Dr. Ketan Sharma is a distinguished hand and nerve surgeon with a broad yet exotic practice. He is especially passionate about treating patients suffering from chronic pain conditions and peripheral nerve injuries. Dr. Sharma is one of the busiest nerve and pain surgeons in the world, performing >600 of these complex cases annually. With a deep understanding of these complex diagnoses, Dr. Sharma is dedicated to helping patients regain mobility, restore sensation, and live pain-free lives. He routinely evaluates and treats patients who have suffered for years, seen many other specialists, and failed many previous treatments including surgery. He particularly emphasizes the holistic art of the physical exam in diagnosing the source of chronic pain and nerve injuries, a lost art in today’s modern world of expensive imaging and diagnostic tests.
Expert in Chronic Pain
Treatment and Nerve Surgery
Dr. Sharma: A Leader in Surgical Innovation and Chronic Pain Research
Dr. Sharma has a world class education background. He graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a degree in Neuroscience. He then completed medical school at Duke University, and furthered his education with a Master’s in Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. During medical school, he spent a year at Harvard University doing research and humanitarian work for Partners-in-Health, splitting his time between Boston and Haiti. He trained in plastic and reconstructive surgery at Washington University in St. Louis, under the tutelage of Dr. Susan Mackinnon, a globally-recognized leader in nerve surgery. He then completed a hand and microvascular orthopaedic fellowship under Dr. L. Scott Levin, another pioneer in orthoplastic surgery.
Dr. Sharma and his close colleague Dr. James Friedman, an orthopaedic specialist, recently described The Human Disharmony Loop. This novel syndrome provides an actual anatomic source for many chronic pain and dysfunction conditions of the upper limb – neck, upper back, shoulder, arm – along with effective treatments. More information about this can be found here. (link to that section)
A Leader in Chronic Pain Treatment and Peripheral Nerve Injuries
Dr. Sharma specializes in a myriad of surgical options designed to treat:
- Chronic pain of the neck, upper back, shoulder, arm, and hand
- Weakness, and numbness of the shoulder, arm, elbow, hand/wrist or leg
- Brachial plexus injuries and nerve damage from trauma
- Post-surgical and post-traumatic nerve pain
- Leg pain, foot numbness, and lower extremity dysfunction
Unlike conventional pain management approaches that rely on temporary relief through medication or injections, Dr. Sharma focuses on addressing the root cause of pain through innovative surgical interventions that provide long-term relief.
Published Research & Global Impact
Committed to advancing the field of pain management and nerve surgery, Dr. Sharma has been published in leading medical journals, including Annals of Surgery, The Lancet: Global Health, Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. His contributions to global health include medical missions in Haiti, India, and Madagascar, where he has provided life-changing surgical care for patients with complex nerve and limb conditions.
A Trusted Surgeon, A Passionate
Advocate for Pain-Free Living
Dr. Sharma believes that no one should have to live with chronic pain. His patient-centered approach combines cutting-edge surgical expertise with compassionate care, helping individuals reclaim their quality of life. When he’s not helping patients overcome chronic pain, Dr. Sharma enjoys exploring Idaho’s scenic trails and staying active outdoors.
