Patient Story of: Alan Shanker

Where do I begin?

I am a 74-year-old active male who was diagnosed with shoulder arthritis several years before undergoing replacement surgery. Initially, physical therapy and anti-inflammatories managed the discomfort, but over a relatively short period, that discomfort progressed into significant pain and limited my ability to use my arm for everyday activities.

Although the affected shoulder was not my dominant arm and I could have continued to live with the pain, I believed I could benefit from replacement surgery - even if it meant not fully returning to my previous triathlon training routine.

As it turns out, my recovery - still ongoing at seven months post-op when I completed a triathlon - has far exceeded my expectations. Of course, participating in that race required training well before the seven-month mark, which makes the outcome even more meaningful to me.

When deciding on a surgeon, I initially had no clear direction. I chose HSS based on its strong reputation for excellence. After reviewing a few surgeons’ backgrounds, I came across Dr. Theodore Blaine’s biography and felt he would be an excellent fit. His credentials were impressive, and I appreciated that he also had an athletic background. You might say I was fortunate in my choice.

During my first consultation, Dr. Blaine explained that he would determine the best surgical plan based on imaging results. He also made it clear that if intraoperative findings suggested a different approach, he was fully prepared to adjust accordingly - for example, choosing between an anatomic or reverse shoulder replacement. His operating team and equipment were ready for any variation, which gave me great confidence.

I could say much more about this experience, but to summarize: successful outcomes depend heavily on both the quality of the surgery and the patient’s commitment to rehabilitation. Physical therapy and dedication are essential, but even the best rehabilitation cannot compensate for a poorly performed procedure.

As a retired veterinarian who has performed many orthopedic and general surgeries, I understand what it takes to achieve a successful outcome. Based on my experience, I can confidently say that Dr. Theodore Blaine is an excellent choice.