Alexander Lauder, MD

Associate Professor, Orthopedics

Faculty Photo

Website

Medical School
  • MD, Boston University School of Medicine
Undergraduate School
  • BA, Northwestern University (IL)
Residency
  • University of Washington Program, Chief Resident, Orthopedics
Fellowships
  • Duke University Hospital Program, Hand Surgery
Languages
English, Italian
Department
Orthopedics

Professional Titles

  • Denver Health Medical Center Executive Committee, Quality Improvement & Patient Safety
  • Director of Research, Division of Hand Surgery
  • Associate Director, Hand Surgery Fellowship
  • ASSH Emergency Hand Committee
  • ASSH International Outreach Committee
  • Associate Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery, Denver Health Medical Center

Recognitions

  • Denver Health Pediatric Trauma Council Award, Denver Health Department of Trauma (2021)
  • Faculty Teaching Award - Colonel Allan L. Bucknell Award for Excellence in Resident Education, University of Colorado Dept. of Orthopaedics (2021)
  • Fulbright Fellow, US Department of State (2006)

Publications

  • Kahan R, Shen C, Wellborn P, Lauder A, Berchuck S, Javeed H, Pean C, Federer A. Artificial Intelligence in Triaging Patient Questions: An Evaluation of a Large Language Model for Distal Radius Fractures. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2025 Aug 27. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 40896839
  • Richman EH, Rakowski DR, Paul BR, Paul BW, Stokes D, Lauder A. Building a Positive Online Reputation in Hand Surgery: Quantitative Analysis of Factors Linked to Patient Five-Star Reviews. J Hand Surg Am. 2025 Jul 18. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 40682578
  • Pflug EM, Lauder A, Folchert MD. Postoperative Tethering of a Transligamentous Thenar Motor Branch: A Cause of New-Onset Motor Deficit following Carpal Tunnel Release. JBJS Case Connect. 2025 Jul 1;15(3). PubMed PMID: 40608955
  • Richman EH, Rakowski D, Lauder A. The Impact of Emerging Therapies and Declining Physician Reimbursement on Dupuytren Disease Treatment: A 21-Year Review. J Hand Surg Am. 2025 May 15. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 40372337
  • Lockwood WC, Rodriguez-Fontan F, France TJ, Lauder A, Leversedge F, Ipaktchi K. Analysis of Trapeziometacarpal Joint Mechanics During Spanning and Nonspanning Fixation for Thumb Metacarpal Distraction Lengthening. Hand (N Y). 2025 Apr 14;:15589447251322916. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 40223408
  • Retrouvey H, Kim YJ, Lauder A, Pesante BD, Parry JA. Correction: Urinary bladder matrix versus dermal regeneration template for lower extremity wound coverage. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2025 Mar 6;35(1):94. PubMed PMID: 40047986
  • Gehring MB, Wolfe B, Kahan R, Malliaris SD, Washington KM, Folchert MD, Ipaktchi K, Greyson MA, Lauder A, Iorio ML. Intramedullary Fixation for Metacarpal Fractures: A Multi-Institutional Prospective Outcomes Study. J Hand Surg Glob Online. 2025 Jan;7(1):48-55. PubMed PMID: 39991616
  • Kahan R, Enthoven L, Garoosi K, Higinbotham S, Pflug EM, Lauder A. Is Obesity a Risk Factor for Developing Trigger Finger? A Case-Control Analysis of 198?804 Patients. Hand (N Y). 2025 Feb 13;:15589447251317226. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 39949063
  • Pflug EM, Retrouvey H, Lockwood WC, Katarincic JA, Leversedge FJ, Lauder A. The Impact of Surgical Outreach on Trainee Education: American Society for Surgery of the Hand Touching Hands. J Hand Surg Am. 2025 Jan 28. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 39895441
  • Kahan R, Higinbotham S, Garoosi K, Lauder A. Electric Scooter-related Injuries Are Becoming More Frequent and Costly in Denver, CO. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2025 Feb 1;483(2):318-326. PubMed PMID: 39136941
  • Woods D, Illing D, Cao J, Bolson RM, Lauder A, Ipaktchi K. Hand Surgical Operating Room Size Allocation: A Comparative Space Utilisation Study. J Hand Surg Asian Pac Vol. 2025 Feb;30(1):100-106. PubMed PMID: 39397277
  • Lauder A, Rodriguez-Fontan F, Pflug EM. Revision Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction With Autograft and Button Suspension: Correspondence. Tech Hand Up Extrem Surg. 2024 Dec 1;28(4):228-229. PubMed PMID: 39298542
  • Retrouvey H, Meyer MA, Ipaktchi K, Maertens A, Folchert M, Lauder A. Management of Xylazine-Induced Soft-Tissue Necrosis: A Review of 20 Cases. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2024 Dec 1;32(23):e1219-e1225. PubMed PMID: 39197079
  • Pflug EM, Rodriguez-Fontan F, Lauder A. Revision Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction With Autograft and Button Suspension. Tech Hand Up Extrem Surg. 2024 Dec 1;28(4):208-213. PubMed PMID: 38916579
  • Meyer MA, Leversedge FJ, Catalano LW 3rd, Lauder A. Complex Elbow Fracture-Dislocations: An Algorithmic Approach to Treatment. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2024 Aug 1;32(15):669-680. PubMed PMID: 38709855
  • Kim YJ, Retrouvey H, Lauder A, Pesante BD, Parry JA. Urinary bladder matrix versus dermal regeneration template for lower extremity wound coverage. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2024 May;34(4):1971-1977. PubMed PMID: 38488935
  • France T, Lockwood W, Gu S, Tucker N, Baldini T, Lauder A, Catalano LW 3rd. Radiocapitellar and Ulnotrochlear Pressures Increase in a Radial Head Fracture Model: A Cadaveric Biomechanical Analysis. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2024 Apr 3;106(7):600-607. PubMed PMID: 38147503
  • Retrouvey H, Meyer MA, Ipaktchi K, Maertens A, Folchert M, Lauder A. Management of Xylazine-Induced Soft-Tissue Necrosis: A Review of 20 Cases. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2024 Aug 23. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 39197079
  • Kahan R, Higinbotham S, Garoosi K, Lauder A. Electric Scooter-related Injuries Are Becoming More Frequent and Costly in Denver, CO. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2024 Aug 13. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 39136941
  • Pflug EM, Rodriguez-Fontan F, Lauder A. Revision Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction With Autograft and Button Suspension. Tech Hand Up Extrem Surg. 2024 Jun 25. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 38916579
  • Meyer MA, Leversedge FJ, Catalano LW 3rd, Lauder A. Complex Elbow Fracture-Dislocations: An Algorithmic Approach to Treatment. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2024 Aug 1;32(15):669-680. PubMed PMID: 38709855
  • Kim YJ, Retrouvey H, Lauder A, Pesante BD, Parry JA. Urinary bladder matrix versus dermal regeneration template for lower extremity wound coverage. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2024 May;34(4):1971-1977. PubMed PMID: 38488935
  • France T, Lockwood W, Gu S, Tucker N, Baldini T, Lauder A, Catalano LW 3rd. Radiocapitellar and Ulnotrochlear Pressures Increase in a Radial Head Fracture Model: A Cadaveric Biomechanical Analysis. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2024 Apr 3;106(7):600-607. PubMed PMID: 38147503
  • Rodriguez-Fontan F, Lauder A. Managing the Extra-Articular Distal Radius Malunion. Hand Clin. 2024 Feb;40(1):63-77. PubMed PMID: 37979991
  • Retrouvey H, Harmange C, Saggaf M, DeSanto K, Leversedge FJ, Lauder A. Low-Velocity Ballistic Trauma-Related Upper Extremity Nerve Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2024 Oct 17;33(17):e1029-e1038. PubMed PMID: 39467287
  • France TJ, Leversedge FJ, Lauder A. Clinical Outcomes of Severely Angulated Fifth Metacarpal Neck Fractures Treated Nonsurgically. Hand (N Y). 2023 Jun;18(4):604-611. PubMed PMID: 34991365
  • Nicholson LT, Pidgeon TS, Lauder A, Rellan I, Richard MJ, Ruch DS. Lunate Revascularization With Temporary Internal Radiocarpal Spanning Fixation for Kienböck Disease. Hand (N Y). 2023 Jan;18(1):126-132. PubMed PMID: 33855882
  • Nicholson LT, Pidgeon TS, Lauder A, Rellan I, Richard MJ, Ruch DS. Lunate Revascularization With Temporary Internal Radiocarpal Spanning Fixation for Kienböck Disease. Hand (N Y). 2023 Jan;18(1):126-132. PubMed PMID: 33855882
  • Ipaktchi K, Lauder A. Special edition: current practice and international perspectives in replantation and microvascular reconstruction in upper extremity traumatic amputation. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2023 Oct 13. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 37831147
  • Retrouvey H, Ipaktchi K, Lauder A. Correction to: Evidence-based postoperative replantation protocols. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2023 Oct 11. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 37821632
  • Retrouvey H, Lauder A, Ipaktchi K. Correction to: Is self-inflicted amputation to the upper extremity a contraindication to replantation?. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2023 Oct 11. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 37821631
  • Retrouvey H, Ipaktchi K, Lauder A. Evidence-based postoperative replantation protocols. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2023 Aug 28. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 37639003
  • Daniels SD, France TJ, Peek KJ, Tucker NJ, Baldini T, Catalano LW, Lauder A. Posterolateral Rotatory Instability Develops Following the Modified Kocher Approach and Does Not Resolve Following Interval Repair. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2023 Oct 18;105(20):1601-1610. PubMed PMID: 37616381
  • Retrouvey H, Franks A, Dunn T, Novoa K, Ipaktchi K, Lauder A. Management of Self-Inflicted Nonaccidental Amputations of the Upper Extremity: Systematic Review. J Hand Surg Am. 2023 Oct;48(10):993-1002. PubMed PMID: 37589622
  • Retrouvey H, Lauder A, Ipaktchi K. Is self-inflicted amputation to the upper extremity a contraindication to replantation?. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2023 Aug 15. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 37581643
  • Rodriguez-Fontan F, Tucker NJ, Pflug EM, Leversedge FJ, Catalano LW, Lauder A. Proximal Hamate Reconstruction of Proximal Pole Scaphoid Nonunion: A Case Series and Analysis of Clinical Outcomes. Hand (N Y). 2023 Feb 21;:15589447231156210. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 37161279
  • Yu HH, Nadeau J, Powell J, Fox C, Lauder A, Ipaktchi K. The Iatrogenic Injury Potential of Self-adherent Elastic Bandages in Finger Injuries. Hand (N Y). 2023 Apr 13;:15589447231160208. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 37056194
  • Woods D, Newhoff D, Tucker N, Lauder A, Ipaktchi K. The safety and accuracy of various carpal tunnel injection techniques. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2023 Oct;33(7):2995-2999. PubMed PMID: 36934360
  • Kim YJ, Taniguchi K, Bowers MR, Lauder A, Parry JA. Initial Displacement of Humeral Shaft Fractures Is Associated With Failure of Nonoperative Management. J Orthop Trauma. 2023 May 1;37(5):e200-e205. PubMed PMID: 36729593
  • Douleh DG, Baldini T, Carry P, Rogers M, Leversedge FJ, Lauder A. Ligament-Sparing Volar Radiocarpal Arthrotomy During Distal Radius Fracture Repair: Biomechanical Implications on Wrist Stability in a Cadaveric Model. J Hand Surg Am. 2022 Oct 28. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 36625632
  • Douleh DG, Baldini T, Rogers M, Leversedge FJ, Lauder A. Ligament-Sparing Volar Radiocarpal Arthrotomy During Distal Radius Fracture Repair: Anatomical Description and Quantification of Articular Surface Area Visualized in a Cadaveric Model. J Hand Surg Am. 2022 Oct 14. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 36253197
  • Lockwood WC, Lauder A. Classification and Radiographic Characterization of Kienböck Disease. Hand Clin. 2022 Nov;38(4):405-415. PubMed PMID: 36244708
  • McNulty M, Look N, Strage K, Lauder A. Orthopaedic Injuries After Introduction of Electric Scooters to Denver, Colorado. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2022 Sep 15;30(18):897-902. PubMed PMID: 36001885
  • Douleh DG, Ipaktchi K, Lauder A. Hand Call Practices and Satisfaction: Survey Results From Hand Surgeons in the United States. J Hand Surg Am. 2022 Nov;47(11):1120.e1-1120.e9. PubMed PMID: 34756619
  • Douleh DG, Baldini T, Rogers M, Leversedge FJ, Lauder A. Ligament-Sparing Volar Radiocarpal Arthrotomy During Distal Radius Fracture Repair: Anatomical Description and Quantification of Articular Surface Area Visualized in a Cadaveric Model. J Hand Surg Am. 2022 Oct 14. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 36253197
  • Lockwood WC, Lauder A. Classification and Radiographic Characterization of Kienböck Disease. Hand Clin. 2022 Nov;38(4):405-415. PubMed PMID: 36244708
  • McNulty M, Look N, Strage K, Lauder A. Orthopaedic Injuries After Introduction of Electric Scooters to Denver, Colorado. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2022 Sep 15;30(18):897-902. PubMed PMID: 36001885
  • France TJ, Leversedge FJ, Lauder A. Clinical Outcomes of Severely Angulated Fifth Metacarpal Neck Fractures Treated Nonsurgically. Hand (N Y). 2022 Jan 7;:15589447211063238. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 34991365
  • Douleh DG, Ipaktchi K, Lauder A. Hand Call Practices and Satisfaction: Survey Results From Hand Surgeons in the United States. J Hand Surg Am. 2022 Nov;47(11):1120.e1-1120.e9. PubMed PMID: 34756619
  • Douleh DG, Ipaktchi K, Lauder A. Hand Call Practices and Satisfaction: Survey Results From Hand Surgeons in the United States. J Hand Surg Am. 2021 Oct 28. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 34756619
  • Rodriguez-Fontan F, Maertens AS, Parry JA, Stacey S, Lauder A, Ipaktchi K, Heare A, Hadeed M, Mauffrey C. From Dr. Miller E. Preston (1879-1928) to the Department of Orthopaedics at Denver Health Medical Center in Denver, CO. Int Orthop. 2021 Nov;45(11):2997-3001. PubMed PMID: 34328538
  • Wahl EP, Lauder AS, Pidgeon TS, Guerrero EM, Ruch DS, Richard MJ. Dorsal Wrist Spanning Plate Fixation for Treatment of Radiocarpal Fracture-Dislocations. Hand (N Y). 2021 Nov;16(6):834-842. PubMed PMID: 31847582
  • Chen C, Scott F, Ipaktchi KR, Lauder A. Postoperative Digit and Hand Replantation Protocols: A Review of the Literature. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2021 Aug 1;29(15):e732-e742. PubMed PMID: 34185029
  • Lauder A, Chen C, Bolson RM, Leversedge FJ. Management of Recalcitrant Cubital Tunnel Syndrome. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2021 Aug 1;29(15):635-647. PubMed PMID: 33999876
  • Pidgeon TS, Lauder AS, Tong BC, Green CL, Risoli T Jr, Richard MJ, Mithani SK. The Critical Portions of Carpal Tunnel Surgery: A Comparison Between Opinions of Surgeons and the General Public. J Hand Surg Am. 2020 Oct 27. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 33127208
  • Lauder A, Richard MJ. Management of distal humerus fractures. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2020 Jul;30(5):745-762. PubMed PMID: 31965305
  • Guerrero EM, Lauder A, Federer AE, Glisson R, Richard MJ, Ruch DS. Metacarpal Position and Lunate Facet Screw Fixation in Dorsal Wrist-Spanning Bridge Plates for Intra-Articular Distal Radial Fracture: A Biomechanical Analysis. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2020 Mar 4;102(5):397-403. PubMed PMID: 31904607
  • Lauder A, Leversedge FJ. Long Segment, Mixed Sensorimotor Nerve Reconstruction with Allograft: A Case Report of High Radial Nerve Injury. JBJS Case Connect. 2020 Jan-Mar;10(1):e0207. PubMed PMID: 31899719
  • Ferlauto H, Lauder A, Erdmann D. Free forearm fillet flap for chest wall reconstruction after forequarter amputation and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor excision. Duke Orthop J 2020. Accepted for publication Sept 2020.
  • Lauder A, Mithani S, Leversedge FJ. Management of Recalcitrant Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2019 Aug 1;27(15):551-562. PubMed PMID: 30973521
  • Lauder A, Bentley RC, Mithani SK. Intraneural Masson Tumor of the Hand. Eplasty. 2019;19:ic9. PubMed PMID: 30858903
  • Kennedy CD, Lauder AS, Pribaz JR, Kennedy SA. Differentiation Between Pyogenic Flexor Tenosynovitis and Other Finger Infections. Hand (N Y). 2017 Nov;12(6):585-590. PubMed PMID: 28720000
  • Lauder A, Hanel DP. Spanning Bridge Plate Fixation of Distal Radial Fractures. JBJS Rev. 2017 Feb 14;5(2). PubMed PMID: 28248738
  • Matsen FA 3rd, Lauder A, Rector K, Keeling P, Cherones AL. Measurement of active shoulder motion using the Kinect, a commercially available infrared position detection system. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2016 Feb;25(2):216-23. PubMed PMID: 26341024
  • Kennedy SA, Stoll LE, Lauder AS. Human and other mammalian bite injuries of the hand: evaluation and management. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2015 Jan;23(1):47-57. PubMed PMID: 25538130
  • Lauder A, Agnew S, Bakri K, Allan CH, Hanel DP, Huang JI. Functional Outcomes Following Bridge Plate Fixation for Distal Radius Fractures. J Hand Surg Am. 2015 Aug;40(8):1554-62. PubMed PMID: 26143028
  • Lauder A, Jalisi S, Spiegel J, Stram J, Devaiah A. Antibiotic prophylaxis in the management of complex midface and frontal sinus trauma. Laryngoscope. 2010 Oct;120(10):1940-5. PubMed PMID: 20824781
  • Lauder A, Devaiah A. Antibiotic prophylaxis in the surgical management of facial trauma. Laryngoscope. 2010;120 Suppl 4:S232. PubMed PMID: 21225830
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Professional Memberships

  • American Society for Surgery of the Hand, Member
  • American Association for Hand Surgery, Member
  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Member
  • American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Diplomate
  • American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hand Surgery Subspecialty Certification

Practice Locations

Denver Health
777 Bannock St
Denver, CO 80204
303-436-6000

Hospital Affiliation
  • Denver Health Medical Center

Specialty Information

Specialties
  • Orthopedics, Board Certification (2021)
  • American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Board Certification (2021)
  • American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Hand Surgery Subspecialty Certification, Certificate (2022)
Conditions & Treatments
  • Bones, Joints and Muscles - Fractures
  • Bones, Joints and Muscles
  • Bones, Joints and Muscles - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Surgery - Fracture nonunions
  • Surgery
  • Surgery - Hand Surgery
  • Surgery - Wrist fractures
  • Surgery - Nerve surgery
  • Surgery - Arm and hand injuries and disorders
Care Philosophy
Dr. Lauder is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in hand, wrist, elbow, peripheral nerve, and microvascular surgery. He treats both adult and pediatric patients and specializes in the comprehensive care of upper extremity conditions, including nerve disorders, tendon and ligament injuries, sports-related injuries, fractures, and arthritis. Dr. Lauder is committed to providing individualized, patient-centered care. He believes that optimal outcomes are achieved when treatment strategies are tailored to each patient’s specific needs and when patients are fully informed and actively engaged in their care. He strongly advocates for a collaborative physician–patient partnership to develop the most effective treatment plan for each clinical situation. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Lauder holds leadership and educational roles within the department. He serves as Associate Chair of Orthopedics and Associate Program Director for the Hand Surgery Fellowship, where he is actively involved in surgical education and mentorship. Dr. Lauder is also engaged in national and international professional service through the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH), serving on committees focused on education, research, and international outreach. He participates in the Touching Hands Project, an ASSH-sponsored global hand surgery outreach initiative dedicated to improving access to specialized care worldwide.

Volunteer Activities
Touching Hands Project, ASSH; Ruth Paz Hospital, San Pedro Sula, Honduras

School of Medicine

CU Anschutz

Fitzsimons Building

13001 East 17th Place

Campus Box C290

Aurora, CO 80045

303.724.5375

School
General
Students