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Mar 25, 2016 Reporting from Niles, MI
On the Mend - Charles Burgoyne
https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/medical-services/orthopedic-care/our-orthopedic-patients-say-it-best/Detail/On-the-Mend/2d3c57ad-c230-6723-add8-ff0000ca780f/
Mar 25, 2016
Mar 25, 2016
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
Orthopedic surgeons are specially trained to help patients manage certain conditions, relieve pain, restore mobility and independence, or return to work and other daily activities. To find an orthopedic surgeon near you, contact us.&nb
On the Mend - Charles Burgoyne
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
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On the Mend - Charles Burgoyne
Mar, 2016
Physicians: Justin Sybesma MD
Orthopedic surgeons are specially trained to help patients manage certain conditions, relieve pain, restore mobility and independence, or return to work and other daily activities. To find an orthopedic surgeon near you, contact us.
When Charles Burgoyne, a 65-year-old Buchanan resident, fell on a patch of ice in the winter of 2003, he wasn’t aware of the damage it did to his shoulder, until years later.
Charles had worked as a steel laborer for many years – a job that involved a lot of heavy lifting. In the years following the fall, the pain in Charles’s shoulder became worse as he continued to work and lift heavy objects. Then a year ago, everything went downhill. The pain Charles felt in his shoulder became unbearable.
When he finally met with orthopedic surgeon, Justin Sybesma MD, at Lakeland Orthopedics in Niles, he knew that there was something seriously wrong. The pain turned out to be a bone spur in Charles’ shoulder.
Bone spurs, or osteophytes, are raised ridges of bone that develop on the edges of bones, often where two bones meet. They are usually caused by joint damage of some kind.
Dr. Sybesma addressed the problem quickly, avoiding shots or medication, and instead suggesting surgery. Charles agreed, and Dr. Sybesma performed the necessary procedure to fix the arthritis in Charles’ shoulder and remove the bone spur, as well as dig out scar tissue and any remaining bone fragments.
“I really liked Dr. Sybesma, he was straightforward but a real gentleman,” said Charles.
After a successful surgery, Dr. Sybesma showed Charles the bone spur that had been causing him so much pain. He was shocked to see it was half the size of his pinky. “I had tried to ignore it, but no wonder the pain kept getting worse,” he said.
With time and rehabilitation, Charles has regained most of the range of motion in his shoulder. He is glad for the progress that has been made, but understands that “you have to stay with it.” Before his surgery, he could barely perform simple tasks around the house. Now, he looks forward to getting back to taking care of the yard and going out and getting a job again. “I’m improving – slowly but surely,” said Charles, a change he is grateful Lakeland Heath was able to provide.