Shoulder replacement surgery has evolved immensely over the last 50 years, and Dr. Goldberg has a unique connection in this process. The first modern shoulder replacement surgery was performed by Dr. Charles Neer at Columbia University in NYC. Dr. Neer’s first fellow who trained under him was Dr. Louis Bigliani, who then went on to chair the department of orthopedics at Columbia. Dr. Goldberg then worked and learned under Dr. Bigliani before starting his practice in Naples, Florida. Because of this experience, Dr. Goldberg has been on the forefront and acutely involved in the evolution of shoulder replacement surgery throughout his training and career. Dr. Goldbertg has several published articles in the last two decades about various aspects of shoulder replacement technologies and holds more than a dozen patents in this field. These patents have led to the design of new implants that have shown excellent results in published studies.
Shoulder Implants Over Time
The initial shoulder replacement designs by Dr. Neer involved a metal ball that mimics the bone shape with a long stem placed down the shaft of the humerus bone to keep it well fixed. Over the years, shoulder implants have evolved to become modular, where the surgeon could mix and match different sizes of the ball and the shaft to match each patient’s size more uniquely. This improved the success rate of shoulder replacement surgery. Overtime, the stem used has gotten progressively shorter, which decreases the invasiveness of the operation.
One of the most significant recent changes has been the use of “stemless” shoulder replacements, where there is just a tiny stem or in some cases, no stem at all. These have demonstrated good results and longevity and many feel have reduced the pain of the operation and documented less need for prescription opioid medications. Dr. Goldberg was responsible for creating one of the most modern versions of these stemless implants, the Catalyst CSR Shoulder Replacement, which has shown excellent results in improving patient range of motion, pain and high patient satisfaction with very low re-operation rates.
Initially, shoulder replacements were performed simply to relieve patients of chronic debilitating pain without much thought of function or concern for patients returning to active lifestyles. These replacements have come a long way and now the vast majority of shoulder replacement patients can return to most sporting activities, including tennis, golf, swimming, weight training, softball, basketball or most anything except contact sports.
Surgical Advancements
In addition, with improvements in both surgical techniques and anesthesia, patients get much less sick after surgery, have less pain after surgery, and are often safely able to go home without an overnight stay. Even though the total recovery time for shoulder replacement surgery is about three months, the majority of patients are significantly improved and feeling close to normal by about six weeks.
Knee and hip replacement surgery are still more common than shoulder replacement surgery and have been around considerably longer, but shoulder replacement is one of the fastest growing areas of orthopedics and the technology and the techniques are rapidly being refined to improve the patient experience.
For over 20 years, Dr. Goldberg and his team have been dedicated to helping patients regain their mobility and improve their quality of life through cutting-edge orthopedic treatments.
Gone are the days of lengthy hospital stays and extensive recovery periods. Modern shoulder surgery techniques focus on minimally invasive procedures, personalized implants, and comprehensive rehabilitation programs. These advancements not only make the surgery itself more efficient but also lead to faster recovery times and better long-term outcomes for patients.
Whether you’re considering a partial shoulder replacement, a total shoulder replacement, or reverse shoulder replacement, understanding the benefits of these modern techniques is crucial.
Dr. Steven S. Goldberg: A Leader in Shoulder Surgery
Dr. Goldberg is not only a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon but also a dedicated researcher and innovator. His commitment to orthopedic research ensures that his patients benefit from the most advanced and effective treatments available. As the busiest shoulder replacement surgeon in the Naples area, his expertise and dedication have earned him consistently outstanding reviews from satisfied patients.
Dr. Goldberg’s approach involves a custom treatment plan for each patient, incorporating the most effective techniques for their specific condition. His focus on both surgical and non-surgical care ensures that every patient receives the best possible outcome.
Exceptional Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction
The success of any medical procedure is best measured by the outcomes and experiences of the patients. The testimonials speak volumes about the quality of care and the life-changing results that Dr. Goldberg and his team provide. Patients consistently praise his thoroughness, expertise, and compassionate approach.
Learn More and Take the Next Step
If you’re experiencing chronic shoulder pain or considering shoulder replacement surgery, we encourage you to learn more about your options. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how Dr. Steven S. Goldberg and his team can help you regain your active lifestyle. Don’t let shoulder pain hold you back any longer. Take the first step towards a pain-free future. Contact us today!