Scapulothoracic Bursectomy Success Story | Snapping Scapula

Car Accident Shoulder Injury

When Stacey Stratman got in an auto accident in 2000, she did not know the long-lasting impact it would have on her life. At the time, she was 26 years old, healthy and eagerly climbing the corporate ladder. Due to severe, chronic shoulder, head and back pain she had to go on worker’s compensation. After a long recovery period, Stacey went back to work as an Account Manager at a software company. Her pain was still so severe that she had to work from her bed. “My quality of life had quickly diminished. I was on so many pain medications, not only for my joint pain, but I had severe migraine-like headaches. I knew I needed to make a change,” said Stacey.

In 2011, Stacey became a certified personal trainer and began working as a corporate personal trainer. During this transition, Stacey’s shoulder, scapula and sternoclavicular (SC) joint started causing excruciating pain that radiated down her arm and up her neck. She went to see one of the top shoulder surgeon in Indiana, and he told her that nothing could be done for pain.

In Search of Treatment for Snapping Scapula and SC Joint Injury

Determined to find a solution and to no longer be on pain medication, Stacey started searching online. “I found Dr. Millett’s website and began researching his credentials. He is one of the top surgeons in the world for treating snapping scapula and SC joint injuries.” After completing Dr. Millett’s contact form, Dr. Millett reached out to Stacey directly and informed her that he could help her. “He was the first surgeon to tell me that he could help me, and I truly believed that he would,” said Stacey.

Living in Tennessee at the time, Stacey flew out to Vail, Colorado to have surgery with Dr. Millett in June of 2012. The scapula, neck, back and shoulder pain was predominantly caused by snapping scapula syndrome. To treat Stacey’s snapping scapula, Dr. Millett performed a scapulothoracic bursectomy. “For the first time in 12 years, I was not experiencing pain! It is truly astonishing how I was able to function for so long in that much pain,” Stacey said.

“Before my surgery, I was not thriving, but rather surviving. Over 12 years of living in constant state of pain, I am pain free and no longer have migraine-like headaches. I am thriving! I have my life back and I owe to all to Dr. Millett and his team!”

Scapulothoracic Bursectomy Surgery Success

The scapulothoracic bursectomy surgery Dr. Millett performed in June was a conservative approach and in December of 2012 Stacey went in for a second surgery to remove scar tissue from the scapula and floating particles of osteoarthritis in her SC joint. Following surgery, Stacey stayed in Vail for 20 days to perform physical therapy at Howard Head Sports Medicine. “What I appreciated the most about Dr. Millett’s style of care was how he listened and truly cared about me as a patient,” said Stacey. “He was very honest with me, and wanted to help me get my life back.”

“Before my surgery, I was not thriving, but rather surviving. Over 12 years of living in constant state of pain, I am pain free and no longer have migraine-like headaches. I am thriving! I have my life back and I owe to all to Dr. Millett and his team!”

“The advice I would give other patients is to never give up,” said Stacey. “Find a facility that can treat you. When it feels like there are no more options, I would encourage everyone to keep pursuing, because there is a solution out there. And if you need treatment for snapping scapula, an SC joint injury or shoulder pain in general, go see Dr. Millett! He is truly the best!”

While clinical studies support the effectiveness of these procedures, individual results may vary. There are no guarantees of outcome. All surgeries involve the risk of major complications. Before you decide on surgery, discuss treatment options with your doctor. Understanding the risks of each treatment can help you make the best decision for your individual situation. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits. Only your doctor can determine the appropriate treatment for your situation. The clinical information and opinions, including any inaccuracies expressed in this material by patients or doctor are not necessarily those of Peter Millett, MD and should not be considered as substitute for medical advice provided by your doctor.

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!!!

How Stacey Stratman Found Relief After Years of Living in Pain

Car Accident Shoulder Injury

In Search of Treatment for Snapping Scapula and SC Joint Injury

Scapulothoracic Bursectomy Surgery Success

About the Author: Peter Millett, MD

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