Vince is a retired teacher who taught at a local community college in Iowa for 31 years. He injured his shoulder while working out in the college gym, lifting weights that were too heavy. The injury made day-to-day activities like reaching overhead increasingly painful and difficult. The pain also made it nearly impossible for Vince to continue his favorite activities like martial arts and playing the organ. You may remember this video, wherein he describes receiving the joint preservation OVO® with Inlay Glenoid Total Shoulder arthroplasty system. It’s been two years since Vince had the surgery. We caught up with him for an update on how he’s doing and how his life has changed since getting the procedure.
What can you tell us and others about your journey with the OVO with Inlay Glenoid Implant?
I injured my shoulder in the gym at the college where I was teaching at the time. Basic daily activities like eating, reaching up to open the garage door, and even changing the station on the car radio became increasingly painful and difficult. The pain I experienced in my right arm also made it impossible to continue my hobbies such as playing the organ, lifting weights and marital arts.
After doing some research, I discovered a standard shoulder replacement would limit my range of motion. In search of a better alternative, I came across an Arthrosurface patient testimonial of a powerlifter who had the OVO® with Inlay Glenoid Total Shoulder implants, and was back to lifting weight shortly after the surgery. After consulting with Dr. Richard Goding, I was excited to find out that I was a candidate for the same shoulder procedure.
From start (surgery) to finish (complete recovery), the journey was a breeze. First, I had no postoperative pain, NONE! Second, there were NO limitations to what I could do. The NO limitations were a great persuader.
How long have you had the implant and how has your life changed since receiving it?
I have had the implant for two years. I can lift weights, which is one of my passions, with no pain. Had I gone with a standard shoulder procedure, lifting weights could have pulled an ordinary traditional replacement apart not to mention the restrictions that would have been placed on me such as a limit to the amount of weight I was able to lift.
Yard work is also a breeze. I recently pulled a 600lb load around the yard in a wagon that has a 1,500lb limit. That job required both hands, but the load was equally shared between the two.
“My life has changed drastically since receiving the OVO® with Inlay Glenoid Total Shoulder Implants because I am back to doing my favorite activities including martial arts and playing the organ, pain-free.”
For others considering this surgery, can you tell us a little bit about the recovery process?
Following surgery, I did not need a cast, just a sling. I had to keep it slightly elevated in bed and I could not lay on it, so I slept in my recliner for about a week. The physical therapist I worked with was amazing. He had never worked with this type of surgery and was amazed at the strength and stability of my shoulder joint. It only took one month to get to the point where I could gradually begin my weight training. I did physical therapy for 6 weeks and I was able to get back to my regular activities quickly. The range of motion for my right shoulder became as good as my left shoulder, maybe even a little better.
*Note: it’s important to ensure your shoulder and all soft tissues have healed prior to resuming activity
What is your advice to others dealing with shoulder pain and why they should consider this joint preservation surgery over traditional total joint replacements?
Easy answer. Outpatient procedure. Painless recovery. No lifting limitations whatsoever. You have a new shoulder. Why would you go for anything else? This device allowed me to have my life back!
