Shoulder Surgeons? / Colorado Springs, CO

I have dislocated my shoulder over 20 times now. I went in to have the MRI with die injection done and have been diagnosed with a torn labrum and need to have surgery. I have read most of the posts on MP and know there are some great surgeons in the Denver/Boulder area. I would like to know if anybody can recommend a good surgeon in the Springs? I had a consultation with Steven Waskow. Any pros/cons/insight on him? Any other general advice or insight would be appreciated.

Thomas Mahony I think I spelled it right.

What did you consultation reveal?

I am currently recovering from a 'laterjet procedure' for a chronic shoulder dislocation. This is my 4th operation in about 27 years.
The procedure is recommended for chronic dislocations where there is significant degradation of the glenno-humerous socket.

While I was going to various doctors I sort of went with my gut and ended up picking a guy who was very enthusiastic and pretty highly recommended. Another doctor, when telling me about the procedure seemed really reluctant. When I asked why, he said "Oh that operation is a pain in the neck. There's so many steps involved." Even though I thought he was competent I went with the younger, slightly less experienced guy.

So now I'm doing light weight lifting, some yoga and as much swimming as I can. Swimming is great low impact resistance through a wide range of motion.

I have to say, this is the best my shoulder has felt since the first time I popped it out while skiing. Stay on top of your rehab, and don't be shy with the pain meds. Pain causes your body to tense up and actually can slow down your recovery.

Don't push it, because no matter how good the surgeon or what kind of procedure, once your shoulder is jacked it's never the same again.

Good luck.

I went to Dr. Parker out of Rose Medical in Denver. He was incredible to me. I had nerve damage and he helped me work through the mental struggles there. I had an anterior dislocation reduced about 2.5 hours after. Next he performed an anterior shoulder reconstruction, I was told I had no labrum cartilage left. He used the joint capsule to compensate for this. I was climbing hard again (for me) in 4 months. I did 12 pullups 40 days after the surgery (maybe not suggested) This guy is awesome...not a shoulder specialist but he is great. A friend of mine just had surgery after putting it off for 2+ years with similar results if not better

Its been over 3 years now and I feel very good.

Nick
PM me for any questions

Thanks guys! The official diagnosis is an apprehension sign r/o labral tear of the left shoulder. Just to provide some more history, my first dislocation was in '99. I did the PT and it stayed in place for about two years. After the 2nd dislocation, it started coming out on a more frequent basis. I am at the point now where it comes out in my sleep or when my arm is in the wrong position when I take a short fall, etc. The recovery time from each individual dislocation has also increased over time. My last dislocation was about three weeks ago, while climbing, and I still have pain and feel weakness when my elbow goes above my shoulder. I have stayed on top of the PT at home over the years but I am at a point where I need to get it fixed. I finally went to the Dr this year and he, Dr Waskow, said surgery was my only option at this point if I want to continue an active lifestyle. I want to get the surgery done in Dec so I can fit in some days skiing before getting taken out of commission for the better part of a year. I am dreading the recovery time. It is the main reason I held off from going in to get this check out for so many years. But at this point in my life, I have come to terms with what I need to do to take care of my health. Thanks again and any additional suggestions or insight are welcomed and appreciated.

FWIW, after my first surgery, about 8 weeks after, I would strap my arm to my side, put on my anorak and go ski at Stowe.

What? It was dumping!

No matter who you go to, it might help to get a second opinion.

Josh,
DR. Tom Hackett at the Steadman Hawkins Clinic in Vail. He is the best.

Hackett may be good but boy is he expensive.

Cutting Edge Sports Medicine. They've put me back together. Union and Austin Bluffs. Dr. Topper might do shoulders, he fixed my hand last time, nasty stuff. Not cheap but they're on it.

Rick Stockelman M.D.

csog.net/surgeons/Richard-E…

I saw him for bursitis and had good results. I didn't end up going under the knife, but I hear he's an excellent surgeon.