from dr. Ahlquist
Our hands help to define us as human beings. They are one of the most graceful, beautiful, and functional tools in nature. The hand has many varied and amazing functions. Most of us take normal hand function for granted, and only realize after an injury or impairment what we are missing. The mission of West LA Hand Center is the comprehensive evaluation and treatment of problems of the hand and upper extremity.
Many ailments of the hand can be resolved without the use of surgery. However, when surgery is needed, the results are usually quite successful, almost always allowing patients to return to their previous level of function. Whether you are a concert pianist, a weekend warrior, or a carpenter, you may find yourself in need of a hand surgeon. My particular approach involves a thorough one-on-one evaluation, treatment recommendations, follow-up, and appropriate referrals for imaging studies and hand therapy as needed. If you have any problems with your hands, I welcome you to contact me to schedule an appointment.
Clinician History
Seth Ahlquist, M.D. is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand and upper extremity surgery. He cares for patients throughout Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, and the surrounding communities.
Dr. Ahlquist provides comprehensive care for conditions affecting the entire upper extremity, from shoulder to fingertip (shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand). His clinical interests include fractures and traumatic injuries, arthritis, tendon and ligament disorders, peripheral nerve conditions, sports-related injuries, and complex upper extremity reconstruction.
In addition to standard hand and wrist procedures, Dr. Ahlquist performs primary and revision arthroplasty of the shoulder and elbow; arthroscopy of the shoulder and elbow, as well as nerve and tendon transfers for conditions such as paralytic shoulder. He treats patients of all ages and emphasizes thoughtful, individualized care using both advanced surgical and non-surgical techniques to help patients restore function and return to the activities that matter most to them.
Dr. Ahlquist earned his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, cum laude, from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and his medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at UCLA Health, followed by the prestigious Hand & Upper Extremity Fellowship at OrthoCarolina in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Dr. Ahlquist also completed an international traveling fellowship in Paris, where he trained with leading wrist and shoulder surgeons, Dr. Merlini and Dr. Valenti. He has also received specialized training in the use of the TOUCH® CMC 1 Prosthesis by KeriMedical, a thumb joint replacement for the surgical treatment of thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis.
Dr. Ahlquist has authored more than 20 scientific publications and has presented his research at regional, national, and international conferences. His work has been supported by competitive research grants, including funding from the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, and recognized with multiple honors and awards from the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation, California Orthopaedic Association, and Western Orthopaedic Association.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Ahlquist enjoys spending time outdoors, following college sports, playing soccer, and spending time with his wife and three children.