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O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | M A R C H 2 0 1 5
P
eople who come to my
practice in Sarasota, Fla.,
with bum shoulders
seek a return to active lifestyles
— tennis, golf and fishing are
favorites. Although many indi-
viduals with rotator cuff tears
don't require surgery, patients
with symptomatic tears face a
decision when physical therapy
and rest haven't allowed them
a return to full physical activity. The latest arthroscopic techniques make that choice
a little easier for those who are chronologically older, but physiologically still very
young and feel like they have a lot of time left to lead productive lives.
Bone and tissue quality tends to deteriorate with advanced age, but patients in
their 60s and 70s can have joints fixed arthroscopically and do very well. A key com-
ponent of what I do is educating patients about the benefits and risks of surgery,
and helping them make an educated decision about their options.
I tell them it's easier and better to heal from surgery at age 65 than it is at age
75. I think it's important to let patients know that they'll be healthier and
bounce back quicker with better tissue and bone quality if they undergo arthro-
scopic joint repair at the start of their golden years.
We've done a great job of advancing minimally invasive techniques and reduc-
ing post-op pain, but we haven't sped up the healing time, which takes a good 4 to
6 months after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. That's probably the most frustrating
aspect for patients. Still, newer arthroscopic technologies allow patients to heal
faster than ever and get back to normal routines and active lifestyles with longer-
lasting benefits.
— Christopher R. Sforzo, MD
POTENTIAL
PATIENTS
Baby Boomers Aren't Slowing Down
z BABY BOOM Christopher R. Sforzo, MD, meets a heavy
demand for minimally invasive shoulder surgery.
