

Dr. Robert Unsell, MD, FASSH
Hand Surgeon | Hand Surgery
10001 S Western Ave Suite 101 Oklahoma City OK, 73139
About
Dr. Robert S. Unsell is a highly respected orthopedic surgeon in Oklahoma City specializing in hand, wrist, elbow, and bicep conditions. With over 30 years of experience, he is known for his precise surgical skills, compassionate care, and holistic treatment approach. His practice offers advanced care for everything from sports injuries to complex upper extremity disorders, including migraine management and Workers’ Compensation cases. Dr. Unsell previously held leadership roles at a major academic center, where he trained dozens of future hand surgeons and led replantation surgeries ranging from pediatric to elderly patients. In Oklahoma, he continues to impact lives as Medical Director of the Community Hospital Hand Therapy Center. Patients value his dedication to personalized treatment that considers their lifestyle and goals. Outside of work, Dr. Unsell enjoys biking, woodworking, gardening, photography, and actively serving in his local church—reflecting his belief in treating the whole person, not just the injury.
Dr. Robert Unsell, MD, FASSH's Videos
Education and Training
Yale School of Medicine Hand fellow 1982
Loma Linda University Hand fellow 1981
Loma Linda University School of Medicine Medical Degree 1976
Provider Details

Dr. Robert Unsell, MD, FASSH's Expert Contributions
How long after hand joint surgery can I drive?
You can drive as soon as you are off narcotics READ MORE
Trigger finger caused by ulnar/median nerve surgery?
Cannot make a diagnosis without seeing the patient. For the picture it looks like you may have dupytrenes contracture. READ MORE
Do you wear a cast after hand surgery?
Depends on the type of surgery READ MORE
Expert Publications
Data provided by the National Library of MedicineAreas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Associate Professor of Orthopedics Loma Linda University 1982 - 1995
- Assistant Director of the Hand Fellowship Program Loma Linda -
- Director of Replant Services -
- Medical Director Community Hospital Hand Therapy Center -
Awards
- Top Orthopedic Hand Surgeon 2019 Top Director
- Top Orthopedic Hand Surgeon 2020 Top Director
- Top Orthopedic Hand and Elbow Surgeon 2022 Findatopdoc
- Top Orthopedic Hand Surgeon 2023 The Leading Physicans of the World
- Compassionate Doctor Recognition 2011
- Patients’ Choice Award 2011
- Patients’ Choice Award 2018
Treatments
- Trigger Finger
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Arthritis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Neuropathy
- Osteoarthritis
- Pain
- Ganglion Cyst
- Tennis Elbow
Professional Memberships
- Oklahoma Medical Society
- American Medical Association
Fellowships
- Loma Linda University Health Education Consortium Hand Surgery 1981
- Yale-New Haven Medical Center Hand Surgery 1982
Internships
- Martinez Veterans Affairs Medical Center1977Orthopaedic Surgery
Fellowships
- Loma Linda University Health Education Consortium1981Hand Surgery ; Yale-New Haven Medical Center1982Hand Surgery
Professional Society Memberships
- FASSH, Oklahoma Medical Society, American Medical Association
Articles and Publications
- Niebauer trapeziometacarpal arthroplasty Brian D. Adams, Robert S. Unsell, Peggy McLaughlin
- Treatment of painful neuromas. Richard R. Whipple, Robert S. Unsell
- Ruptured flexor tendon tenorrhaphies in zone II: repair and rehabilitation. Brent N. Allen, Gary K. Frykman, Robert S. Unsell, Virchel E. Wood
- Treatment of nonunited scaphoid fractures by pulsed electromagnetic field and cast Gary K. Frykman, Julio Taleisnik, Gregory Peters, Richard Kaufman, Basil Helal, Virchel E. Wood, Robert S. Unsell
What do you attribute your success to?
- hard work and God
Teaching and speaking
- Loma Linda University, ASSH paper presentations, APC Loma Linda University
Dr. Robert Unsell, MD, FASSH's Practice location
Dr. Robert Unsell, MD, FASSH's reviews
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Media Releases
Specialized Treatments Tailored to Your Needs, From Sports Injuries to Complex Disorders in Oklahoma City
Robert Unsell, MD, FASSH, a distinguished orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand, thumb, elbow, and bicep disorders, has a private practice, Robert Unsell, M.D., located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. With over three decades of experience in comprehensive orthopedic hand and upper extremity services, he is dedicated to providing exceptional care tailored to the unique needs of each patient.
Dr. Unsell offers a wide range of services, including treatment for hand, elbow, wrist, and bicep disorders, as well as sports medicine care. His practice also extends to specialized treatments for migraine headaches, spider bites, and Workers’ Compensation cases. By combining his extensive expertise with a patient-centered approach, Dr. Unsell aims to address not only the symptoms but the overall well-being of his patients.
Originally from Southern California, Dr. Unsell earned his Medical Degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine, followed by a residency at Loma Linda University Medical Center. He further honed his skills with fellowship training in orthopedic hand surgery at both Loma Linda and Yale School of Medicine.
Prior to establishing his practice in Oklahoma, Dr. Unsell served for over a decade at Loma Linda, where he held significant roles, including Assistant Professor of Orthopedics and Assistant Director of the Hand Fellowship Program. He was involved with the training of 35 hand fellows, 15 of which now hold academic teaching positions. Dr. Unsell also served as Director of Replant Services, having successfully performed complex replant surgeries, from the thumb of an 18-month-old to the complete arm of a 70-year-old, showcasing his commitment to advancing hand surgery techniques.
In 1997, Dr. Unsell joined OSSO as a partner and has since become an integral part of the community, serving as the Medical Director for the Community Hospital Hand Therapy Center. His dedication to his patients is reflected in his awards, including Compassionate Doctor Recognition (2011) and Patients’ Choice Award (2011 and 2018).
Dr. Unsell believes in treating the whole individual, incorporating patients’ personal goals into his treatment plans. This holistic approach, combined with his pioneering use of surgical and non-surgical techniques, ensures the highest standard of care for those suffering from upper extremity disorders.
Outside of his medical practice, Dr. Unsell leads an active lifestyle, enjoying biking, gardening, woodworking, and photography. He is also committed to serving his local church and cherishing time with his family.
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