Western Orthopaedics in Denver Blends Innovative Techniques to Provide a Spectrum...

Western Orthopaedics in Denver Blends Innovative Techniques to Provide a
Spectrum of Shoulder Care

Regional Shoulder Patients Benefit from Personalized Attention

DENVER, April 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Armodios Hatzidakis, a shoulder and elbow
specialist at Western Orthopaedics, specializes in a spectrum of 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.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, there are 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. If initial non-surgical treatment is
ineffective for chronic shoulder pain, there are surgical options to consider.

Choosing to proceed with surgery can be a daunting challenge. "Taking the time
to listen, to truly listen to each patient is one of the most important
factors in making the right decision," says Dr. Hatzidakis. "Today the average
physician spends seven minutes with a patient. That is often not enough time
to ask the right questions, understand the day-to-day issues and adequately
counsel a patient about their care. I'm committed to effective communication
with my patients. Whether counseling patients on a host of non-surgical
treatments, performing arthroscopic ('scope') surgery or a more complex
shoulder replacement, the goal is to offer patients the best option so they
can return to pain-free daily living and the activities that they enjoy,"
added Hatzidakis.

The resurfacing shoulder implant is a conservative and more gradual approach
to shoulder replacement. It is typically done on patients with earlier stage
shoulder problems and is designed to restore the normal anatomy of the joint
while improving range of motion with minimal bone resection.

"When I was about 23 years old, I had two arthroscopic shoulder procedures by
another surgeon," said Tyler Van Eps. "Although my shoulder felt a little
better for a short time, I quickly started to lose my range of motion. By the
time I called Dr. Hatzidakis, I could barely lift my arm," continued Van Eps.
"Dr. Hatzidakis explained everything fully so I always felt well informed.
Through the resurfacing procedure, he made the roughened arthritic ball of my
shoulder smooth again. Thanks to him, I have near full range of motion and I'm
now in the police academy."

Another procedure, called reversed shoulder replacement, is used on patients
with severely 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 again.

"I've had six shoulder surgeries over the last 35 years and significant pain
from my traumatic injuries and procedures. By the time I was referred to Dr.
Hatzidakis, my shoulder was infected and in very bad shape," says Dr. Robert
Scaer. "As a physician myself, I certainly was aware of the complexities of my
condition. I had a totally detached rotator cuff and all the worst things that
go along with it. Dr. Hatzidakis took an aggressive approach treating my
infection first," says Dr. Scaer. "It's now been about 10 months since my
reversed shoulder procedure. I'm exercising regularly and my range of motion
and strength are improving daily. I'm now riding my bicycle regularly and I'm
looking forward to skiing again."

About Shoulder Conditions
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year nearly
14 million people seek care for shoulder problems. Many of these shoulder
conditions are typically caused by repetitive motion, trauma and arthritis.
Dr. Hatzidakis and his partners at Western Orthopaedics see patients of all
ages and note that many include young athletes, aging baby boomers who
exercise frequently, and older patients who experience shoulder problems due
to trauma, arthritis, or torn rotator cuffs. Shoulder pain directly affects
the quality of life for many of his patients and causes sleep deprivation,
functional loss and a significant change in lifestyle.

About Western Orthopaedics
Western Orthopaedics PC, one of the oldest continuous orthopaedic practices in
Denver, is a group of physicians who have specialized expertise in the
surgical and non-surgical management of all musculoskeletal conditions. For
more information, visit http://www.western-ortho.com.

SOURCE Western Orthopaedics

Karen Barzilay, +1-508-794-1039, karenbarzilay@comcast.net, or Kathleen Van
Gorden, +1-401-480-1840, kathleenv@kvgcom.com, both for Hue Brand Group