Wartburg resident Freida Rogers loves the Lord and her community. Last year, days before Christmas, Rogers slipped in the slick mud after a heavy rainfall and took a hard fall. An X-ray confirmed she had severely fractured her left shoulder. Rogers was referred to a specialist and scheduled to undergo shoulder replacement surgery at Parkwest Medical Center.
Her physician was Justin Kennon, MD, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes in shoulder and elbow surgeries. He performed a computer-assisted reverse total shoulder replacement with 3D mapping on her left shoulder in January 2021.
“Had she not had this newer procedure done, she would have suffered from a painful and dysfunctional shoulder for the rest of her life,” says Dr. Kennon.
Freida Rogers was afraid her shoulder injury would prevent her from performing intricate needlework. Thanks to the expertise of Justin Kennon, MD, and Parkwest Medical Center, she recovered from a successful surgery and just finished her first quilt.
A reverse total shoulder replacement is when the damaged parts of the shoulder are removed and replaced with artificial parts called implants. Using special screws, the surgeon attaches a metal ball to the scapula and plastic socket to the top of the upper arm bone. A reverse shoulder replacement enables the deltoid to become the main functioning muscle in the absence of a healthy rotator cuff.
“With this Guided Personalized Surgery (GPS) method, we are able to use computer technology and a 3D map before we even get to surgery,” says Dr. Kennon. “This allows us to create customized implants for each patient, as well as place these replacement parts in the perfect position. That leads to better outcomes, not only in the short term, such as earlier and better joint function, but also in the long term, such as not requiring a later surgery.”
Benefits of Technology
Dr. Kennon says technology has enhanced surgical outcomes. “The computer-assisted procedures and GPS technology allow more options for us to help people get back to their basic and everyday activities, whether it’s mowing the lawn, playing with grandkids, cooking or doing hobbies. We did not have this technology 15 years ago, so the solution would have been a less favorable outcome.
“I finished physical therapy in July, and the doctor was impressed with how I progressed in that time. My goal was to be able to wash my hair and do regular tasks with my left arm, like get clothes out of the dryer,” Rogers reports. “I really didn’t have the pain I expected to have. I followed every rule, from ice to restrictions. Now, I have full range of motion and no pain, and you wouldn’t even know I had a replacement if I didn’t tell you.”
Dr. Kennon says she has a great outcome and at her six-month follow-up, showed nearly perfect range of motion on her left side.
A Time of Reflection
As a special education teacher, Rogers has taught in the classroom for 29 years and loves working with her students. She also enjoys working with her crafts, which helped her heal. She hosts a monthly crochet group and has recently taken up quilting.
“I love to crochet; it’s therapy for me. I was in the process of making a baby sweater, hat and booties. With my arm still in a sling, I tried to do it, but it was taking me three times as long. Each time I tried, I could do a little more. By the time I saw Dr. Kennon, I had finished all three. He told me my crocheting is good therapy for my arm and fingers, and helped with my healing.”
Rogers says she could not have persevered through this trial without the loving support of her husband and the expert care from Dr. Kennon. “I would definitely recommend Dr. Kennon to others,” the teacher says. “In fact, I already have. He was personable, and just everything about his mannerisms puts you at ease.”
Shoulder Replacement Surgery at Parkwest
Shoulder pain can be debilitating. If surgical treatment is needed, there are several types of shoulder surgery that can aid in pain relief and joint function. Call 865-374-PARK for a physician referral or visit here to learn more.
Information provided by the marketing department of Covenant Health.