March 6th, 2018
March 6, 2018
HIGHLIGHTS
- OrthoAtlanta orthopedic surgeon, Sharrona Williams, MD, finishes second overall and second in her category (Cat 4) during the USA Cycling Southeastern Collegiate Cycling Conference (SECCC) Auburn University Road Race, a 32-mile Women’s Category 3-4-5 event on February 24, 2018.
- Dr. Williams had minimally-invasive Shoulder Arthroscopy and Distal Clavicle Excision just one week prior to the race. Her recovery and proactive rehabilitation including physical therapy made her ready for this cycling challenge!
OVERVIEW
OrthoAtlanta orthopedic surgeon, Sharrona Williams, MD, dedicates her career to treating patients suffering from sports injuries and general orthopedic conditions. Specializing in foot and ankle disorders, she treats patients of every age, from the very young to senior, and every activity level, from sedentary to extremely active.
Dr. Williams knows, and feels, the drive and passion her active patients have for their sports and athletic pursuits. When Dr. Williams is not examining patients, or performing surgeries from the commonplace to complex, she is on her road bike, pounding down the miles throughout Georgia and the southeastern states. In fact, Dr. Williams even participated in a grueling 7-day, 3,000-mile cross-country cycling event known as Race Across America, RAAM 2016, just 4.5 months after having a total knee replacement.
As a cyclist, the repetitive actions required of the hip, knee, foot and ankle can result in wear and tear on the lower extremities. Cycling can also have a debilitating effect on the upper extremities, particularly the shoulders and elbows as the rider is hunched over the top of the bicycle with a steady, and often tightened, grasp of the handlebars and brake mechanisms.
After years of cycling took its toll, Dr. Williams called in the experts at OrthoAtlanta to examine and treat her shoulder pain and growing immobility during distance cycling events.
Then, just one week after having shoulder arthroscopy and surgery, followed by proactive rehabilitation and physical therapy, Dr. Williams not only rode in a 32-mile cycling road race, she came in second place!
THE SHOULDER SURGERY – Shoulder Arthroscopy and Distal Clavicle Excision
To address shoulder pain she was increasingly experiencing during long distance cycling events, Dr. Williams turned to fellow OrthoAtlanta orthopedic surgeon, Snehal Dalal, MD, a specialist in treating hand and upper extremities. After examination, Dr. Dalal determined that the pain and loss of motion experienced by Dr. Williams was caused by an impingement or compression of the clavicle at the shoulder blade. In a minimally-invasive procedure known as shoulder arthroscopy, Dr. Dalal removed the end of the clavicle at the acromioclavicular joint in the shoulder. The procedure is performed with a small camera, called an arthroscope, and miniature instruments. Miniscule incisions can aid in the healing process.
SUCCESS AFTER SURGERY
Although results vary by patient based on initial condition, treatment, and rehabilitation, including physical therapy, Dr. Williams’ surgical outcome and post-operative physical therapy resulted in her decision to participate in the cycling road race just one week after shoulder arthroscopy, and an ultimate second place finish.
Dr. Williams finished second overall and second in her category 4 division during the 32-mile Auburn University Road Race, a USA Cycling Southeastern Collegiate Cycling Conference event.
Dr. Williams is shown here with Scott Moore, her cycling coach and head of Portable Rock Climbing Team (PRCC), a cycling club based in Senoia, Georgia.
Sharrona Williams, MD, OrthoAtlanta, captures second place in Category 4 Road Race just one week after shoulder arthroscopy and surgery.
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The topics discussed here are for informational purposes only. They are not intended to be a substitute for medical advice and information provided by your health care provider. Any decision you make regarding your health care options should be made after consulting with your physician.
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