Dr. Ben Service

09/16/2025

Congratulations to Dr. Julie Bishop and Dr. Jay Keener for an incredible 2025 Masters Shoulder Symposium in Nashville, Tennessee! A special thanks to the entire Stryker Upper Extremities team, including Colleen Flesher, Jon Hebel, Matt Kuester, Mike Beck, Lauren Unger, Kevin Knox, Rob Moore, Anthony Dalaly, Travis Geels & the Med Education team with Andrew Shelton, Tim Stone, Yasmin Nairoukh, Kathryn Klundt, Nina Mundschenk, and Shari Mathewson for their hard work in making this an innovative and high-impact course. It was an honor to work with the world-class faculty team from around the globe.

A special highlight was learning from Dr. Gilles Walch, a true legend of shoulder replacement surgery. His innovations and research will continue to make an impact for many years to come.

09/12/2025

No two patients are the same — and that’s especially true in shoulder replacement surgery.

I use 3D preoperative planning to understand each patient’s unique anatomy and challenges. In some cases, I also use 3D-printed, patient-specific surgical guides. These are custom-made for one patient only, helping translate the digital plan directly into the operating room.

Patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) can improve accuracy in both total and reverse shoulder arthroplasty. While not always necessary, it’s a valuable tool. That said, as Dr. Matsen put it: “The surgeon is the method.”

Technology plays an important role in modern shoulder surgery, but it doesn’t replace surgical training, experience, and the patient-surgeon relationship.

References:
Raiss et al. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2020
Gauci et al. Bone Joint J. 2016
Walch et al. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2015
Hwang et al. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2023

12/25/2024

Merry Christmas!

🎄🕊️🍪

10/19/2024

And it’s a wrap! ASES 2024 is in the books! San Antonio was a great host city and a lot of fun.

This conference was a whirlwind of teaching, learning and connecting. It was great to see Dr. Jeremy Somerson who practices nearby in Texas! Should I get a cowboy hat for the next conference in Texas?

Congratulations to Dr. Jed Kuhn for his leadership and work as President of the ASES. As you can imagine, I loved that he said “Service and the ASES. It’s in our DNA.”

Another congratulations to new ASES President who is an incredible physician and leader!

08/19/2024

“The shouldler fracture healed, so everything will be perfect–right doc?”

Patients may ask this type of question after having shoulder fractures that affect the proximal humerus or “ball” of the ball-and-socket joint. After the fracture is healed, the shoulder still will likely have limitations. We call these changes to shoulder movement, strength, alignment, and overall function “post-traumatic fracture sequelae.” These patients often will have decreased range of motion, but often can do very well. Some patients after treatment of a shoulder fracture can also go on to develop post-traumatic arthritis of the glenohumeral joint (a.k.a., the ball-and-socket joint) of the shoulder. That’s what happened to this patient.

This patient was injured in their 50s and had fixation of a complex proximal humerus fracture with a plate secured with multiple screws. Glenoid stabilization was also performed. Severe post-traumatic arthritis developed. The patient had 7/10 pain that was worsened with movement. Range-of-motion was markedly decreased. The patient had preop 3D preoperative planning for revision/complex primary shoulder replacement. RSA was chosen as the implant of choice.

At the time of surgery, biopsies were obtained to check for infection. These cultures were negative for growth; a short course of oral antibiotics was used while awaiting final results. The hardware was removed, and RSA components were placed with a full-wedge augmented baseplate. This was chosen to preserve glenoid bone stock, restore glenoid version, and offer 8 mm of lateralization. The glenoid side lateralization helped to decrease the risk of glenoid notching. The humeral side was reconstructed with a short-stem inlay component due to the humeral deformity.

Here we can see the result six months after surgery. The patient has good overhead motion and rotation as well.

Post-traumatic fracture sequelae can be challenging to manage whether done in a single episode or staged surgical treatment. What would you do differently? What would you do for post surgery PT?

03/17/2024

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Feeling the luck of the Irish today!

03/10/2024

Volunteering at the is even better with great colleagues! It was great working with Dr. Andrew Carbone, our fellow Dr. Joe Wazen and Dr. George Eldayrie. Proud to work with many more awesome team members as part of the and medical team. What is your favorite part of the event?

12/25/2023

Christmas is a time to cherish the smaller wonders, the warmth of loved ones gathered around a crackling fire, the carols that fill the air, and the delicious aroma of festive treats wafting through the kitchen.

Beyond the twinkling lights and lively music, let's remember the true essence of Christmas: love, hope, joy and God's peace that we all need during what can be a stressful season. I pray you have a blessed time with loved ones and embrace the spirit of giving with open arms. Let's be the light that shines in the darkness, the melody that brings harmony, and the hope that whispers promise of a brighter tomorrow.

This Christmas, let's wrap ourselves in gratitude, not just for the gifts under the tree, but for the gift of life itself, the wonder of creation, and the precious connections that bind us together. I hope your holiday season is filled with laughter, heartwarming memories, and the comforting warmth of togetherness.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas filled with love, joy, and blessings galore! ✨

12/11/2023

🏂 Winter Adventures and Recovery! 🏂

Now that you've prepped your body for winter, let's dive into the next set of tips focusing on gear, recovery, and the joy of winter activities:

Gear Check:
Ensure your equipment is in good condition. Whether it's skis, snowboards, or any other winter gear, properly maintained equipment can prevent accidents and injuries.

Strength Training Matters:
Keep your muscles strong to support your joints. Incorporate strength training exercises into your routine to enhance stability and reduce the risk of orthopedic injuries.

Mind the Ice:
Be cautious when walking on icy surfaces. Walk with small steps, wear shoes with good traction, and use handrails when available. Falls on ice can lead to fractures and other injuries.

Post-Activity Recovery:
After a day of winter fun, give your body the recovery it deserves. Stretch, use ice or heat as needed, and get a good night's sleep to allow your muscles and joints to heal.

Consult Your Orthopedic Specialist:
If you experience persistent pain or discomfort, don't hesitate to consult with your orthopedic surgeon. Early intervention can prevent small issues from becoming more serious problems.

Enjoy the winter season with these tips! Stay active, stay safe, and make the most of your snowy adventures! ❄🎉

12/07/2023

🏂 Winter Ortho Health Tips ❄

As an orthopedic surgeon, I'm here to help you enjoy the season while keeping your ortho health in check.

Here are some tips to prep your body for winter adventures:

Warm-Up Like a Pro:
Cold temperatures can make your muscles and joints stiff. Warm up with dynamic stretches before hitting the slopes or engaging in winter activities. This primes your body for action and reduces the risk of injuries.

Layer Up and Stay Dry:
Proper insulation is key. Layering not only keeps you warm but also protects your muscles and joints from the cold. Wet clothing can lead to hypothermia and exacerbate joint pain, so stay dry to stay healthy.

Mind Your Footwear:
Choose winter boots that provide good ankle support and traction. Falls on icy surfaces can lead to fractures or sprains, so invest in quality footwear to keep you stable and safe.

Stay Hydrated:
Even in cold weather, hydration is crucial. Dehydration can increase the risk of muscle cramps and strains. Drink water regularly, and limit your intake of dehydrating beverages like caffeine and alcohol.

Listen to Your Body:
Pay attention to any pain or discomfort. If something doesn't feel right, don't push through it. Rest and recover to prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.

Enjoy the winter season with these tips! Stay active, stay safe, and make the most of your snowy adventures! ❄🎉

12/01/2023

The Gift of Quality Time: Connecting with friends and family this December

As the year draws to a close and the festive spirit fills the air, the most important of the holiday season isn't the gifts we exchange, but in the moments we share with our loved ones. Quality time with family and friends is the most valuable gift we can give.

In our busy schedules, we often find ourselves caught up in our own worlds, neglecting the connections that truly matter. This December, let's make a conscious effort to slow down, reconnect with our loved ones, and cherish the moments together.

Quality time doesn't have to be grand gestures or expensive outings. It's about being present, engaged, and creating shared experiences that strengthen your bonds. Here are some ideas to spark your creativity:

Gather around the table: Share a meal, engage in lively conversations, and reminisce about old times.

Embrace the outdoors: Go for a hike, explore nature, or simply enjoy a picnic in the park. Instead of an office meeting, go outside for a walk! This is also helpful to avoid low Vitamin D, which is formed while spending time in sunlight.

Unleash your creativity: Engage in art projects, play games, or explore new hobbies together.

Volunteer together: Give back to the community and create a positive impact together.

Relive cherished traditions: Revisit family customs and create new ones that will be passed down through generations.

How will you connect with friends and family this December?

11/24/2023