Unexcused Dislocation (she said)
by Heather 26 Mar 2012The Injury
On March 4th while Kent carried a large, metal box containing a race timing display to the finish of the Bear Trap race course at Beaver Creek, his feet (in only his ski boots) punched through the snow, trapping his legs and pitching him onto the box. His left shoulder took the full impact and promptly dislocated, damaging most of the soft tissues of his shoulder.
The Doctor
Because Kent’s injury happened at work and in uniform, his medical bills will be covered by workman’s comp thanks to Vail Resorts. We saw lots of concern in friends’ eyes when we mentioned Kent would be treated by a workman’s comp doctor. As soon as we mentioned Dr. William Sterett’s name, their faces would light up. “He did my shoulder, my knee, my friend’s ACL” we heard over and over again. Many thanks to the kind folks at Avon Occupational Health, especially Rochelle, who used her connections to set Kent up with the surgical “A” team of the Valley.
Not only is Dr. Sterett a beloved local doctor (folks say it’s difficult for him to make it through the grocery store in a timely fashion since he runs into pleased patients in nearly every aisle), he also happens to be the head doctor for the US Women’s Alpine Ski Team and the team doctor for the US Olympic Team. Kent couldn’t help but notice (and photograph) the 2010 Olympic bibs from Lindsey Vonn and Julia Mancuso in his office!
The Surgery
So when it came time for his surgery on March 20th at Vail Valley Surgery Center, we knew he’d be in expert hands. The procedure went well, although Kent did such an excellent job tearing up his shoulder that Dr. Sterett invited several colleagues come around to gawk at the extent of the damage. The surgery center staff took wonderful care of Kent, seamlessly integrating his treatment with Vail Summit Orthopaedics. The entire staff there are absolutely at the top of their game.
The Recovery
Sadly, Kent’s ski season is officially over, as is his golf season, and his windsurfing season. For the next six months, he will need to limit his activities to snapping his fingers to summon me to peel and feed him grapes! He now works in the offices of the Race Department rather than out on the hill and spends his time sorting through the archives digging out, preserving and digitizing the official FIS (International Ski Federation) plans for every official race held here since the 1960’s in preparation for the 2015 World Alpine Ski Championships. His daily routine includes physical therapy, an uncomfortable [Kent’s note: painful] process, although with Mary and Shannon at the Howard Head Rehab Center in charge of his PT, he couldn’t be in better hands. He takes some sort of medicine every few hours throughout the day and night. His schedule involves waking at 2 am, eating a snack, taking pills, and returning to bed only to have the pill alarm awaken him again at 6 am.
The Support
A few local friends have been through shoulder surgery, and they have been advising him as well as loaning him some clever devices which made the ordeal easier. Thanks for the loans from our friends Elizabeth for the LaFuma Recliner and Susan for the Ossur Cold Rush! We can’t recommend these devices enough if you have shoulder surgery.
I am sorry you had to do such a bang up job on your shoulder but ….am so glad that you had Dr. Sterett as your surgeon. Knowing you, I think I do, you will put everything into your physical therapy and into returning to your former self or shoulder. Tell your doctor that your mother in law is very appreciative of his skills. Please get well as soon as possible. And remind Heather that I know from experience that she is a good “nurse.”
Well, leave it to Kent to do a good job but injuries do not need to be done well ! Sorry Kent, know this is not the way you planed to spend six months, get better soon.
Mend well and soon, Kent. Ski injuries suck; I’ve had my share.
I’ve passed The Versatile Blogger award on to you guys here. Your blog is a fascinating look at a lifestyle most of us only dream of having. More details on my blog, should you chose to accept. Thanks for the great reads!
Thanks for the award, Jonathan! I enjoyed reading your blog, especially the tips for writers!
Thank you very much!
Sorry to hear the news and welcome to the club! You know my eventual dislocation in 2005 had its start on Mt St Anne in 1987 IIRC. After 37 rehab visits, I can tell you that you want them to hurt you as soon as you can. Range of motion is your goal. Have fun.