This video highlights a long-term post-operative follow-up shared by Dr. Don Buford, checking in on a patient 16 years after a major shoulder repair.
Key Highlights:
- The Background & Surgeries: 16 years prior, the patient underwent surgery on his left shoulder to repair a full-thickness rotator cuff tear using two metal suture anchors. During the same procedure, Dr. Buford used an additional suture anchor to fix a SLAP lesion (a tear of the shoulder's labrum) and stabilize the biceps tendon.
- Long-Term Results: The patient reports having no issues with the repaired left shoulder over the span of 16 years, stating it has felt completely normal. He demonstrates a flawless, full range of motion by easily raising his arm overhead and reaching behind his head.
- Functional Success: The patient is left-handed and underwent extra physical therapy specifically to return to sports. He has spent the last 16 years successfully playing high-level competitive tournament tennis (at a 4.0/4.5 NTRP skill rating) using that same left arm.
- Reason for the Visit: He returned to the clinic not due to any issues with his long-healed left shoulder, but to get a consultation for his right shoulder.
Questions about this treatment
- What shoulder surgery did the patient have?
- The patient underwent left shoulder surgery to repair a full-thickness rotator cuff tear using two metal suture anchors. A SLAP lesion was also repaired during the same procedure.
- How long ago was the rotator cuff repair performed?
- The follow-up featured in this video took place 16 years after the patient's left shoulder rotator cuff and SLAP repairs.
- How was the patient's shoulder 16 years after surgery?
- The patient reported having no problems with the repaired left shoulder for 16 years and described it as feeling completely normal.
- Did the patient regain full shoulder motion after rotator cuff repair?
- Yes. During the long-term follow-up, the patient demonstrated full shoulder range of motion, including raising the arm overhead and reaching behind the head.
- Was the patient able to return to sports after surgery?
- Yes. The patient completed additional physical therapy to return to sports and subsequently played high-level competitive tournament tennis for 16 years using the repaired left shoulder.
- Why did the patient return to Texas Orthobiologics after 16 years?
- The patient returned for a consultation regarding his right shoulder rather than because of problems with the previously repaired left shoulder.
- Who performed the original shoulder surgery?
- The original left shoulder rotator cuff and SLAP repairs were performed by Don Buford, MD.
Every patient is different, and a video is not a promise of the same result. If you want to know whether an orthobiologic or surgical option fits your own injury, that starts with an exam and imaging — not a video.
