Tyler Pidgeon, MD, associate professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and specialist in hand, upper extremity, and microvascular surgery at Duke, was recently featured as a clinical expert in Everyday Health’s December 2025 article on age‑related changes in hand structure and function. In the feature, Pidgeon explains how natural declines in skin elasticity and thinning of subcutaneous fat make underlying structures—such as veins, tendons, and bones—more visible as we age. He notes that these changes also increase the risk of bruising and skin tears.
Reflecting on what these changes mean for patients, Pidgeon shared: “This makes the structures under the skin, like veins, tendons, and bones, more noticeable… [and] the skin also becomes more fragile and prone to tears and bruising.”
Pidgeon’s nationally recognized expertise aligns with his broader clinical focus at Duke, where he treats complex hand and upper extremity conditions and is dedicated to restoring function and quality of life for patients.