Patients across the Upstate now have expanded access to specialized orthopaedic care with the arrival of Dr. Matthew Wood, a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in hand, elbow and shoulder conditions at Medical Group of the Carolinas - Orthopaedic & Spine Surgery - Pelham. 

Dr. Wood brings a unique background to his practice. Raised in southeast Idaho in a close-knit family with farming and ranching roots, he first entered health care as a registered nurse. After earning his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, he completed orthopaedic surgery residency training in Augusta, Georgia, followed by a fellowship in hand, elbow and shoulder surgery at the University of Florida. 

Along the way, he and his family discovered a love for the Southeast. 

"We were really interested in staying in the Southeast," Dr. Wood said. "The people are wonderful, the communities are great for families, and this felt like the right place to build both a career and a home." 

At Medical Group of the Carolinas - Orthopaedic & Spine Surgery - Pelham, Dr. Wood will care for a wide range of conditions affecting the upper extremities, from traumatic injuries and sports-related problems to arthritis, nerve disorders and complex shoulder conditions. His expertise spans everything from fractures and tendon injuries to carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome and shoulder replacement surgery. 

One area of particular interest is treating nerve-related conditions that can cause pain, numbness and tingling in the hands and arms. 

"There are a lot of great solutions for nerve problems," he said. "Those conditions can have a significant impact on daily life, and it's rewarding to help patients get relief and return to the activities they enjoy." 

Dr. Wood also offers advanced shoulder care, including shoulder arthroscopy, shoulder replacement and revision shoulder replacement surgery for patients whose previous shoulder replacements are no longer functioning as intended.  

While primary shoulder replacements are becoming more common, revision procedures are generally more complex because surgeons often must work around scar tissue, bone loss or damaged soft tissues from the previous surgery. 

The growing demand for shoulder replacement procedures reflects advances in technology and outcomes, allowing many patients to experience substantial pain relief and improved function. 

Whether a patient needs surgery or another treatment plan, Dr. Wood's approach begins with education and understanding. 

"My main priority is making sure patients understand what's going on," he said. "If people know why something hurts and what their options are, they can make informed decisions about their care. I want every patient to feel like they're in the right place and that they'll be treated the same way I would care for a member of my own family." 

Dr. Wood married his wife in 2012 after dating through college. The two met while working summer jobs in Wyoming on a cowboy dinner ride. They now have four children, ages 12, 10, 8 and 4, and live in Spartanburg with their new Aussiedoodle puppy. 

He described himself as fortunate to have both a "dream family" and the opportunity to begin a "dream career." 

Dr. Wood will see patients primarily at Pelham Medical Center and will also take trauma and hand call responsibilities at Spartanburg Medical Center.  

Working alongside a respected team of orthopaedic specialists and therapists, he looks forward to helping meet a growing need for specialized hand and upper-extremity care throughout the region.