After years of shoulder pain, a fractured humerus, and a long search for answers, 68-year-old Carla Evans was thankful to find a surgeon whose advanced training is matched by an uncommon level of personal care.
Evans, a retired air traffic controller who spent three decades in one of the country’s most stressful professions, describes orthopedic surgeon Chris Treat, D.O., as the steady, reassuring presence she needed as she navigated two major shoulder issues — including a reverse shoulder replacement that restored nearly all her strength and mobility.
Her first experience with Dr. Treat came after a fracture in her right shoulder. Conflicting opinions from other orthopedists left her frustrated and ready to drive to the Mayo Clinic. But before she ever stepped into his office, Dr. Treat called her at home to check on her and arranged to see her within days. His calm explanation — that her shoulder would likely heal without surgery and that waiting posed no risk — was the first clear guidance she had received. Weeks later, a Mayo Clinic specialist confirmed his assessment almost verbatim.
Reverse shoulder replacement
Years later, when pain developed in her left shoulder, Evans returned to Dr. Treat. At first, he suspected her neck was contributing to the problem and coordinated imaging and conservative care. But when scans revealed a full-thickness rotator cuff tear that had completely detached from the bone, the path forward became clear. As Dr. Treat explained the anatomy and the limitations of repair, Evans realized a replacement was inevitable.
Dr. Treat recommended a reverse shoulder replacement, a procedure he performs frequently with the assistance of advanced surgical mapping technology.
“For the longest time, shoulder replacement surgery was considered a good pain-relieving procedure, but without great function, as patients couldn’t use their arm anymore,” said Dr. Treat, a fellowship-trained shoulder surgeon. “Now with a reverse shoulder replacement, during which we replace the rotator cuff, the pain is gone, and patients will regain the use of their arm. They can go back to what they were doing before the trouble.”
Evans said her surgery took only about 12 minutes — a reflection, she believes, of his precision and experience. She also credits the short operative time for her smooth recovery, noting that less time under retraction can mean less trauma to surrounding tissues. Evans worked diligently on her physical therapy, but she believes the foundation was set in the operating room.
Excellent progress
Five months later, Evans has regained about 95% of her range of motion and strength. Her other physicians — including her pain management specialist and long-term primary care doctor — were stunned by her progress. “They couldn’t believe how well I could move,” she said. “My pain doctor told me it was the best outcome he’d ever seen.”
She’s now back to painting — a favorite activity she shares with her husband Don, while remodeling rental homes — and says she can use her left arm as freely as she needs to.
What stands out most to her, though, is the way Dr. Treat cares for people. She says he never rushes, even when running behind, and gives each patient his full attention. “He explains everything in a way you can understand,” she said. “He treats you like family.”
For Evans, that combination of expertise and genuine care made all the difference.