Blog

Georgia Patient Travels to Virginia Beach, Virginia for Ream and Run Shoulder Replacement

I have patients who travel from all over the country for shoulder replacements, specifically the ream and run hemiarthroplasty. Joe is a great example of a patient who had a successful outcome and is sharing his recovery story.

Aug 7th, 2025

Ream and Run Testimonial; Kentucky Rock Climber: "Trust me when I say you can get your life back!"

Some patients experience terrible arthritic joint problems early in life, and those problems produce limiting effects in their activity level. The Ream and Run Shoulder Arthroplasty is an innovative approach to restore function and improve quality of life.

Jul 31st, 2025

Are patients as satisfied with reverse shoulder arthroplasty as they are with anatomic?

While both procedures are good options, the results from an anatomic shoulder arthroplasty are slightly better than a reverse. Studies have shown that there is no significant difference between the two in terms of baseline and final pain

Jul 24th, 2025

Why Some Shoulder Replacements Fail: The Adverse Effects of Polyethylene Oxidation

One of the current problems facing joint replacements is that the polyethylene can wear out over time.  One factor that contributes to Polyethylene wearing out is oxidation. Oxidation of shoulder replacements has been in the news because of recent recalls.

Jul 18th, 2025

The Pyrocarbon Implant & Their Role in Shoulder Replacements

PyroCarbon implants offer significant progress.. Their fundamental properties result in better long-term outcomes, increased range of motion, improved joint preservation, and the possibility to delay or avoid total shoulder replacement.

Jul 9th, 2025

Bradley Carofino, MD 2023 COVA Top Doc

Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialist's Dr. Bradley Carofino named 2023 COVA magazine Top Doc.

Apr 12th, 2024

Chattanooga, Tennessee Ream and Run Patient Travels to Virginia Beach, Virginia

We are honored to provide patients with life changing outcomes through the Ream and Run procedure. This patient in particular has resumed unlimited shoulder function and has had great success and continues to make impressive progress!

Sep 4th, 2020

Ream and Run Shoulder Replacement Success...x2!

I enjoy sharing this story because it is a testament to patient's who are seeking a solution to shoulder arthritis who want to remain highly active. I am grateful for patients like Fred who give me the opportunity to improve their overall quality of life!

Aug 21st, 2020

Virginia Living 2020 Top Doctor Awarded to Bradley C. Carofino, MD

Dr. Bradley Carofino Named 2020 Top Doctor by Virginia Living Magazine Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialists would like to congratulate one of our accomplished surgeons, Dr. Bradley Carofino, on being named one of Virginia Living Magazine’s 2020 Top Doctor. Alr

Apr 23rd, 2020

Are you a candidate for a surgery center outpatient shoulder replacement?

AOS Center for Shoulder Replacement is the only provider of surgery center shoulder replacements in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Norfolk . Find out if you are a candidate.

Oct 31st, 2018

Shoulder Arthroplasty Experience (Aug '18-Sep'19)

Over the past 13 months I have performed 143 shoulder replacements with a 2% rate of significant complications.

Oct 26th, 2018

Innovations in Shoulder & Elbow Arthroplasty Course.

I was privileged to be faculty at a recent shoulder surgery course in Miami.

Oct 15th, 2018

Glenoid Pathoanatomy in Shoulder Arthritis: Advanced Terms to Know

Injury or disease terminology is fairly difficult for the average patient to grasp complete.y. I wanted to take a minute to help by reviewing some common terminology that most skilled shoulder orthopedic surgeons are taking into account.

Aug 14th, 2025

Virginia's Top Doctors 2025: Orthopedic Surgery

Dr. Bradley Carofino named as one of Virginia's Top Orthopedic Surgery Physicians for 2025!

Jan 28th, 2025

Do You Have a Rotator Cuff Tear Requiring Surgery?

If you are interested in participating in this clinical trial following your rotator cuff repair surgery, and would like more information about the study, please contact SnyderB@atlanticortho.com.

Sep 15th, 2020

Does the weather affect shoulder arthritis pain?

Research shows that weather patterns do not affect arthritis pain.

May 6th, 2020

Is a reverse shoulder replacement better than a regular one?

Reverse and anatomic shoulder replacements are used for different types of problems. However, an anatomic replacement tends to produce a slightly better result.

Nov 24th, 2019

Rotator Cuff Tears: Is surgery better than non operative treatment?

A recent study in JBJS demonstrated that patients with full thickness rotator cuff tears had better results when treated surgically compared to non operative treatment

Nov 18th, 2019

Offering a clinical trial for rotator cuff repair surgery

Dr. Carofino is offering a clinical study involving pulsed electromagnetic field treatment after rotator cuff repair surgery. We are the only clinical site in Virginia for this research study.

May 18th, 2019

Warning Signs of Elbow Arthritis

When you think of arthritis, you probably don’t think of your elbows. But elbow arthritis is a real thing and can interfere with your daily activities. Early intervention can help you manage the condition, so keep an eye out for these warning signs.

Oct 18th, 2018

Computer navigated shoulder replacement

Computer navigation helps surgeons to be more precise with shoulder replacements

Oct 11th, 2018

From Elbows To Ankles

Led by experts in their field, "Current Topics in Sports Medicine" will guide Athletic Trainers and Physical Therapists through up-to-date best practices in treatment of the injured athlete.

Oct 2nd, 2018

Little leaguers need to rest their arms......just like the pros do

Youth baseball players need to rest their arms at the end of the season, just like the pros do.

Sep 22nd, 2018

Sports with the Highest Risk of Shoulder Injury

Playing sports keeps you fit and healthy but does increase your risk of injury. The shoulder joint is exceptionally mobile, making it vulnerable to problems in sports that require lots of repetitive shoulder movement.

Sep 14th, 2018

Would you travel 2,000 miles to Virginia for a shoulder replacement?

Patients are willing to travel for surgery. Does it make sense?

Sep 14th, 2018

How Your Sleeping Positions Affect Your Shoulders

Waking up in the morning should be pleasant. But if the first thing you notice is shoulder pain, you may need to change your sleeping position. Here are five sleeping positions and how to make each one more comfortable for your shoulders.

Aug 15th, 2018

Cortisone Injections for shoulder problems: Think twice

Cortisone injections have some negative effects when used to treat rotator cuff tears. They may increase the risk of repair failure if surgery is needed in the future.

Jul 28th, 2018

"The Surgeon put a balloon in my shoulder!" A new treatment for massive rotator cuff tears

The InSpace balloon is a new treatment option for rotator cuff tears that are too large to be fixed.

Jul 24th, 2018

Why You Shouldn't Procrastinate Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Hoping your carpal tunnel pain goes away on its own is not an effective treatment strategy. Treat carpal tunnel syndrome before it becomes debilitating, and you may even be able to avoid surgery.

Jul 10th, 2018

10 Tips for Preventing Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow isn’t something that only happens to tennis players. If you use your arm in the same motion over and over -- think painter or butcher — you may be at risk for developing the injury. Take these precautions to help prevent tennis elbow.

Jun 19th, 2018

The hospital billed my patient $40,000 dollars for his shoulder replacement!

Hospitals overcharge for shoulder replacements.

May 28th, 2018

Short stem and stemless shoulder replacements. Do they really make a difference?

Humeral stem designs for total shoulder replacement have become much smaller over the past decade.

May 24th, 2018

What Causes Trigger Finger?

Have you ever had a finger or fingers get stuck in a bent position? If so, you may have trigger finger.

May 18th, 2018

How long do shoulder replacements last?

Most shoulder replacements will last at least twenty years

May 3rd, 2018

Why You Should Still Exercise if You HAve Arthritis

The thought of walking around the block or riding a bike when you have arthritis may sound like a painful venture, but it can help relieve your pain and improve joint health. Read on to learn about the benefits of exercise for arthritis.

Apr 20th, 2018

Tommy John surgery. Non operative management may be a better option for some players.

20% of players do not return to the same level of play after Tommy John reconstruction

Apr 14th, 2018

Shoulder replacement in a surgery center offers big advantages

Shoulder replacements in a surgery center can decrease patient costs and provide an excellent patient experience.

Apr 7th, 2018

Five Post Shoulder Surgery Exercise Tips

Because no two people are alike in terms of degree of injury, recovery and rehab from shoulder surgery is always individualized.

Mar 29th, 2018

Don’t let your son play baseball year round…

For many young athletes baseball has become a year round sport. There is fall ball, winter training, and the spring season that extends into the summer with travel tournaments.

Feb 28th, 2018

What is the problem with nonprofit hospitals?

The obvious problem is that they don’t pay taxes. This is not a trivial point. In 2002 the tax exemptions for nonprofit hospitals was approximately 12 billion dollars, and in that same year the estimated cost of providing medical care to the entire...

Feb 28th, 2018

Bundled Payments for Joint Replacements: How it will limit patient access.

Medicare is trying to change the way it pays for total joint replacements, particularly hip and knee replacements. Currently, Medicare pays a bill for each individual aspect of a patient’s care.

Feb 28th, 2018

Advice to Parents of Youth Athletes/Baseball Players

Injuries among youth baseball players are dramatically rising. In particular, the number of Tommy John elbow reconstructions being performed on adolescent baseball players has greatly increased over the past decade.

Feb 28th, 2018

Hope Solo “Ream and Run” Arthroplasty!

This past week Hope Solo underwent a “Ream & Run” shoulder replacement with Dr. Rick Matsen at UW in Seattle.

Feb 28th, 2018

Stem Cell Therapy…are we there yet?!

As pointed out in this post, there is currently minimal scientific evidence to support the use of stem cell therapies for orthopedic conditions. This may to prove to be the future BUT currently we do not have any proof that stem cell therapies...

Feb 28th, 2018

Do I need antibiotics before dental work?

Patients who have had a shoulder replacement often ask if they should be taking antibiotics before dental work. In some cases, their dentist had recommended it. As pointed out in this article, there is no evidence to support the routine use...

Feb 28th, 2018

I am honored to be a CoVA Gold Physician!

This year Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialists won Gold for Best Orthopaedic Group along with 5 of our physicians! I am proud to be part of one of these physicians as well as this fantastic practice! Please check out the link below for the full scoop!

Feb 28th, 2018

How patients pay for healthcare is changing…

Over the past few years we have seen a significant increase in high deductible insurance plans because of the ACA health exchanges. In these plans patients are often responsible for paying a large portion of the bill before the insurance kicks-in...

Feb 28th, 2018

Shoulder Replacement Recall…

There was a recall of the Zimmer-Biomet reverse total shoulder. I am happy to say that I have never used this replacement and none of my patients need to be concerned about this. As you can see the lawyers are getting excited so be ready for the TV commerc

Feb 28th, 2018

How long will a reverse shoulder replacement last?

A new study published in JBJS helps to address this question. “Long Term Outcomes of Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty” was published this month by surgeons in France.

Feb 28th, 2018

Hospitals are overpriced for MRIs and we have reached a tipping point

This week Anthem Insurance announced that in select states it would no longer be paying for MRIs to be performed in hospital facilities.

Feb 28th, 2018

One Year After a Rotator Cuff Surgery

Patient education is one of the most important ingredients in a successful surgery. It is important that patients understand what to expect immediately after an operation and also years later.

Feb 28th, 2018

Are online doctor ratings accurate?

It is hard to pick a doctor. Everyone would like to feel that they are entrusting their medical care to someone who is truly excellent. But how can you find the best doctor for your particular problem?

Feb 28th, 2018

Stay awake during your shoulder surgery

Have you ever talked to your surgeon during your surgery? It’s definitely a different experience and it is becoming more common. Today, I performed a full day of surgeries and most of my patients remained awake during surgery.

Feb 28th, 2018

Weight lifting advice for patients that have had shoulder surgery

After patients recover from shoulder surgery they often ask about returning to a workout regimen that involves weight lifting. Strength training is a great form of exercise for staying fit and preserving bone density...

Feb 28th, 2018

How much does a shoulder replacement cost?

Patients often ask, “How much will my surgery cost?” You would think that should be an easy question to answer. Unfortunately, it is not and that is one of the biggest problems with our current healthcare system.

Feb 28th, 2018

Injury Epidemic Amongst Baseball Pitchers

There continues to be an injury epidemic amongst baseball pitchers at the highest level (MLB) and youth recreational players. There is an obsession with throwing hard and lighting up the radar gun, and for good reason.

Feb 28th, 2018

“I gained weight after my rotator cuff repair!”

A recent study published in the Journal of Shoulder & Elbow Surgery found that on average patients will add five pounds of water weight during an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair shoulder surgery.

Feb 28th, 2018

MLB Pitcher Suffers Rare Latissimus Dorsi Injury

Noah Syndergaard, MLB pitcher, was recently diagnosed with a partial tear injury of his Latissimus Dorsi muscle (aka ’the lat’). As team physician for the Norfolk Tides, I wanted to provide some insight into this uncommon injury and what to do about it.

Feb 28th, 2018

What is your surgeon’s complication rate? Here’s mine.

If you are going to have a surgery two questions you should ask your surgeon are: “What are the most common complications of this surgery?” and “What is your complication rate with this operation?”

Feb 28th, 2018

100+ shoulder replacements in 2016

Shoulder surgery is a team sport, and thankfully I have a great team. In 2016 we performed over one hundred shoulder replacements which is the most in Hampton Roads and among the highest in Virginia and North Carolina.

Feb 28th, 2018

A new technique makes rotator cuff surgery less painful!

Rotator Cuff Repair surgeries are notoriously painful! Many patients say it is the worst pain they have ever experienced. To make matters worse, you are bound up in a sling after surgery and can’t move the arm to try to “find a comfortable spot”.

Feb 28th, 2018

Does Glucosamine Work?

Glucosamine and Chondroitin are common over the counter supplements that are marketed as a treatment for arthritis and joint pains. These can be purchased in pill form in nearly every pharmacy.

Feb 28th, 2018

Is it possible to do an elbow replacement?

Most people are familiar with knee and hip replacements. However, many patients are not aware that elbow replacements are possible.

Feb 28th, 2018

Understanding the levels of minor league baseball

Over the past three seasons as the Orthopedic Surgeon for the Norfolk Tides I have spent a lot of time around minor league baseball. During this time I have learned a tremendous amount about shoulder & elbow injuries in professional baseball players...

Feb 28th, 2018

How fast does your pitch spin?

Last summer I first learned about the new baseball metric of spin rate. Like many MLB teams the Orioles had started tracking the spin rate of their minor league pitchers, and had installed doppler hardware at Harbor Park to measure how fast the baseball...

Feb 28th, 2018

What every little leaguer can learn from professional pitchers

I often see youth baseball players with elbow and shoulder injuries due to overuse. Most often these are minor issues that resolve with rest, but in some cases they can be serious injuries with life long consequences.

Feb 9th, 2018

How long does a shoulder replacement last?

This is one of the first questions asked by patients who are considering a shoulder replacement, and for good reason.

Feb 9th, 2018

Will my rotator cuff tear get worse if I don’t have surgery?

Will my rotator cuff tear get worse if I don’t have surgery?

Feb 9th, 2018

Reverse shoulder replacements: When things go bad

Reverse shoulder replacements are generally a very successful operation. However, as with all surgeries things can go wrong. In my practice, I see a number of referrals for shoulder replacements that have failed and require a revision surgery. Over the pas

Feb 9th, 2018

Who deserves the blame when surgery does not turn out the way you expected?

I follow a Facebook support group for “ream and run” shoulder replacement patients. I have found some of my patients benefit by talking to others who have been through a similar operation and recovery process.

Feb 5th, 2018