Dr. David Kozak Returns To The Sports He Loves After A Total Shoulder Replacement

Dr. David Kozak, Total Shoulder Replacement – Shoulder Arthroplasty

David Kozak is a professor in the Department of Anthropology at Fort Lewis College…and a weekend adrenaline junkie. He has been an avid rock climber for over 45 years, braving the challenge of scaling giant boulders and mountains. Also an avid mountain biker, David has been zipping through adventuresome terrain for over 20 years.

Despite the thrills and excitement of rock climbing, the sport also takes a tremendous toll on the body. Rock climbing requires both strength and mobility and can often cause wear-and-tear to the shoulder, knee, and hip joints. Unfortunately, David had to learn this risk the hard way…

In 1986, David fractured 6 vertebrae in his back after a devastating fall during a climb. However, David did not let this setback stop him from what he loves! After a full year of recovery, he was back on the mountain, climbing again.

Photo Credit: Tyler Nelson
Climbing in Spain

A few years ago, David noticed the increased stress on his joints, especially in his shoulder. He began to experience the classic symptoms of shoulder arthritis: pain, aching, crepitus, and a decrease in the range of motion. David is a determined climber, and despite his pain, continued his active lifestyle to his best efforts. Finally, the increased intensity and duration of his arthritis symptoms became too much for him, and he was forced to stop climbing altogether.

“I stopped doing what I wanted, and I even had to stop climbing,” David reported. “I wasn’t happy about that.” David knew his shoulder had had enough, but he wasn’t willing to quit rock climbing forever, given his passion for the sport. Instead, he started researching innovative, cutting-edge treatment options. He knew he had degenerative joint disease (glenohumeral osteoarthritis), and he knew he needed to seek treatment for his shoulder arthritis. Kozak said he was resigned and knew he needed a shoulder replacement. However, he pushed it off, dreading the process, the recovery, and the possibility that even after a surgery, he still might not be able to return to climbing.

After consulting with influential friends in the orthopedic field, David was referred to Dr. Peter Millett at The Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colorado. “I wanted the best,” he said. “I wanted to be able to climb again and I needed to have the best outcome,” Kozak states. “I knew what I was looking at, I knew I needed a shoulder replacement. I wasn’t going to settle for anything but the best surgeon to do the replacement and everything in my research pointed to Dr. Millett.”

On December 3^rd, 2020, David underwent a Total Shoulder Replacement, or Shoulder Arthroplasty, with Dr. Peter Millett. After surgery, Dr. Millett told David: “You weren’t kidding, you really did need a shoulder replacement!” Dr. Millett informed David that the bone-on-bone degeneration and arthritis in his shoulder had caused the head of his humerus (upper arm bone) to be so badly worn that is was cue-ball smooth. Dr. Millett said he rarely sees a humerus worn that badly!

Photo Credit: Andy Gresh
Petzoldt Ridge, Grand Teton Mountains

Along with the shoulder arthroplasty, Dr. Millett relocated David’s biceps tendon in a procedure called a biceps tenodesis. David could tell right away that he had made the perfect choice for a surgeon. “Surgery was not as bad as I had anticipated,” he said. “I had very little pain and right after surgery could feel that I had a better range of motion. I had full mobility within a month. I am still seeing weekly improvement.”

The surgery with Dr. Millett was just the beginning of David’s journey to full recovery. David remained diligent in following Dr. Millett’s post-surgery protocol, attending intensive physical therapy, and not pushing his healing shoulder past its capabilities. David knew that physical therapy was the key to turning Dr. Millett’s great surgical skill into a fantastic recovery. “No one likes physical therapy,” he says, “But I’m determined to get back to rock climbing and I need complete range of motion and strength to do that.”

After David Kozak’s 6-week check-up at the Steadman Clinic, he texted Dr. Millett to tell him how much he appreciated his skill and expertise. “What impressed me the most,” David says, “was Dr. Millett’s modesty. He told me it was a team effort, and he was just one member of that team.” That modesty and refusal to take complete credit for a well performed surgery stuck with David. He further praises Dr. Millett’s team: “The level of professionalism of the entire crew made for a wonderful experience.”

David knows that continuing his active lifestyle—rock climbing and mountain biking—will no doubt lead to further orthopedic issues down the road. However, now he knows exactly where he’ll go for treatment when the time comes!

Photo Credit: Andy Gresh
Vestpillaren, The Norwegian Arctic

– Special thanks to Dr. David Kozak for sharing his story!

Peter Millett, MD

Average rating:

39 reviews

Alexandra Thompson

Mar 23, 2024

by Alexandra Thompson on Peter Millett, MD

110%

Dr. Millett and his team did a SLAP tear repair and bicep tenodesis on my left shoulder. I use my arms as an artist, and love to swim in the ocean, surf, paddle, and telemark ski. So regaining full use of my shoulder and keeping my bicep attached was very important to me. Now, over two years later, my shoulder has the equivalent range of motion as my other arm and as before the injury, and no pain. After the first three months it felt so good and was so strong that - to my horror - I completely forgot my six-month follow-up.

Not only did Dr. Millett and his team make my arm as good as new, but having had the experience of such kindness and expertise throughout the process of surgery and recovery is like an added shoulder superpower.

Thank you Rita, Brooke, Jason, Sarah, Camille, Olivia, Dr. Millett and everyone! And see you soon when my husband comes in for his knee...

Jeff Chandler

Jan 31, 2022

by Jeff Chandler on Peter Millett, MD

Flawless procedure, Easy recovery

Dr. Millet's repaired my knee and tibia, following a botched operation by a different surgeon. That procedure was virtually pain free and I was weight bearing within a few days. That was 18 years ago and the knee is still strong. A few years after the knee incident, Dr Millet repaired my shoulder. My insurance company approved me for 3 months of disability following that surgery. I was off pain medication in 2 days and had 90% range of motion within a week. I withdrew my disability claim and returned to work within two weeks of surgery. I’m not a famous athlete—just a regular guy. Nonetheless, I was treated like an NFL at the Steadman clinic. Most notable was the time for recovery. Other surgeons perform their hour-long task in the OR and don’t involve themselves in the other functions. Peter and his team manages the entire process from diagnosis, anesthesia, nursing care, and therapy. He takes a holistic approach to patient care and doesn’t skip any steps.

Jenn West

Jul 2, 2021

by Jenn West on Peter Millett, MD

Saved My Life

I went to Dr. Millett after 7 knee surgeries (6 on my right and 1 on my left) and had seen 11 different surgeons who all refused to remove femur metal from my right leg. I am highly allergic to metal and the chronic pain was leaving me bedridden for 3.5wks out of a month. He personally wrote me back on my inquiry, listened to my concerns, scheduled my surgery within a week (due to insurance issues) and personally followed up with my recovery. The level of patient care from Dr. Millett and his ENTIRE team is above any care I have ever received in my 20 years of dealing with orthopedic surgeons. There are not enough words to describe the level of care, dedication and professionalism you receive from Dr. Millett and his staff.
My only disappointment is that I did not find him sooner!!!

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