Sharon Sterchy, EDD, feels like the “Bionic Woman.” She works out, runs 13-mile marathons, competes in triathlons and, for the past 32 years, has been involved in physical education—both as a teacher and as a program director of wellness services for a large independent school district. Now, through a combination of age, normal wear and tear and possibly some arthritis, her joints and tendons aren’t as flexible as they once were. In the past couple of years, she has had six surgeries—most recently for arthroscopic repair of a torn tendon (rotator cuff). It was the latter surgery that took her to Kelsey-Seybold’s Dr. Allen Deutsch, one of only a few orthopedic surgeons in Houston who is Fellowship-trained in shoulder surgery.

Common Condition
Nearly 300,000 Americans undergo surgery each year to repair torn rotator cuffs – the group of muscles and tendons that form a “cuff” over the shoulder. Traditional surgery to remedy this all-too-common condition has meant an incision (often up to six inches in length) and a hospital stay. Now, Kelsey-Seybold orthopedic surgeon Allen Deutsch, MD, offers a less invasive option on an outpatient surgery basis.

Dr. Deutsch, who completed fellowship training in Shoulder and Elbow Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, uses arthroscopic techniques, in which a tiny video camera and surgical instruments are used. This minimally invasive procedure results in a smaller incision, typically about the size of a buttonhole. According to Dr. Deutsch, that can mean quicker recovery and rehabilitation time.

Many rotator cuff tears can be treated with this procedure, including complicated injuries involving larger tears. “It’s exciting for me, as a surgeon, to see patients go from not even being able to lift their arms above their shoulders to a full or nearly full range of motion,” says Dr. Deutsch.

Complex Procedure Requiring Special Training
While the technology has been around for many years, the application of using it for complicated injuries involving larger tears and/or more tendons is just recently gaining popularity. “It’s a complex procedure involving special training and experience,” notes Dr. Deutsch.

Dr. Deutsch performs about 150-200 of these procedures a year—often on larger tears. He recently completed a study of his patients, entitled “Arthroscopic Repair of Large Rotator Cuff Tears,” which has been accepted for presentation at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeon’s Meeting in Washington, D.C.

As with most arthroscopic surgery, the advantage to the patient is a procedure that is more affordable, results in a smaller incision, has a quicker rehabilitation time and less chance of complications.

Dr. Deutsch tailors the rehabilitation program following surgery to each patient’s needs. He starts the patient on an exercise program right away, which is performed three times a day to prevent stiffness, and he closely monitors progress, with 1-week, 3-week, 6-week, and every 3-month checkups thereafter for one year following surgery.

“Dr. Deutsch put me back together.”
Dr. Sterchy, 55, has regained full use of her arm after undergoing the procedure with Dr. Deutsch, allowing her to return to her very active job at the same capacity and level of commitment prior to her injury. Notes Dr. Sterchy, “I couldn't even raise my arm to the side, let alone over my head, but Dr. Deutsch put me back together again so that I can be proactive with my students 100 percent of the time.”

An active, upbeat, energetic person, Dr. Sterchy trusted Dr. Deutsch completely. “He is very calm and compassionate—definitely more low key than I am, and that’s what I like. He doesn’t overreact. He explains everything thoroughly, and he guided me through the rehab process.”

Dr. Sterchy regained virtually 100 percent range of motion in less than six months. She now has full use of her arm—both professionally and personally. “Before the surgery, I couldn’t even lift a plate out of the cupboard. It was just too painful.”

Since she had her shoulder repaired, three of her colleagues have all had the same surgery, also performed by Dr. Deutsch.

“Dr. Deutsch is absolutely wonderful, but it’s not just the surgeons at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic that are special. The entire staff is compassionate and nice. There are no ‘grumpy bears’ there.”

Dr. Deutsch sees a diverse patient population from young athletes to middle age and older patients with degenerative and repetitive overuse injuries. To make an appointment with him or one of Kelsey-Seybold Clinic’s other orthopedic specialists, call our 24-hour appointment scheduling service at 713-442-0427. Read an expanded profile of Dr. Deutsch.

--By Barbara Faber
August 2004