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Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement Restores Patient’s Smile (and Shoulder Function)


 

To whom it may concern,

On July 30, 2011, I suffered a massive tear to my rotator cuff.

Surgery was performed on October 11, 2011, by a surgeon associated with a well-known, Virginia Beach group. Unfortunately, the outcome was less than successful. The supraspinatus had severely degenerated and could not be reattached, resulting in the inability to lift my arm even after extensive rehabilitation therapy.

In the spring of 2014, my primary physician, Dr. Richard Curulla, told me about a surgeon affiliated with Atlantic Orthopedic Specialists, Dr. Brad C. Carofino. Dr. Curulla was impressed with the tremendous success Dr. Carofino was experiencing and wanted me to see if he thought he could help me.

Dr. Carofino suggested I undergo reverse shoulder replacement surgery which lets the deltoid muscles become the main movers of the arm without the assistance of the rotator cuff.

The surgery was successfully performed by Dr. Carofino on May 14, 2014, and after attending Atlantic Orthopedic Specialists physical therapy program, I once again have the use of my arm and my life back.

There are no words that can adequately express my appreciation so please just notice the smile on my face as I’m able to hold “Archer,” my 8-month-old, 24-pound great-nephew.

Sincerely,

Curt Reinhardt