Dr. Fan Cunyi (范存义) - Director of Orthopedic Surgery at Xinhua Hospital Shanghai

Introduction

Dr. Fan Cunyi (范存义) is the Director of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Xinhua Hospital, affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and one of China's most distinguished orthopedic surgeons. With over 20 years of specialized experience, Dr. Fan is nationally and internationally recognized for his expertise in upper extremity surgery, peripheral nerve surgery, microsurgery, and complex reconstructive orthopedics. He is one of China's foremost authorities on brachial plexus injury reconstruction, peripheral nerve repair, and hand and wrist surgery — a highly specialized field requiring exceptional microsurgical skill. His pioneering work in nerve reconstruction and upper limb restoration has given thousands of patients — including those with devastating traumatic injuries — the chance to regain function and independence. Dr. Fan is a premier choice for international patients seeking expert orthopedic, microsurgical, and peripheral nerve care in Shanghai.

Academic Distinctions & Leadership

• Director, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
• Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
• Chief Physician, Xinhua Hospital
• Chairman, Hand Surgery Branch, Shanghai Medical Association
• Vice Chairman, Hand Surgery Branch, Chinese Medical Association
• Member, International Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand (IFSSH)
• Member, American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH)
• Member, International Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (ISRM)
• Member, American Society for Peripheral Nerve (ASPN)
• Editorial Board Member, multiple leading orthopedic and microsurgery journals
• Recipient, National Science and Technology Progress Award
• Recipient, Shanghai Science and Technology Award (multiple times)
• Recipient, Chinese Medical Science and Technology Award

Specializations & Expertise

Brachial Plexus Injury Surgery

• Total and partial brachial plexus injury reconstruction
• Nerve transfer surgery (intercostal, phrenic, contralateral C7, accessory nerve)
• Nerve grafting for brachial plexus injuries
• Obstetric brachial plexus palsy (birth-related) reconstruction
• Secondary reconstructive procedures (tendon transfer, free muscle transfer)
• Free functioning muscle transplantation for elbow flexion and hand function restoration
• Shoulder stabilization and reconstruction after brachial plexus injury

Peripheral Nerve Surgery

• Peripheral nerve repair and reconstruction (primary and secondary)
• Nerve grafting (sural nerve, medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve)
• Nerve transfer for radial nerve, median nerve, and ulnar nerve palsy
• Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery (open and endoscopic)
• Cubital tunnel syndrome (ulnar nerve decompression at elbow)
• Thoracic outlet syndrome surgery
• Nerve tumor surgery (schwannoma, neurofibroma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor)
• Painful neuroma treatment

Hand & Wrist Surgery

• Complex hand trauma reconstruction (replantation, revascularization)
• Finger and hand replantation microsurgery
• Tendon repair and reconstruction (flexor and extensor)
• Wrist ligament reconstruction (scapholunate, TFCC)
• Distal radius fracture surgery (complex and malunion)
• Scaphoid fracture and nonunion surgery
• Dupuytren's contracture surgery
• Trigger finger and trigger thumb release
• Ganglion cyst excision
• Wrist arthroscopy

Microsurgery & Reconstructive Surgery

• Free flap reconstruction for upper and lower extremity defects
• Free functioning muscle transfer (gracilis, latissimus dorsi)
• Toe-to-hand transfer for finger reconstruction
• Vascularized nerve grafting
• Vascularized bone grafting (vascularized fibula, iliac crest)
• Lymphatic microsurgery (lymphaticovenous anastomosis for lymphedema)
• Perforator flap reconstruction

Upper Extremity Oncology

• Limb-salvage surgery for bone and soft tissue tumors of the upper extremity
• Resection and reconstruction of tumors involving the hand, wrist, forearm, and arm
• Nerve-sparing tumor resection
• Endoprosthetic reconstruction after tumor resection

Shoulder & Elbow Surgery

• Shoulder reconstruction after brachial plexus injury
• Elbow contracture release
• Elbow arthroscopy
• Lateral and medial epicondylitis surgery
• Biceps tendon repair
• Shoulder arthroscopy for selected conditions

Clinical Excellence & Innovation

Dr. Fan has performed thousands of complex orthopedic, microsurgical, and peripheral nerve procedures throughout his distinguished career, establishing himself as one of China's most technically accomplished surgeons in this highly specialized field. Brachial plexus injury reconstruction and peripheral nerve surgery require exceptional microsurgical precision, deep anatomical knowledge, and extensive experience — qualities that Dr. Fan has developed over more than two decades of dedicated practice.

Dr. Fan has pioneered several landmark innovations in orthopedic and peripheral nerve surgery in China:

• Contralateral C7 Nerve Transfer: Extensive experience with contralateral C7 nerve transfer for total brachial plexus avulsion injury, one of the most complex nerve reconstruction procedures, helping patients with complete arm paralysis regain meaningful function
• Free Functioning Muscle Transfer: Pioneered and refined free functioning muscle transplantation techniques for restoring elbow flexion and hand grasp in patients with brachial plexus injuries, achieving outcomes among the best in China
• Nerve Transfer Innovations: Developed novel nerve transfer strategies combining multiple donor nerves to maximize functional recovery in complex peripheral nerve injuries
• Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy Program: Established a comprehensive program for the evaluation and surgical reconstruction of birth-related brachial plexus injuries in infants and children, one of the most active such programs in China
• Lymphatic Microsurgery: Introduced lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) for the treatment of upper extremity lymphedema, offering patients a minimally invasive surgical option to reduce swelling and improve quality of life
• Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Integration: Built a comprehensive rehabilitation program integrated with surgical care, recognizing that optimal outcomes after nerve reconstruction require intensive, specialized physiotherapy and occupational therapy

Research & Academic Contributions

Dr. Fan is a prolific researcher with over 200 peer-reviewed publications in leading Chinese and international orthopedic, microsurgery, and peripheral nerve surgery journals. His research focuses on:

• Brachial plexus injury reconstruction outcomes and techniques
• Peripheral nerve repair and regeneration
• Nerve transfer strategies for upper extremity paralysis
• Free functioning muscle transfer outcomes
• Microsurgical techniques for hand and upper extremity reconstruction
• Nerve regeneration biology and translational research
• Lymphatic microsurgery for lymphedema

He has been the principal investigator on multiple National Natural Science Foundation grants and national clinical research projects. Dr. Fan regularly presents at major international conferences including the IFSSH World Congress, the ASSH Annual Meeting, and the ISRM World Congress. He is frequently invited to perform live surgery demonstrations and deliver keynote lectures at conferences worldwide.

Training & Education

As a professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and Chairman of the Hand Surgery Branch of the Shanghai Medical Association, Dr. Fan directs one of China's premier hand surgery and microsurgery fellowship programs at Xinhua Hospital. His trainees receive comprehensive training in hand surgery, peripheral nerve surgery, and microsurgery, and many now lead programs at major hospitals throughout China.

Hospital Affiliation

Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
1665 Kongjiang Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai 200092

The Department of Orthopedic Surgery features:

• Dedicated microsurgery and hand surgery operating rooms with high-powered operating microscopes
• Advanced orthopedic surgery suites with intraoperative imaging
• Comprehensive EMG/NCS laboratory for nerve assessment
• Advanced imaging (MRI with nerve protocol, CT myelogram, ultrasound)
• Multidisciplinary brachial plexus and peripheral nerve team (orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, physiatrists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists)
• Dedicated hand surgery, peripheral nerve, and brachial plexus clinics
• Integrated rehabilitation program with specialized physiotherapy and occupational therapy
• Pediatric brachial plexus clinic for children with birth injuries
• International patient services with English-speaking coordinators

Patient Care Philosophy

• Functional Restoration: The ultimate goal is not just anatomical repair but meaningful functional recovery — the ability to use the arm and hand in daily life
• Patient-Centered Care: Every surgical plan is individualized based on injury pattern, time since injury, patient age, and functional goals
• Rehabilitation Integration: Surgery is only the beginning — intensive, specialized rehabilitation is essential for optimal nerve and functional recovery
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Complex cases reviewed by a dedicated team of orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, physiatrists, and rehabilitation specialists
• Pediatric Sensitivity: Special expertise and approach for children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy
• Transparent Communication: Honest communication about realistic expectations for functional recovery after nerve reconstruction
• Long-term Partnership: Committed to long-term follow-up throughout the nerve recovery process, which may take months to years

Why Choose Dr. Fan Cunyi?

• China's Brachial Plexus Surgery Authority: One of China's foremost experts in brachial plexus injury reconstruction, with unmatched experience in the most complex nerve reconstruction procedures
• Peripheral Nerve Mastery: Comprehensive expertise from carpal tunnel to complex nerve transfers and free muscle transplantation
• Microsurgical Excellence: Exceptional skill in finger replantation, free flap reconstruction, toe-to-hand transfer, and lymphatic surgery
• Pediatric Expertise: Specialized program for obstetric brachial plexus palsy in infants and children
• Integrated Rehabilitation: Comprehensive rehabilitation program integrated with surgical care for optimal functional outcomes
• International Recognition: Internationally recognized researcher and educator in peripheral nerve surgery and microsurgery
• Cost-Effective Excellence: Complex orthopedic and microsurgery costs in Shanghai are typically 60-75% lower than in the US or Europe
• International Patient Experience: Experienced in coordinating care for patients traveling specifically for brachial plexus reconstruction

Conditions Treated

Brachial Plexus & Nerve Injuries

• Total brachial plexus avulsion injury (flail arm)
• Partial brachial plexus injury (upper, middle, lower trunk)
• Obstetric brachial plexus palsy (Erb's palsy, Klumpke's palsy)
• Radial nerve palsy (wrist drop)
• Median nerve injury
• Ulnar nerve injury (claw hand)
• Combined nerve injuries of the upper extremity
• Long thoracic nerve palsy (winged scapula)
• Suprascapular nerve injury

Nerve Compression Syndromes

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Cubital tunnel syndrome (ulnar nerve at elbow)
• Radial tunnel syndrome
• Thoracic outlet syndrome
• Pronator syndrome
• Anterior and posterior interosseous nerve syndromes

Hand & Wrist Conditions

• Complex hand trauma and degloving injuries
• Finger and hand amputation (replantation)
• Flexor and extensor tendon injuries
• Wrist ligament injuries (scapholunate dissociation, TFCC tears)
• Distal radius fractures (complex)
• Scaphoid fracture and nonunion
• Dupuytren's contracture
• Trigger finger and thumb
• Ganglion cysts
• Hand and wrist tumors

Reconstructive & Microsurgical Conditions

• Upper and lower extremity soft tissue defects requiring free flap reconstruction
• Finger loss requiring toe-to-hand transfer
• Upper extremity lymphedema
• Vascular injuries requiring microsurgical repair
• Bone defects requiring vascularized bone grafting

International Patient Services

China Medical Concierge - Shanghai (CMCS) provides comprehensive support for international patients seeking orthopedic, peripheral nerve, and microsurgical care with Dr. Fan Cunyi at Xinhua Hospital. We have particular experience supporting patients traveling to Shanghai specifically for brachial plexus reconstruction and complex peripheral nerve surgery.

Pre-Treatment Support

• Medical Record Review: Review of your imaging (MRI, CT myelogram), EMG/NCS studies, and clinical history to assess injury pattern and surgical options
• Virtual Consultation: Video consultation with Dr. Fan's team to discuss your injury, surgical options, and realistic expectations for functional recovery
• Pre-operative Assessment Coordination: Nerve conduction studies, MRI, and CT myelogram if needed
• Rehabilitation Planning: Pre-operative consultation with rehabilitation specialists
• Second Opinion: Expert second opinion on injury classification, surgical strategy, and expected outcomes
• Cost Transparency: Detailed cost estimate including evaluation, surgery, hospitalization, and rehabilitation
• Visa Assistance: Guidance on obtaining medical visa and invitation letters
• Accommodation: Help finding suitable long-term housing near Xinhua Hospital (nerve reconstruction patients often require extended stays)

During Treatment

• Professional Medical Interpretation: Experienced interpreters for all medical interactions
• Hospital Admission Support: Assistance with registration, payment, and navigation
• Family Support: Accommodation and support for accompanying family members
• Surgical Coordination: Communication with family during surgery (nerve reconstruction surgeries can be lengthy)
• Ward Support: Daily updates and interpretation during hospital stay
• Post-operative Care: Support during recovery including splinting, wound care, and early rehabilitation coordination
• 24/7 Emergency Support: Round-the-clock assistance throughout your stay

Post-Treatment Care

• Discharge Planning: Coordination of post-discharge care including rehabilitation program and follow-up schedule
• Medical Report Translation: Complete translation of surgical reports and discharge summaries
• Rehabilitation Coordination: Assistance with arranging specialized physiotherapy and occupational therapy after returning home
• Long-term Monitoring Plan: Clear guidance on nerve recovery timeline (nerve recovery is measured over months to years)
• Telemedicine Follow-up: Virtual consultations for ongoing monitoring of nerve recovery after returning home
• Coordination with Home Therapists: Communication with your local physiotherapist and occupational therapist
• Lifelong Support: Ongoing assistance throughout your nerve recovery journey

Schedule Your Consultation

If you or a loved one has suffered a brachial plexus injury, peripheral nerve injury, complex hand trauma, or another condition requiring expert orthopedic or microsurgical care, Dr. Fan Cunyi at Xinhua Hospital offers world-class expertise in nerve reconstruction and upper extremity surgery, at a fraction of Western costs.

Contact China Medical Concierge - Shanghai today to:

• Request a medical record and imaging review to assess your injury and surgical options
• Schedule a virtual consultation with Dr. Fan's orthopedic and nerve surgery team
• Receive a detailed surgical plan and realistic assessment of expected functional recovery
• Get a comprehensive cost estimate including surgery and rehabilitation
• Start your journey toward functional restoration in Shanghai

Bridging international patients with China's finest orthopedic and microsurgeons — because restoring the use of your hand and arm can transform your life.