Internationally Recognized Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Anthony Romeo—Chicago, Illinois

From Ladies Home Journal, September 2008

Baseball, football, golf, tennis, badminton, volleyball, squash, swimming, gymnastics...Different sports, but like almost all athletic activities, they share one important characteristic: risk for injury to the shoulder or elbow.

Most of us may think that serious shoulder or elbow injuries only affect professional athletes, but the truth is that they can happen to virtually anyone at any level of any sport. In fact, over 13 million Americans make doctor visits every year for shoulder and elbow problems, for everything from tennis elbows and arthritis to frozen shoulders and torn rotator cuffs.

"Problems related to the shoulder and elbow are among the most common orthopaedic complaints," notes orthopaedic surgeon Anthony Romeo, M.D. "Thankfully, in the past several years, we've made tremendous advances in the treatment and rehabilitation of these injured joints."

"Now, with minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery, we are capable of managing and resolving almost all problems related to the shoulder and elbow on an outpatient basis that speeds recovery and reduces discomfort without compromise for an excellent outcome."

Recognized on an international level as a world expert in the treatment of the most complex shoulder and elbow cases, Dr. Romeo is one of only a handful of U.S. surgeons who routinely perform rotator cuff repairs, including revision repairs, using all arthroscopic techniques. What's more, Dr. Romeo performs more shoulder replacements than any other surgeon in the state of Illinois and has designed an advanced shoulder replacement system for the treatment of arthritis.

Specialized Care for Optimal Outcomes

Although all orthopaedic surgeons are trained to manage and treat all musculoskeletal conditions and some further their education through fellowship training in sports medicine, very few orthopaedic surgeons have attained Dr. Romeo's level of expertise as a dedicated specialist in shoulder and elbow care.

As such, not only is Dr. Romeo able to provide each of his patients with the most appropriate diagnosis and treatment, but he also has the advanced skill and experience necessary to develop sophisticated surgical techniques and address even the most difficult patient situations, including those that involve surgical revision for previously failed operations. Dr. Romeo is also deeply involved with ongoing clinical research to improve the future of orthopaedic medicine.

"One of the most important orthopaedic problems we face today is the treatment of torn rotator cuffs," Dr. Romeo says. "Through scientific research, we are now learning how to make the repaired tendons and ligaments stronger. For patients, that means a faster, more complete healing process and increased mobility following treatment."

"We are always looking for new ways to make the lives of our patients better," Dr. Romeo continues. "Life is a sport—and I want every individual I treat to enjoy it to its fullest."