After 20 years in the military, Sergeant 1st Class Malcolm Bradford has served active duty in places like Iraq and Somalia. “As a soldier, I’ve seen everything you can possibly imagine”. So when his motorcycle slipped on some sand as he was rounding a curve one day, he didn’t think his injury was much more than a dislocated shoulder. “It’s true that the bike fell on my left arm and I couldn’t move it at all. But I’m an active person who’s tough and use to punishing my body. I guess at first it was just the adrenaline that kept me going.” However, it wasn’t long before Sgt. 1st Class Bradford learned that his injuries were much worse.

“Some kids saw the accident and called an ambulance; they were going to take me to one hospital, but I asked them to change their route and go to Baptist Medical Center, instead. I consider that decision to be one of the most important things I have ever done, because it led me to Dr. Steinberg.” Bruce Steinberg, M.D. is a specialist in upper extremities and was called in to evaluate Sgt. 1st Class Bradford’s injuries, which were extreme. He diagnosed Sgt. 1st Class Bradford with an elbow fracture dislocation as well as a comminuted wrist fracture. “I understand that my broken elbow was one of the worst that Dr. Steinberg has ever seen. It must have been bad because the surgery took 10 hours.” Dr. Steinberg performed a left side repair of his elbow fracture dislocation and his comminuted distal radius fracture as well as an anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve and an olecranon osteotomy.

It wasn’t until the day following his surgery that Sgt. 1st Class Bradford appreciated the full extent of his injuries. “Dr. Steinberg told me I was lucky I still have my arm. He showed me pictures from the surgery and how extensive a repair that was required. When I think about someone spending that much time to fix me up, I feel lucky. I was in the right place with the right doctor.”

Sgt. 1st Class Bradford’s recovery required several months of physical therapy with JOI Rehabilitation. He appreciates that the therapists pushed him in just the right manner. “We were a team, and had good fun together. They really helped me to achieve my full recovery. I still try to stop in and say hello when I get a chance.” Remarkably, Sgt. 1st Class Bradford is back to his prior level of activity. He rides a motorcycle, swims, sky dives, and for the first time since his accident, will go back to bow hunting soon. “To tell you the truth, I never thought I’d be able to go bow hunting anymore. But I’m able to pull the bow back at 50 lbs. of pressure. When I think about the fact that I could have just as easily been without a left arm, I feel doubly grateful to Dr. Steinberg.”

With no hesitation, Sgt. 1st Class Bradford gladly recommends Dr. Steinberg to any and everyone. “Another guy in my bike group took a fall. He had a minor injury to his little finger but did not see Dr. Steinberg. My friend has had a lot of problems and I tell him he should have listened to me.” While Sgt. 1st Class Bradford has had some on-going treatments related to his injury, he is grateful every day for Dr. Steinberg’s care. “I consider Dr. Steinberg to be a blessing in my life. I like to live my life to the fullest, and I certainly wouldn’t be able to do that without the use of both of my arms.”

Carolyn Whorton assumed that the progressive pain and loss of function she was experiencing with her left shoulder was merely “a part of getting older”. Sleeping comfortably became more difficult and she experienced increased “clicking and popping” of her shoulder. It wasn’t until the pain became unrelenting that she decided to make an appointment with a doctor to try and obtain some relief. Unfortunately, the conservative course of treatment attempted to help Mrs. Whorton was not enough. At this point, she was referred to Bruce Steinberg, M.D. Upon examination and testing, Dr. Steinberg diagnosed Mrs. Whorton with arthritis of the glenohumeral joint and informed her that she was a candidate for a left shoulder total joint replacement. Understanding Mrs. Whorton’s apprehension, Dr. Steinberg supplied her with patient references who gladly shared their experiences.

“I can’t say enough positive about Dr. Steinberg. When I began considering the surgery, he explained everything very thoroughly. I could ask any question and never felt rushed. He wanted me to be as comfortable about my surgery as possible, even providing me names of other patients who had undergone the same operation. It helped me to be prepared and to understand that I also had responsibility for my recovery, which would mean committing to physical therapy.”

Mrs. Whorton underwent a total replacement of the left shoulder. Following her surgery, when advised by Dr. Steinberg, she undertook a rigorous course of physical therapy, appreciating that her participation was critical in a total recovery. Mrs. Whorton says that the physical therapy she received from the JOI Rehabilitation Department was exceptional. Not only did she obtain excellent results but she never minded the time. “The therapists made me feel like family, like I was at home. There was always a lot of laughing and joking so I never dreaded my therapy sessions.”

When diagnosing Mrs. Whorton’s left shoulder problem, Dr. Steinberg informed her that, regrettably, at some point, she would also require similar treatment of her right shoulder. It wasn’t long after her initial surgery that the pain and loss of function escalated in her right shoulder. Because she is right-handed, simple activities like combing her hair or reaching for a glass out of the pantry became a problem. Mrs. Whorton laughingly recalls that prior to her right shoulder surgery, she went to the extent of moving her dishes to the floor because it was too difficult to lift her arm enough to reach what she needed from kitchen cabinets for meal preparation. “You don’t realize how performing even the simplest of tasks can impact your lifestyle, or how constant pain impacts your quality of life. “

Mrs. Whorton underwent a right shoulder total replacement almost a year to the day after her left shoulder surgery. Due to the success of both of her operations and her hard work in physical therapy, Mrs. Whorton can now raise her arms to reach whatever she desires, exercise, and sleep comfortably. Most importantly, she no longer has pain.

“My husband and I have watched Jacksonville grow over the course of many years. Institutions like JOI and caregivers like Dr. Steinberg are what make our medical community strong. I am eternally grateful for the care I received from Dr. Steinberg and others at JOI. I am happy to recommend him to anyone.”

James Petragnani believed that the tingling, pain and lack of function he was experiencing in his hands was the same bursitis that other family members had suffered. He assumed that nothing could be done to ease his discomfort or help with the ability to use his hands. “While I could fall asleep, I found myself waking up in the middle of the night with a tingling feeling in my hands. I’d move my hand around to try and make the feeling go away. Finally I would fall back asleep, but the disruption was taking a toll on me.” His wife also noticed that he was using his hands differently, and he seemed limited in his coordination. Mr. Petragnani explains that the ultimate test for him was when he could no longer click his fingers. “It may sound silly, but for me, when I could no longer make that motion, I realized I needed to see if there wasn’t something that could be done.”

Having undergone surgery for his knee while living elsewhere, Mr. Petragnani knew how important it was to find a doctor that is an expert in the field. He was new to town at the time, so he asked his daughter, who is in the medical field in Jacksonville, if she had any recommendations. She told him, that unquestionably, he needed to be seen at the Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute. Further, a friend who is a physical therapist suggested that he schedule an appointment with Bruce Steinberg, M.D., because of his reputation as an expert in problems from the fingertips to the shoulder.

Upon examination and testing, Dr. Steinberg diagnosed Mr. Petragnani with carpal tunnel syndrome. “Dr. Steinberg was very clear in his description of my problem and the procedure. He took the time to make a drawing of the hand and wrist, which was helpful to me as I tend to catch on much quicker with the use of pictures.” Mr. Petragnani was comforted to know that Dr. Steinberg routinely performs endoscopic carpal tunnel releases. “When you have a medical problem, especially one that requires surgery, you want to find someone who has performed the operation hundreds of times and has seen every variation. There was no question in my mind that Dr. Steinberg was just that person.”

Mr. Petragnani also appreciated that Dr. Steinberg was upfront about what he could expect post-operatively. “I was well-prepared for what I would experience immediately after the operation and into the future.” Dr. Steinberg preformed a right-sided endoscopic carpal tunnel release and a right index finger trigger digit release. Mr. Petragnani could not be more pleased with his surgery. “While Dr. Steinberg prescribed pain medication for after the surgery, I only took one pill. In my mind, that speaks to his extraordinary skill as a surgeon.” He goes on to say that he has obtained a very large portion of his functionality back and that has full mechanical ability to use his hands comfortably. Mr. Petragnani sleeps comfortably and can perform everyday tasks as he could in the past.

“I encourage others to carefully research their doctors. Find someone who has dealt with your kinds of issues on a daily basis, and most importantly, continuously achieves success in treatment. For me, Dr. Steinberg fulfilled that role in treating my carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger problems.”

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As a well-regarded general surgeon here in Jacksonville, Gary Bowers, M.D., knows the importance of having the most expert person possible operating on you. “I knew that with a skilled surgeon who was able to perform the surgery endoscopically, which would mean a smaller incision, I would have a good outcome and relatively quick recovery. My advice to anyone who is having symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome is to get a consultation. There’s no need to suffer with numbness, tingling, or pain, especially when the endoscopic carpal tunnel release is a relatively easy surgery from which to recover.” Many years ago, Dr. Bowers suffered with carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms in his right wrist, but admits that he let it linger for too long prior to seeking treatment. “When it got to the point where it felt like a hot poker in my wrist, I knew I needed to tend to it.” At that point, because the condition had persisted so long, performing the surgery endoscopically was not an option. He had the surgery and did not have any problems with his outcome, although he does have a several inch long scar extending from his palm down his wrist.

Seven years later, Dr. Bowers began waking up in the middle of the night with numbness in his left hand. “I was immediately cognizant of what was happening because I had been down that road before and knew where it was going to end. With the history of my right hand, it was not going to resolve on its own and was going to get worse. I decided that this time, I would not wait to have the surgery. I figured if I took care of it sooner rather than later, it would be able to be done endoscopically, which would mean a quicker and easier recovery than an open carpal tunnel release.”

Earlier Dr. Bowers had been asked by a friend, who also suffered with carpal tunnel syndrome, who she should consult for her condition. He asked colleagues, and Bruce Steinberg, M.D., expert in upper extremities, was mentioned time and again. He referred his friend, and she had a good experience. “A short time later, when I decided I needed to move forward with my left side, I again asked the people in the ORs who they would go to if they needed this surgery. As before, Dr. Steinberg’s name was mentioned repeatedly.” He met with Dr. Steinberg, who suggested that Dr. Bowers first undergo a nerve conduction test. “He wasn’t hard-sell in any way, nor was he quick to want to operate. He was very matter-of-fact, wanting to ensure an accurate diagnosis and most appropriate course of action.”

Dr. Steinberg did, in fact, diagnose Dr. Bowers with carpal tunnel syndrome and determined that an endoscopic carpal tunnel release was the best option. He performed the surgery on Dr. Bowers’ left side, with complete success.

Dr. Bowers says that he is happy to continue to recommend Dr. Steinberg. “My experience with him was extremely positive. I found him to be easy-going, yet at the same time professional and knowledgeable. While my livelihood is dependent upon my ability to use my hands, I would encourage anyone who is having pain or functionality issues with their upper extremities to meet with Dr. Steinberg.”

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Fred Butts had the good fortune to retire at an early age, with the intention of playing golf for many years. However, a few years ago, he noticed that his game was beginning to deteriorate. He experienced increasing shoulder weakness and had difficulty making shots that were easily part of his repertoire in the past. “One day, while I was doing some yard work and moving a wheelbarrow full of wet mulch, I knew that I had a serious problem with my shoulder. “ Sadly, Mr. Butts realized he could no longer play golf. He attended physical therapy, thinking and hoping that he was improving. He worked hard but in retrospect, believes that he probably exacerbated his situation. By about the twelfth week, Mr. Butts came to the conclusion that his situation was quite extreme and getting worse. In fact, even the simplest activities such as washing his hair, getting dressed or crossing his arm in front of his chest was difficult.

At that point, Mr. Butts’ doctor recommended that he seek the opinion of a specialist. As a former NASA engineer, and one who is used to seeking out facts and problem solving, Mr. Butts knew he needed to find the best to help him with his problem. In asking around, he heard that Bruce Steinberg, M.D. was an expert in all matters related to the upper extremities. “From the very first meeting with Dr. Steinberg, I was impressed with his professionalism and matter-of-fact dealings with me.”

Upon examination and testing, Dr. Steinberg diagnosed Mr. Butts with AC joint arthritis and a rotator cuff tear and that he would require surgery. “He said that he would do his part in the operating room, but it would require that I put in 100% afterwards in physical therapy to obtain the desired optimal result.” Mr. Butts continues to say that he appreciates Dr. Steinberg appropriately setting expectations for after the surgery. “I was willing to work hard and do whatever it took; I liked knowing that I had some level of control in my recovery. I believe that this appropriate expectation setting had a profound impact on my outcome and the fact that I knew what I was going to have to do after the surgery.”

Dr. Steinberg performed a surgery consisting of a left shoulder arthroscopy with acromioplasty, distal clavicle excision, SLAP repair and rotator cuff tear debridement. At this point, Mr. Butts could not be happier with the outcome of his surgery as well as the physical therapy that was provided by the JOI rehabilitation department. Approximately 8 months after his surgery Mr. Butts returned to competitive golf. Remarkably, he placed first in a field of 80 golfers in his initial tournament after surgery! “If someone would have told me I’d be winning golf tournaments after shoulder surgery, I’m not sure I would have believed it. In fact, my handicap is the same now that it was prior to the onset of my shoulder problems. I am grateful to Dr. Steinberg and his skill in helping me to get back to the golf game that I love and that helps to make my retirement so enjoyable.”

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Joe Schmalzried, an active, “always on the go” kind of guy, participates in athletics and enjoys working at a golf course. Unfortunately, several years ago he suffered a radial head fracture of his right elbow after a 22 foot fall. Since the time of that injury, he experienced ongoing problems with his right elbow but the discomfort was never enough to prevent him from participating in the sports he loves. That is, until one day while doing yard work, his right elbow locked up. The pain was great enough that Mr. Schmalzried could barely move his arm. “I’m the kind of guy who likes to be busy; golf and bowling are some of my favorite activities. However, after my elbow locked up, the pain kept me from doing much of anything.”

It was at this time that Mr. Schmalzried went to see Bruce Steinberg, M.D. Upon examination and testing, Dr. Steinberg diagnosed Mr. Schmalzried with loose bodies in the right elbow as well as arthritis throughout the elbow joint. Dr. Steinberg recommended a right elbow arthroscopy.

“With the elbow problems, I have seen a lot of doctors over the years. Dr. Steinberg handled our meeting just right. He broke down my condition and the procedure into simple layman’s terms. I understood what he was saying and how it related to my body. I also knew what to expect after the surgery.”

Fortunately, Mr. Schmalzried recovered quickly, and he did not require any physical therapy. He has been able to resume and enjoy all of his normal activities. “Dr. Steinberg gave me new life in the elbow. I have complete range of motion in the arm, and anything I ask it to do, it does.” Mr. Schmalzried continues to say that he could not be more satisfied with the care he received from Dr. Steinberg. “The outcome was much better than I ever expected. I am 110% happy with the operation and I gladly recommend Dr. Steinberg to anyone who needs an exceptional orthopaedic surgeon--one who is skilled, both in the operating room and also in communicating with patients.”

Monica C. knows about athletics and the human body as a physical education teacher, college basketball referee and former collegiate athlete. So when she dove to catch a ball during a softball game, she realized that the pain in her shoulder was more than just a simple muscle strain. “The pain was fairly intense, but I finished out the game,” Ms. C. recounts. “As an athlete, I’m use to minor injuries, but it was obvious this was something more.” She could not lift her arm and her range of motion was severely hampered thereby making her job as a PE teacher extremely difficult.

A family member has been in the medical field in Jacksonville for years, so Ms. C. turned to her for advice about what doctor she should consult. “There was no hesitation. She knew how important it was for me to get the best care possible, because my livelihood and hobbies all revolve around athletics.” Ms. C. met with Bruce Steinberg, M.D., specialist in upper extremities. Upon examination and testing, Dr. Steinberg diagnosed her with rotator cuff and labral tears. Ms. C. found Dr. Steinberg to be personable and very intent on helping to get her back to work and the referee job so important to her. “At first we tried some non-invasive techniques, but they just didn’t do the trick.” So Dr. Steinberg performed a left shoulder arthroscopy with acromioplasty, anterior labral repair and rotator cuff repair.

Ms. C. appreciates that Dr. Steinberg was very honest with her about what would be required to achieve a full recovery after her surgery. She readily admits that she tends to “push the envelope” when it comes to her physicality, and Dr. Steinberg told her that she needed to follow the physical therapy protocol exactly. “As much as I wanted to hurry the process, he was adamant that I follow a good, sensible program of physical therapy. He reminded me that the ultimate goal was a healthy shoulder for life, not just for my current interests and desired level of activity.”

Ms. C. attended physical therapy at JOI Rehabilitation three times a week, and did everything as advised. She worked hard and replicated at home the exercises she was taught at therapy. In doing as recommended, Ms. C. is now back to her previous level of activity. “I have zero pain, and 100% of my strength has returned. I can lift a substantial amount of weight, and I referee for seven college basketball leagues.” Ms. C. continues, “I am grateful for the care Dr. Steinberg provided me. Obviously he figured out quickly that I am the kind of person who will push herself to do more, and he helped me to be smart about recovering in the best way possible. I have already recommended him to another friend, and will continue to do so for anyone who needs help with shoulder, arm and hand problems.”

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