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Bradenton resident Mark Schuetz can clearly recall the day he had a massive shoulder injury. It was something he will never forget.
In April, Mark, a father of six, was going about his normal pre-fishing routine in hopes of landing a big red fish on his day off from the hustle and bustle of his Bradenton insurance business. As he prepped the boat for the day, he was filling up with gas and took a typical short cut to the pump by stepping between the vehicle and boat trailer. In doing so, he caught his foot on the trailer chain and started heading for the ground. As he fell, he did a “tuck and roll” versus putting his arm straight out, and slammed his left shoulder into the solid pavement at the gas station.
“Not wanting anyone to make a fuss, I got up, knowing something was not right with my left arm, and left for home, cancelling the fishing adventure,” said Mark. “I have an EMS background and didn’t think this was an emergency, so he opted to wait to see if things got better. Although I was not in severe pain, my arm was like a limp noodle and I wasn’t able to raise it or have good control over simple arm movements.”
On day three, Mark was seeing his chiropractor who immediately said he needed further assessment. His primary care physician ordered an MRI, which revealed a massive rotator cuff tear. He was referred to orthopedic surgeon Dr. Raghu Pulluru and was immediately scheduled for surgery at Manatee Memorial Hospital on May 16.
The four-hour rotator cuff outpatient surgery completed by Dr. Pulluru left Mark with a complex repair, his arm in a sling and a roadmap to recovery.
“I was initially concerned with the lag time from injury to surgery time, approximately four weeks,” explained Dr. Pulluru. “But I felt confident in the repair and therapy, which started Mark on a path to functional use of his left arm once again.”
Mark couldn’t be happier with the results. “From start to finish, my experience with Dr. Pulluru and the entire team was top-notch. Everyone I encountered, was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate throughout the entire process. Before the surgery, Dr. Pulluru took the time to thoroughly explain the procedure and answer all my questions and concerns. And, his nurse practitioner, Joy Hudson, made sure I was comfortable and informed every step of the way, which helped ease my nerves.”
To schedule an appointment with Manatee Physician Alliance’s Orthopedic and Sports Medicine team, call 941-900-4600.
Manatee Physician Alliance’s Orthopedic and Sports Medicine
(941) 746-5111
manateememorial.com
Physicians are on the medical staff of Manatee Memorial Hospital but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Manatee Memorial Hospital. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website.
