SPORTS MEDICINE
Dante, like many active people in their 60s, has sustained some injuries along the way. Two years ago, he underwent rotator cuff surgery on his left shoulder with Dr. J. Winslow Alford, sports medicine and shoulder surgeon at Ortho Rhode Island.
The surgery was a success, and his physical therapy regimen helped him regain strength in his left arm. However, he knew that his right shoulder was also damaged and would likely need surgical intervention. Dante heard clicking in his right shoulder when he moved it and felt pain and weakness on that side.
“Even though I retired, I’m active. I still work out daily and love to hunt and fish. I also enjoy playing sports with my grandkids – I knew I couldn’t keep up with my life with my shoulder being in this much pain,” said Dante.
In 2026, he went back to Dr. Alford, who concluded that his right shoulder needed more than a rotator cuff repair. He referred Dante to his colleague, Dr. Nathan Howlett, sports medicine and shoulder surgeon at Ortho Rhode Island and Chief of Orthopedics at South County Hospital.
After a thorough review of Dante’s history and an examination, Dr. Howlett and Dante determined together that a reverse total shoulder replacement was his best treatment option. The procedure replaces the damaged shoulder joint with an implant, and switches the natural anatomy of the shoulder, reversing the positions of the “ball” and the “socket”. This can be useful for patients who suffer from irreparable rotator cuff issues.
In April 2026, Dante underwent successful outpatient surgery at the Ortho RI Surgery Center in Warwick, RI. The surgery was performed utilizing innovative Mako SmartRobotics™ technology. Prior to the operation, Dr. Howlett used 3D CT-based scans to create a personalized surgical plan based on Dante’s anatomy. In the operating room, Dr. Howlett utilized robotic-assisted tools to help guide the placement of the implant.
Ortho Rhode Island is the first in the state to offer this technology, with Dr. Howlett performing the state’s first robotic assisted shoulder replacement earlier this year.
Three days later, Dante began physical therapy. He was soon able to sleep in his own bed instead of on a recliner and made quick progress by getting out of his sling after only two weeks.
Now, Dante is looking forward to resuming pond fishing with his grandson, and wants to get back outdoors.
“My PT is aware of my desire to go back to bow hunting - my compound bow has a 65-pound pull on it. So along with my physical therapy, I’m doing strength training to use bands to parallel the pull that I would feel with a bow,” explained Dante.
Another way Dante stays active is by swimming – he likes being in the pool with his grandkids but also wants to return to doing laps. “Since I quickly got my range of motion back and have lots of flexibility, that’s a possibility this summer,” said Dante.
Dante was elated by his post-surgical visit with Dr. Howlett: “I feel 100 percent. He’s a rock star!”
“Dante likes being active and the pain in his right shoulder wasn’t allowing him to hunt, fish, work out or even simply swim with his grandkids. I’m thrilled that we were able to create and execute a surgical plan designed to get him back to the active lifestyle that he’s always enjoyed,” said Dr. Howlett.
“Between Drs. Alford and Howlett, both of their care was exceptional. They’re both young doctors who use modern techniques and are committed to getting movement back quickly,” said Dante. “From pre-op to recovery, the whole team at Ortho RI – surgeons, physical therapists, PAs, administrative staff, anesthesiologists, etc. - was fantastic.”
Learn more about sports medicine care with Dr. Howlett
