Pioneer in Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery Fixes CPA’s Torn Rotator Cuff

Janet Rath of Paso Robles, a semi-retired certified public accountant, is recovering nicely from surgery for a rotator cuff tear and bicep tendinosis, two painful conditions that prevented her from doing routine activities.

Now in her 70s, Janet has always been active, playing volleyball in her 30s and 40s, and sliding into third base in her 50s, which apparently was the final blow to her shoulder. She lived with the condition until recently, when her daily exercise routine with her trainer became a problem. Her range of motion was limited, and her arm was weak, making it painful to do just about anything. “I couldn’t do pushups, housework, and things like that,” she says.

When it was time to address her shoulder and arm issues, she sought out the best of the best shoulder surgeons. John Costouros, MD, medical director of shoulder surgery at Washington Health’s Institute for Joint Restoration and Research (IJRR), was trained at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine; Massachusetts General Hospital; and Harvard Medical School; along with studies in Switzerland. Certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, he is considered a pioneer in reverse total shoulder replacement, stemless total shoulder replacement, and novel minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques.

Three-Hour Drive Worth the Trip

Although she lived three hours from Fremont, driving to IJRR was well worth it, she says, to be under Dr. Costouros’ care. “My husband had a very good experience with Dr. Costouros’ associate, Dr. John Dearborn, for knee replacement. I figured anyone associated with him would be a great surgeon, as well.”

Rath appreciated how much time Dr. Costouros spent explaining the minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure, which would mean less anesthesia, blood loss, and pain; smaller incisions; and a faster recovery. He sent her home with a binder of information about the surgery. She was impressed by his diagnostic skills.

“It was an interesting initial office visit with Dr. Costouros,” Rath notes. “He had me do a few tests, like push my arm in and out, and behind my back as far I could. He immediately told me I had a tear in my right rotator cuff, and a partial tear in my left. When the diagnostic tests results came back, I was amazed that they perfectly confirmed his diagnosis.”

When it came time for her June surgery -- her first orthopedic procedure -- she appreciated that Washington Health made it easy and convenient, especially since she was coming from so far. “I liked that when we walked in, they sent us to check-in, and escorted us right to the pre-op area very efficiently.” A digital patient status board, kept her husband updated as he waited during the 90-minute surgery. She was home later that day.

A Good Recovery

“The nurse in pre-op was extremely professional, and the anesthesiologist talked to me about any risks regarding my asthma,” she explains. “I’ve never had anesthesia take effect so smoothly. It was, ‘Hello! Goodbye!” she says with a smile. “The surgery was amazingly successful.”

Rath is doing physical therapy near home, and looking forward to getting back to activities and her exercise routine. She will follow up with the doctor at the end of July, and hopefully, will be cleared to begin exercising. “Dr. Costouros is on the cutting-edge of technology. I had a very good experience,” she says.

Dr. Costouros is also a researcher, investigating augmented and virtual reality, as well as robotics to enhance surgical precision and improve shoulder surgery outcomes. He participates in FDA clinical trials, including the design of several FDA-approved shoulder joint replacement devices and the first stemless reverse total shoulder replacement available in the United States.

For more information on Washington Health’s orthopedics, go visit WashingtonHealth.com/IJRR