By Robert B. Carrigan, MD

The hand surgery community and the American Society for Surgery of the Hand have a long tradition of embracing technology and methodology to address challenging conditions related to hand surgery. Society members have contributed their expertise to develop appropriate use criteria (AUC) to aid in the management of clinical conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and distal radius fractures.

I want the hand surgery community to address an additionally challenging situation: what neckwear is most appropriate to wear in the office. Neckties have long been the standard for professional men to wear in the office, often worn with a sporty blazer. Our infectious disease colleagues, sighting concerns over an infection risk associated with neckties, have advocated bowties. When is it appropriate to wear a mock turtle or even an ascot? Do regional differences support hand surgeons in the southwest to sport a bolo tie? I believe there is enough fashion expertise in the hand community to shed some light on this perplexing daily dilemma.