Patient Experiences

Successful Osteochondral Allograft Transplant at 30

Eleven years ago, I hurt my shoulder in a freak accident. After two operations, eight years, and countless negative MRIs, I was still in pain all the time. It was then that I decided to go to Dr. Brian Cole. He concluded I needed a humeral head osteochondral allograft transplant. I finally had my surgery in August 2010. I won't lie, the surgery and rehab was the hardest I've been through. For the first few weeks all I could do was pendulums, 1,500 a day. After that, it was just slow. Through it all, I knew the hard work would all be worth it. It's been about nine months now since my surgery, and I couldn't be happier with the results. I have a full range of motion for the first time in years and am pain free.

One of the things that was hardest for me while my shoulder was injured was not being able to play tennis frequently. I'd still try and play, but I'd always end up in excruciating pain. I've started playing again this spring, and my shoulder feels great!

Through it all, Dr. Cole and his PAs, Kyle and Natalie, have been great. I remember when Dr. Cole first said I needed a graft. My mom was with me and asked him how many he had done. He said "about thirty" and seeing the shock on our faces he continued to say that was more than anyone else. I knew he'd do whatever it took to get me feeling better and back to an active life.

    — Amanda Meyers