether symptoms wake the patient
• Which tasks are difficult
• Whether objects are being dropped
• How pain affects work or sleep
• Treatments already attempted

Questions to Ask Dr. Smith

Patients may consider asking:

• What structure is causing my symptoms?
• Is the problem involving a nerve, tendon, bone, or joint?
• Are additional tests needed?
• Could the condition improve without surgery?
• Would a brace or hand therapy help?
• Is an injection appropriate?
• Is nerve damage already present?
• Why is surgery being considered?
• Which surgical approach would be used?
• What improvement is realistic?
• How long might recovery take?
• Will therapy be required?
• When can I drive or return to work?
• Will lifting be restricted?
• Could the condition return?
• Would a second opinion be reasonable?
• Which symptoms require urgent assessment?

Patients should request written instructions when the plan includes restrictions, wound care, medication changes, or therapy.

Recovery After Upper-Extremity Surgery

Recovery depends on the diagnosis and procedure.

Follow-up may include:

• Incision and wound checks
• Splint or cast management
• Swelling control
• Finger or joint movement exercises
• Hand or physical therapy
• Strengthening
• Nerve recovery monitoring
• Repeat X-rays
• Work restrictions
• Gradual return to sports

Patients should follow movement restrictions carefully. Moving too early may damage a repair, while remaining still for too long may contribute to stiffness. The surgical and therapy teams should explain when each stage of movement begins.

Patients may also read about follow-up care during surgical recovery, although some orthopedic follow-ups require an in-person examination and new imaging.

Practice and Appointment Information

Dr. Smith practices through Texas Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine.

Tomball Office

13603 Michel Road
Tomball, TX 77375

The Woodlands Office

9319 Pinecroft Drive, Suite 200
The Woodlands, TX 77380

Appointment phone:
281-351-7261

The practice lists orthopedic services, physical therapy, and MRI access at its locations. Public provider records identify Dr. Smith’s NPI as 1548392954.

Public Medicare records associate Dr. Smith with facilities that include HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball, TOPS Surgical Specialty Hospital, Memorial Hermann Hospital System, CHI St. Luke’s Lakeside Hospital, and The Woodlands Specialty Hospital. The facility used for care may depend on the procedure, insurance network, and current hospital participation.

Office addresses, provider schedules, and facility affiliations can change. Patients should confirm the correct location before traveling.

Language and Communication

English is listed in Dr. Smith’s current provider information. Patients who need another language should ask whether qualified interpreter assistance can be arranged for the consultation.

Patients should also tell the office about hearing, vision, mobility, or communication needs when scheduling.

Insurance and Appointment Planning

Insurance participation depends on the patient’s exact policy, office location, imaging provider, therapy clinic, and surgical facility.

Before scheduling, patients should ask:

• Is Dr. Smith included in my current network?
• Is a referral required?
• Does imaging need prior authorization?
• Is hand therapy covered?
• Are braces or splints covered?
• Are injections billed separately?
• Which facility would be used for surgery?
• Are the surgeon and facility both in network?
• Are new patients currently being scheduled?
• Should imaging be sent before the appointment?
• Is an in-person visit required?

New injuries, fractures, weakness, numbness, and conditions requiring strength or nerve testing normally need an in-person examination.

When Upper-Extremity Symptoms Require Urgent Care

Patients should not wait for a routine orthopedic appointment when symptoms suggest a serious injury or loss of circulation.

Urgent assessment may be needed for:

• A visibly deformed hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder
• Bone visible through a wound
• Heavy bleeding
• A deep cut with loss of finger movement
• A hand that becomes cold, pale, blue, or numb
• Sudden loss of strength
• Severe swelling after an injury
• Increasing pain beneath a cast or splint
• Fingers becoming discolored
• A joint that is hot and swollen with fever
• Serious symptoms after surgery
• Drainage, spreading redness, or fever around an incision
• A cast that feels dangerously tight
• An injury involving machinery or crushing force

Patients can review general guidance about when immediate medical attention is the right choice, but symptoms suggesting loss of blood flow, an open fracture, or major nerve or tendon damage require prompt assessment.

Patients searching for another healthcare professional can use Doctiplus to find doctors by specialty.