Shriners Children’s New England Welcomes New Pediatric Hand Surgeon

SPRINGFIELD — Shriners Children’s New England is expanding access to specialized pediatric care with the addition of Dr. Vinay Rao, a highly specialized pediatric hand surgeon and one of only a small number nationwide to complete a dedicated pediatric hand surgery fellowship. Together with Shriners Children’s, Rao is building a comprehensive brachial plexus program to provide exceptional, specialized care for kids throughout the region.

Rao joins Shriners Children’s New England with a focus on offering advanced, coordinated care for infants and children with complex nerve injuries affecting the arm and hand. Brachial plexus injuries may occur during childbirth, when a baby becomes lodged in the birth canal. These nerve injuries can lead to arm weakness, loss of movement, or paralysis if not addressed early.

“Starting treatment for brachial plexus injuries during the first few weeks of life is crucial in avoiding lifelong complications,” Rao said. “The biggest problem is many children get referred too late before we can intervene with therapy and, if needed, surgery. We want more people in the region to be educated on this condition and how we can help.”

According to Rao, approximately one in 1,000 births results in a brachial plexus injury, and one in five of those children will require medical or surgical intervention. Through the new program at Shriners Children’s New England, families will have access to timely evaluations, advanced diagnostics, therapy, and surgical expertise, all in one location.

“One of the most unique things about Shriners Children’s — and one of our biggest strengths — is the cohesiveness between different departments,” Rao said. “When we are treating a child with a brachial plexus injury, everything here at Shriners Children’s is connected. From intake to the X-rays to nurses to surgeons to therapists to prosthetists and everything in between, our coordination is seamless. Everything being under one roof is rare.”

In addition to brachial plexus injuries, Rao treats a wide range of pediatric upper extremity conditions, from common fractures to the most complex nerve disorders. He emphasized that treating children requires a fundamentally different approach than treating adults.

“A child is not just a small adult,” he said. “Children have unique anatomy, healing patterns, and needs. At Shriners Children’s, we understand when surgery is necessary, when it should be avoided, and how to communicate effectively with both children and their families to deliver the best outcomes.”

Since joining Shriners Children’s New England, Rao has already introduced an advanced nerve surgery technique for treating upper extremity spasticity. The technique, which he learned during his fellowship and originated in France, is only available at a handful of healthcare centers across the country, now including Shriners Children’s New England.