Centers of Excellence

Category Archive: Shoulder Surgery

1. Golfing After Joint Replacement Surgery

   March 6, 2014 8:31 pm
   
   

   Believe it or not, spring is nearly here.

   It’s time to take out your golf clubs, stretch your shoulders and hips and get ready for golf season.

   If you’ve had hip replacement or knee replacement surgery at the Kennedy Center in Oshkosh, you might want to think about the following tips from Golf Digest before you take that first swing.

    

   • Don’t golf in wet weather – slipping and falling while swinging your club could be disastrous.
   • Any golfer with a joint replacement should learn to play more “on the toes.” Don’t listen to the golf pros who tell you to swing with your feet flat on the ground. Swinging flat footed puts a lot of stress on a joint replacement. On the backswing, the left heel should come off the ground and on the downswing, the right heel should come off the ground.
   • Golfers with total hip replacements should learn to play with bigger hip turns. Hip movement is triggered by the lower back. By turning the trunk more, the muscles around the hip are stretched less and therefore take stress off the hip replacement. Be sure to rise up on your toes while attempting a bigger hip turn or the stress of the trunk rotation will be transmitted to the hip or the knee.
   • Right handed golfers with a total right knee replacement may benefit from “stepping through” their shots with their right leg. In this movement, the right leg comes off the ground during the downswing and follow-through – it actually steps toward the target. This helps the weight shift and will take some stress off the right knee. Golfers with a left knee replacement should never try this technique- it will not help your swing and could be dangerous.
   • Right handed golfers with a total left knee replacement will probably benefit from an open stance. This will make the backswing a bit more difficult but if the left heel is allowed to come up, a full turn should be possible. An open stance has the golfer facing the target more and the hips don’t need to turn so drastically to the left in the impact zone, therefore taking stress off a left knee replacement.

   And finally, a tip from the sports medicine doctors at the Kennedy Center, make sure you do warm up stretches for your back, shoulders and hips before hitting that first ball. Simple exercises like holding a golf club in two hands and stretching overhead and backwards several times will loosen the shoulder, arm and back muscles.

    

   Have Fun!

   From the Team:
   Dr. McLaughlin, Dr. Tsai, Dr. Hausserman, Dr. Schaufelberger and Dr. Fornetti

2. Healing After Surgery: What Patients Need To Know

   January 16, 2013 10:40 pm
   
   

   Although healing from joint surgery can seem challenging, following your recovery plan is vital for a successful outcome. Your doctor will give you important instructions about exercises, physical therapy, and rest so that you can safely begin using your joint again. Once you return home, you are in charge of realizing the full benefits of your surgery.

   Whether you’ve had a hip, knee or shoulder replacement or arthroscopic surgery like ACL or an MCL, you and your healthcare team are partners in your recovery plan. Your instructions can include restricting certain activities. If you are an active person, avoiding strenuous tasks and overwork can be tough. It can even feel like dropping the ball during an already difficult time. While the temptation to push yourself is understandable, keep in mind that rest and limited exercise are part of your doctor’s instructions and essential for healing. The more you commit to your plan, the more quickly you can resume your normal life.

   You may also work closely with a physical therapist. Physical therapy is crucial to regaining your strength and flexibility after surgery. Depending on the type of surgery and rehabilitation, you will meet regularly with your therapist, as well as exercise at home. You may have days when you will be tempted to ease up on the regimen because of fatigue, pain, or a busy schedule. Doing so without medical advice can delay your recovery. Instead, speak with your doctor or physical therapist about any concerns.

   When managing a lengthy recovery, good planning can keep you on track. Map out the goals of each rehabilitation step with your surgeon or physical therapist. Understanding recovery milestones will enable you to see your progress and stay motivated. To help you stick with your schedule, consider asking a friend or relative to be your accountability partner.

   It is also important to plan for your needs after surgery. Many common activities such as driving will likely be off limits for several weeks, and your home setting may need to be modified. Orthopedic experts recommend that if you do not have help at home, arrange for assistance prior to surgery so that you can focus on healing afterward.

   To learn more about joint surgery, contact the trusted Wisconsin orthopedic surgeons at the Kennedy Center today by calling 920-223-0123 or toll free at 800-322-2141. Orthopedic specialists can advise you on options and what to expect with treatment and recovery. With commitment and planning, you can master your healing and achieve your fullest quality of life.

3. Exciting News at the Kennedy Center: Welcome Dr. Schaufelberger!

   November 14, 2012 9:35 pm
   
   

   Our medical director Dr. McLaughlin is excited to announce the addition of Kenneth Schaufelberger, MD as the newest member of the Kennedy Center at Mercy medical team.

   As one of the only Fellowship-trained hand, wrist and upper extremity surgeons working in the Oshkosh area, Dr. Schaufelberger truly complements the range of orthopedic services offered at the Kennedy Center.

   The Kennedy Center, home of some of the most dedicated orthopedic surgeons in Wisconsin, continues to lead the region in the highest quality surgeons and staff available. We have board certified and fellowship-trained surgeons in hip and knee replacement, orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, and now hand, wrist, and upper extremity care including full or partial shoulder replacement surgery.

   Dr. Schaufelberger graduated from the University of Wisconsin Medical School, in Madison, where he also completed his internship and residency in general and orthopedic surgery in 2005.

   Since 2006, Dr. Schaufelberger has been an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Orthopedic Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He was awarded the Medical College of Wisconsin Clinical Professor of the Year Award in 2009 for his work. In addition, Dr. Schaufelberger has been a practicing surgeon in the Fox Cities area since 2007.

   Aside from his medical work, Dr. Schaufelberger also enjoys hunting, fishing, football, softball, weight lifting, carpentry and automobile restoration.

   On behalf of everyone at the Kennedy Center, we welcome Dr. Schaufelberger and the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder expertise that he will bring to our team of experienced surgeons.

4. Shoulder-Saving Surgeries: Important Things to Know

   May 10, 2012 6:46 pm
   
   

   As with the rest of the body, injuries and deformities of the shoulder girdle are preferably remedied with time, pain management, rehabilitation, and orthotics. However, when surgery is necessary, patients will benefit from knowing the facts in order to understand which option best meets their individual needs. The following procedures, from arthroscopic to total shoulder replacement surgery, offer ample choices for patients who require shoulder surgery.

   Arthroscopic Surgery

   Arthroscopic shoulder repair involves small, clean incisions to target bone spurs, minor tears, impingement, and other ailments of the shoulder. Surgeons use tiny cameras called arthroscopes to guide them through the procedure using the smallest incisions possible. If there is tendon damage, surgeons can accurately isolate and repair the problem, much like with ACL surgery. Arthroscopic surgery is generally considered the least invasive shoulder treatment option but may not be the best choice for all patients.

   Rotator Cuff Repair

   When any of the four muscles that comprise the rotator cuff become severely damaged, rotator repair should be considered. This procedure involves a slightly larger incision than with arthroscopic surgery, although still less than three inches, to clean and repair the shoulder. First, surgeons will clear out chipped bone and tendon to make room. If there is severe impingement, surgeons will then alleviate pressure on the rotator cuff tendon by shaving down bone. Finally, torn muscle will be sewn together and re-attached to its respective bone.

   Total Shoulder Replacement

   Undoubtedly the most involved procedure for joint repair, total shoulder replacement targets and replaces the articulating components of the shoulder joint. This is performed much like knee surgery and other joint replacement procedures. In shoulder replacement, surgeons replace either the “ball” (upper humerus), the “socket” (glenoid), or both with prostheses. This procedure most often precedes major injuries and tears to the glenoid or humerus, degenerative bone diseases, extreme rotator cuff tears, and severe fractures. As with any surgery, physical therapy and careful monitoring should follow to promote quicker recovery and reduce the risk of complications.

   If you think you’re a good candidate for shoulder, knee or hip surgery, consider a Wisconsin orthopedic surgeon at The Kennedy Center for the Hip and Knee in Oshkosh. Our doctors are board certified with the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons and are members of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.