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Orthopedic Shoulder Specialist in
Lexington, KY

Leading Shoulder Doctors
in Kentucky

Are you looking to stay active but worried about shoulder pain? The board-certified orthopedic experts at Bluegrass Orthopaedics in Lexington, KY, understand how upper extremity injuries can sideline you from the activities you love. Shoulder injuries are common for people who participate in recreational sports, perform repetitive tasks at work, or have experienced past trauma or injuries.

At the Bluegrass Orthopaedics based in Lexington, KY, our fellowship-trained specialists treat shoulder conditions such as:

At Bluegrass Orhopaedics, we cater to patients of all ages, from children to seniors, and can customize a treatment plan to suit each individual's needs. Explore our "Comeback Champions'' section to learn about some of our many success stories!


elbow pain

What do I Do If I Need
Shoulder Surgery?

We specialize in addressing shoulder conditions at Bluegrass Orthopaedics in Lexington, KY. While some rotator cuff issues can be managed through non-surgical methods like activity modification, physical therapy, injections, and anti-inflammatory medications, surgical interventions may be necessary for others.

Our expert surgeons perform a variety of shoulder surgeries, including tendon transfers, fracture repairs, joint replacements, rotator cuff repairs, instability surgeries, and arthroscopic procedures.

For patients with irreparable rotator cuff damage and limited overhead function, our team offers innovative solutions like reverse shoulder replacement, which can enhance the range of motion and alleviate pain. If you're experiencing shoulder discomfort, consult our experienced team to explore your treatment options. At Bluegrass Orthopaedics, our fellowship-trained shoulder specialists diagnose and treat various upper extremity conditions, serving the Lexington, KY community.

What are the Signs I Need
Shoulder Surgery?

  • Persistent pain that limits your daily activities
  • Difficulty lifting or reaching overhead
  • Weakness in the shoulder muscles
  • Instability or dislocation of the shoulder joint
  • Limited range of motion despite physical therapy and other interventions
Patients with rotator cuff problems can receive non-surgical treatment through activity modification, physical therapy, injections, and anti-inflammatory medication.

Our surgeons also provide surgical treatments for shoulder conditions, including tendon transfers, fracture work, joint replacement, rotator cuff and instability surgeries, and arthroscopic repairs. For patients with irreparable rotator cuff and loss of overhead function, reverse shoulder replacement is a viable option that can improve range of motion and eliminate pain.

How Long Does it Take to Recover From Shoulder Surgery?


Our team of board-certified and fellowship trained orthopedic surgeons will guide you through every step of your procedure and recovery process before your surgery. The recovery process after shoulder surgery varies for each patient. However, assuming no complications arise and you attend all your follow-up appointments and physical therapy sessions, patients must have met the complete recovery standards within six months to one year after their operation. During the first six weeks of post-operative recovery, you may need to wear a sling to immobilize the joint, which will help facilitate optimal healing.

Expert Shoulder Care with
Bluegrass Orthopaedics

Whether you're dealing with a rotator cuff injury, shoulder replacement, fracture repair, or instability, our fellowship-trained surgeons are equipped to offer personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs. From children to seniors, we cater to patients of all ages, ensuring everyone receives the highest standard of care. Take the first step towards recovery by scheduling a consultation with our shoulder surgery specialists at Bluegrass Orthopaedics in Lexington, KY. Your comeback story starts here.

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Serving
Near You

WE CAN HELP
TRUST THE BEST

Comeback Champion:
Sydney Parker

BGO's Champion patient comes from London, KY - Ms. Sydney Parker. Sydney is an animal lover, and was injured after a fall from her horse in October of 2018. She fractured and dislocated her elbow, which unfortunately led to surgery in October of 2018 - a complicated procedure that required an open reduction internal fixation as well as an ulnar nerve decompression and transposition. Sydney had fractured her trochlea, lateral condyle of her elbow, as well as her olecranon.

a woman wearing a hat
It was the day after Christmas and my daughter kept asking me to ride her new hover board she had gotten, and I kept saying, “No I will fall off of it”. She kept insisting I ride it and you probably know where this story is going.... It was the day after Christmas and my daughter kept asking me to ride her new hover board she had gotten, and I kept saying, “No I will fall off of it”. She kept insisting I ride it and you probably know where this story is going. To make a long story short, I rode it and fell off of it breaking the radial head in multiple pieces. This happened around 9:00 pm and I had already made up my mind after it happened that I was not going to the emergency room that night as the pain was minimal. I knew first thing the next morning I was going to call Bluegrass Orthpeodics. The only opening they had was for the clinic in Georgetown and without any hesitation I said I will take it. It is well worth the two plus hours it takes to get there from my hometown. The x-ray confirmed the fracture and they scheduled and MRI and appointment with Dr. Donegan. Needless to say he explained the procedure and how he was going to try and put the fragments back together, if not he would have to put an implant in for my radial head. He answered all my questions and explained everything thoroughly. Central Baptist was awesome as it was an outpatient procedure and everything went great. I cannot say enough good things about Dr Donegan and the staff at BO. I would refer any of my family and friends. Thankfully my movement is as well as it was prior to the accident if not better..Very satisfied and grateful.

Tonia Smith

I was very pleased with my visit both times. They explained to me about my injury.

Elizabeth Dunn

This visit was a pleasure like those last year. Outstanding, and comfortable surgery with like new repairs this year. Highly, assured and confident in his expertise during a new and pending surgery. These comments from a Vietnam veteran. This visit was a pleasure like those last year. Outstanding, and comfortable surgery with like new repairs this year. Highly, assured and confident in his expertise during a new and pending surgery. These comments from a Vietnam veteran.

Anonymous

Saw Dr. Donegan for the 1st time on February 1st. Had already received high accolades from former patients. I was not disappointed. He and his nurse and made me feel most comfortable. I was encouraged as to my outcome when I left. Saw Dr. Donegan for the 1st time on February 1st. Had already received high accolades from former patients. I was not disappointed. He and his nurse and made me feel most comfortable. I was encouraged as to my outcome when I left.

Everett T. Priddy

Great orthopedic surgeon. I think Dr. Donegan is a great Orthopedic Surgeon. He treated me with respect and kindness. I truly like him and think he is wonderful.

Anonymous

Dr. Ryan Donegan is compassionate, kind and he really cares about people. His sincerity shows in everything he does. I wouldn't go to any other orthopedic practice besides BGO! I have known Dr. Donegan for a long time and I have seen... Dr. Ryan Donegan is compassionate, kind and he really cares about people. His sincerity shows in everything he does. I wouldn't go to any other orthopedic practice besides BGO! I have known Dr. Donegan for a long time and I have seen him interact with his patients, and he is always personable and has a great bedside manner. I highly recommend Bluegrass Orthopedics!

Pam Douglas

Very patient oriented.

Anonymous

I highly recommend Dr Donegan! After two successful surgeries with him, I highly respect his knowledge and skill! Really appreciate his genuine caring, friendly manner!!

Anonymous

Dr Donegan I didn't get a chance to say thanks for what you do. Can't wait to get back to 100% sir. Have a great day. Ron Hill. Thanks to your amazing staff and the Doc who woke me up.

Anonymous

Good experience, in and out quickly.

Anonymous

Wonderful surgeon. Would highly recommended!

D Vogt

Dr Balthrope is a straightforward guy that gets you up and out of the hospital quickly. I have had 2 successful Hip replacementments, 1 knee replacement and a shoulder repair.

Anonymous

Donegan and nurses were great, friendly, professional and comforting.

Kelly Glines Emrich

This was the best experience with a physician's practice ever. From the moment I walked in the door, through the registering, nurse, PA, and especially the x-ray tech.....all quick yet thorough. Dr. Donegan was on time and very... This was the best experience with a physician's practice ever. From the moment I walked in the door, through the registering, nurse, PA, and especially the x-ray tech.....all quick yet thorough. Dr. Donegan was on time and very understanding. Lucky me.

Mischelle Hodgkin

Dr. Donegan is very thorough. He looks at all variables before making a diagnosis. He is very approachable and explains everything involved in diagnosis and treatment. His staff is very available and helpful. I would highly recommend him!! Dr. Donegan is very thorough. He looks at all variables before making a diagnosis. He is very approachable and explains everything involved in diagnosis and treatment. His staff is very available and helpful. I would highly recommend him!!

Stacey R.