041: Glenohumeral Stabilization for Patients with Hypermobility Syndromes with Dr. Tamara Scerpella

Patients with hypermobility syndromes who present with shoulder instability have traditionally been told to go to therapy. But what if therapy is not enough?  Join Dr. Tamara Scerpella as she explains how she evaluates and treats this challenging issue. She goes into details regarding surgical procedure, sling use, protocol and rehabilitation post-surgically for capsular shift or tightening. Listen for key takeaways regarding precautions and contraindications once the glenohumeral joint stability is restored!  We hope you enjoy the interview!

Dr. Tamara Scerpella earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Iowa, where she competed as a Division I gymnast, and her medical degree from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. In 1985 she first came to Wisconsin for her residency in orthopedic surgery at UW Hospitals and Clinics. After three years in private practice in Monroe, Wisconsin, she completed a fellowship in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore. She was a member of the faculty at the State University of New York Upstate Medical University in Syracuse for 16 years before returning to UW-Madison in 2010.

Dr. Scerpella holds the AA McBeath Distinguished Professorship as Chair of the Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation. She is also the Chief of the Division of Sports Medicine and Team Physician for UW-Madison Badger Athletics. Among other accolades, she has earned the UW-Madison Slesinger Award for Excellence in Mentoring and the Woman in Science Award from the American Medical Women’s Association. Dr. Scerpella is a national expert in arthroscopic shoulder and knee surgery. An accomplished researcher, she leads a longitudinal study evaluating the impact of youth physical activity on bone health across the lifespan. This study, which Dr. Scerpella began early in her career, is now the longest and one of the most robust of its kind. Her research group has shown that physical activity during childhood and adolescence improves bone health in adulthood. At UW-Madison, she has spearheaded efforts for researchers to acquire high-quality data on patient outcomes, inspiring faculty to improve patient care through research and clinical trials.

Dr. Scerpella strives to be a role model for women in medicine and advocates for gender diversity in the department and nationally, particularly in orthopedic surgery, which is the least diverse of all medical specialties. Only 6% of practicing orthopedic surgeons in the United States are women, according to data reported by the Association of American Medical Colleges, but through Scerpella’s mentorship and leadership, women now comprise 30% of orthopedic surgeon faculty and 37% of total faculty in the department.