Orthopedic surgeon specializes in cutting-edge shoulder procedures from a 45-minute technique

Nov 13 2009

Orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Corey G. Solman specializes in cutting-edge shoulder procedures including everything from a 45-minute technique called shoulder resurfacing to a reversed shoulder replacement that relieves pain, restores shoulder function and improves range of motion. He is also adept at the practice of active listening and dedicated to building the doctor-patient relationship.

"Taking the time to listen, to truly listen to each patient may seem trivial but it is actually one of the most important aspects of my practice," said Dr. Solman from The U.S. Center for Sports Medicine in St. Louis. "Today the average physician spends seven minutes with a patient. That is simply not enough time to ask the right questions, understand the day-to-day issues and truly counsel a patient about their options."

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, there are now a range of non-surgical and surgical options to address various chronic shoulder problems and stages of pain. Patients initially opt for a first-line treatment that includes pain medication and/or physical therapy - depending on the level of pain and the severity of injury. Then, if initial non-surgical options are ineffective for chronic shoulder pain, there are surgical options to consider.

"I'm committed to building a trusting relationship with my patients and explaining the spectrum of shoulder options. Whether counseling patients on a host of non-surgical options, performing a shoulder resurfacing or a more complex reverse procedure, the goal is to give patients the best option so they can return to pain-free daily living," added Solman.

The resurfacing shoulder implant is a conservative and more gradual approach to surgery. It is typically done on patients with earlier stage shoulder problems and designed to restore the normal anatomy of the joint while improving range of motion with minimal bone resection. The reversed shoulder replacement is often used on patients with torn rotator cuffs due to injury, aging, overuse, or severe arthritis. Typically performed on patients with more advanced shoulder problems, this procedure is a total joint replacement and allows patients the use of their deltoid muscle to lift their arm versus their rotator cuff.

"Before I met Dr. Solman, I had a bad experience with shoulder surgery that did not work," says Clyde Launius. "When I finally met Dr. Solman, I was at a point where I couldn't reach up to the cabinets in my kitchen," said Launius. "I had tremendous pain. Dr. Solman listened to me, recommended and performed the reversed shoulder procedure and I finally have my shoulder back."