UC Davis Health is expanding access to advanced shoulder care, including procedures not widely offered at hospitals in the U.S.
The new procedures treat shoulder instability, major rotator cuff injuries and more. They are the latest example of continued growth for the UC Davis Sports Medicine Program, which is focused on improving access to the most advanced orthopaedic care for patients.
Surgeons also regularly take part in advanced training to enhance the team's expertise. For example, orthopaedic surgeon Christopher Bayne recently completed a six-month fellowship at the Institut de Chirurgie Réparatrice Locomoteur et du Sport, an internationally renowned center for shoulder surgery in Nice, France. During the fellowship training, he worked under one of the world's foremost shoulder surgeons, Pascal Boileau. Bayne gained experience in advanced surgical techniques for several complex shoulder conditions.
"My goal is to bring the most advanced, evidence-based shoulder techniques to our patients while continuing to refine how we treat complex conditions in active individuals," Bayne said. "Training in an internationally recognized center at the forefront of advanced shoulder surgery provided exposure to procedures that remain limited in availability in the United States. I'm excited to integrate those techniques into our program at UC Davis."
Expertise gained by surgeons who pursue fellowship training has an impact throughout the health system, said Chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery R. Lor Randall.
"Having faculty pursue advanced international training and then bring that expertise back to UC Davis Health benefits our entire program and, most importantly, our patients," Randall said. "This reflects the strength of our academic mission, where individual growth contributes to collective excellence."
Advancing comprehensive shoulder care
Bayne's fellowship training included experience in several advanced shoulder procedures:
- Arthroscopic Latarjet This minimally invasive arthroscopic approach is now available for UC Davis Health patients whose shoulder keeps slipping out of place, particularly serious athletes. Bayne trained with the surgeon who pioneered and refined this technique. It repositions a small piece of bone and muscle to serve as a natural stabilizer. This helps keep the shoulder from dislocating again.
- Pyrocarbon hemiarthroplasty. This is a bone-preserving partial shoulder replacement option for some younger, active patients. Bayne learned from one of the international leaders involved in developing the implant and surgical technique. He and other surgeons are now providing the technique at UC Davis Health. It replaces just the damaged part of the upper arm rather than the entire shoulder joint.
- Advanced shoulder reconstruction with tendon transfer. This is used when a person's shoulder tendons are too damaged to repair, such as with a massive rotator cuff tear. It is sometimes combined with a shoulder replacement. The technique has been available at UC Davis Health but Bayne's expertise was enhanced by training with the surgeon who developed the technique. It repositions nearby tendons so they can take over the work of the injured ones.
"We are particularly proud when faculty invest in their own development as academic surgeons," Randall said. "That commitment translates directly into better care, expanded access, and continued advancement of our program."
UC Davis Sports Medicine provides orthopaedic care through teams of specialists working at several locations, including Folsom, Davis, Rocklin, and more. Providers work together to ensure care is integrated.
See a complete list of locations.
Learn how to make an appointment with the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.
