Clare K. McCarthy, MD

Dr. McCarthy, MD, is a board certified orthopedic surgeon with a fellowship in Hand and Upper Extremity and a certificate of added qualification (CAQ) in Hand, Wrist and Elbow Surgery. She specializes in surgery of the hand and upper extremity, with procedures including tendon and nerve repairs, basal thumb joint replacement and rheumatoid hand reconstructions. She also treats fractures, nerve and tendon conditions, and arthritis of the wrist and fingers.

Dr. McCarthy has been performing the endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) since its inception in the early 1990s and was part of the development team that brought the procedure to the Twin Cities. She has continued to play a key role in educating other physicians on the procedure. The ECTR is the most common surgery she performs, with more than three thousand procedures completed.

Until a few years ago, the options for treating Dupuytren’s contractures of the hand were limited. However, the development of Xiaflex^®, an enzymatic injection, means that the condition can be treated nonsurgically. Dr. McCarthy is a preferred provider and a “Super User” for Xiaflex^® injections.

Dr. McCarthy has been selected as a Top Doctor in Mpls.St.Paul Magazine by her peers for the past 10 years in a row. She was also named one of Minnesota Monthly Magazine’s Best Doctors for Women in 2008 and 2010. Her goal is to listen carefully to each patient’s concerns and develop a plan with the patient to resume the activities that he or she finds most meaningful.

In addition to other professional affiliations, Dr. McCarthy is a member of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. She has been practicing in the Twin Cities since 1996.

Physician Statement

“Growing up as a dancer and a runner in Scranton, Pennsylvania, I understand the importance of working out. I continue to be active, swimming and doing Pilates several times a week and biking and Nordic skiing when I am at my cabin up north. My goal is to get you back to those things you love to do, whether it’s fishing, weight-lifting, playing tennis, or any other activity that involves your hands.”

Clinical Interest

Elbow care, including ulnar nerve transpositions

Hand care, including arthritis, CMC arthroplasties (replacement of the basal thumb joint), nerve injuries, rheumatoid conditions, trauma, and Xiaflex^® injections

Wrist care, including arthritis, endoscopic carpal tunnel releases, and closed and open treatment of wrist fractures

Education

Certification
Board Certified, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Subspecialty Certification in Hand Surgery

Fellowship
Orthopedic Research Fellowship in Bone Density at the University of Massachusetts
Hand and Upper-Extremity Fellowship at the University of Minnesota

Residency
University of Massachusetts

Medical Degree
Georgetown University School of Medicine

Hospital & Surgery Center Affiliations

Crosstown Surgery Center
Fairview Southdale Hospital
Fairview Ridges Hospital Courtesy Staff
Fairview University Hospital Courtesy Staff

Professional Affiliations

American Society for Surgery of the Hand
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Minnesota Orthopaedic Society
Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society

Achievements & Awards

Best Doctor for Women: Minnesota Monthly Magazine (2008, 2010)
Best Doctor: Minnesota Monthly Magazine (2014, 2015)
Top Doctor: Minnesota Monthly Magazine (2020-2023)
Top Doctor: Voted a top orthopedic surgeon by her peers in Mpls.St.Paul Magazine (2006, 2007, 2009 – 2023)

            

Staff