Testimonial – Tom Degenhardt, MD
As an avid skier, golfer and mountain climber, Tom Degenhardt knew one thing for sure; that his escalating shoulder pain was getting in the way of doing the things he loved. Determined to maintain his active lifestyle, Tom pursued a course of cortisone injections. However, his job required repetitive movement, which caused stiffness in his shoulder, and the non-surgical cortisone treatment over time just wasn’t helping. That’s when Tom, a sports medicine orthopaedic surgeon, felt that a shoulder replacement may be needed.
He consulted with Dr. Neema Pourtaheri, a fellowship trained shoulder surgeon and colleague at Santa Rosa Orthopaedics. Dr. Pourtaheri’s diagnosis confirmed what Tom already knew, that a TSA (total shoulder arthroplasty) was needed. A total shoulder replacement is a complex procedure that involves replacing the shoulder joint with artificial parts. Before Tom’s surgery he assisted Dr. Pourtaheri in a total joint replacement surgery. Tom was confident and impressed with the surgical abilities of Dr. Poutaheri.
Tom scheduled the surgery and had his shoulder replaced within a few weeks after assisting Dr. Pourtaheri in surgery.
“I was pleasantly surprised”, exclaimed Tom, “within four months I had recovered enough to ski and play golf with markedly improved range of motion and without pain.”
Both Neema Pourtaheri, MD, and Tom Degenhardt, MD, work for Santa Rosa Orthopaedics, a full-service practice committed to providing exceptional care for all types of orthopaedic injuries and conditions.
Dr. Pourtaheri is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon with sub-specialty interest and fellowship training in shoulder and elbow surgery. Dr. Pourtaheri has trained alongside some of the world’s finest orthopaedic surgeons and brings invaluable medical expertise with the latest advancements in shoulder and elbow care.
Testimonial – Michael Armstrong
Michael Armstrong was a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer for 30 years. He joined the CHP in 1968, and has been retired for 22+ years. While he enjoying his retired life, he gradually started noticing shoulder pain. After researching shoulder treatment specialist physicians, he discovered Santa Rosa Orthopaedics and was referred to Dr. Neema Pourtaheri in May 2017.
After several office visits and imaging studies, the diagnosis was advanced arthritis, bone spurs and bruising. The treatment was a complicated and complete right shoulder replacement. Dr. Pourtaheri indicated that it would take a year before a full recovery. Regardless, Michael was ready for the pain to end and he proceeded with the surgery, which went smoothly.
For two months, Armstrong went to physical therapy each day, it just kept getting better each day.
“ The best part of my treatment is the complete resolution of pain For so long, the pain in my shoulder caused uncomfortable nights of sleep; any time I would turn over or move, it would hurt. Now I can sleep. I enjoy doing yard work and washing my cars because it no longer is painful. My life is back to normal. I have to say the Dr. Pourtaheri is simply the best of the best. The ‘sense of caring’ from Santa Rosa Orthopaedcis is distinctive and the staff are great. As a matter of fact, I liked Santa Rosa Orthopedics so much, that I subsequently had a knee replacement by Dr. Stein – another success. I can’t recommend this practice or these doctors enough. Thanks for restoring me to a pain free life.”
Testimonial – Karen Trione
Since her teenage years, Karen Trione has been passionate about riding horses. As a local athlete, Karen specialized in the hunter-jumper division of competitive horseback riding. Unfortunately, in September 2017, while on a ride, she fractured her collarbone and separated her shoulder. The accident was painful and concerning for her future. Fortunately for Karen, her trusted family friend and orthopedist, Dr. Gary Stein, recommended a renowned shoulder specialist located in Santa Rosa.
“The referral to Dr. Neema Pourtaheri was a life-changing gift and the staff at Santa Rosa Orthopaedics was extraordinary – always accommodating. The doctor was particularly knowledgeable about shoulders, very kind and recommended a surgical restoration using a special hook plate. He said this repair technique would provide optimal recovery. The surgery went smoothly with little discomfort and the follow-up care was amazing. After 90 days, Dr. Pourtaheri removed the plate and my mobility was almost immediately restored. With some expert physical therapy, I was back to riding horses the following month. Thanks to Dr. Pourtaheri and Santa Rosa Orthopaedics, I’m now back to regular horseback riding and jumping, celebrating my passion every day.”
