Rare Shoulder Surgery Performed at AMMC Offers New Hope for Arkansas Patients

PARAGOULD, Ark. — Arkansas Methodist Medical Center recently completed a rare and highly specialized shoulder surgery that hospital officials say is one of the first of its kind in Arkansas.

Dr. Charbel Maroun, an orthopedic surgeon at AMMC, performed a scope-assisted lower trapezius tendon transfer, also known as the SALT procedure. The surgery is designed to treat massive rotator cuff tears that are considered irreparable using traditional techniques. These types of injuries can lead to severe pain and limited shoulder movement.

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The SALT procedure was developed at Harvard Medical School by Dr. Bassem Elhassan and has been shown to improve shoulder function and reduce pain in a majority of cases. Until now, the technique has typically only been available at major academic medical centers.

Maroun said bringing the procedure to Northeast Arkansas expands access for patients who might otherwise have had to travel out of state for similar care.

The operation involved a coordinated effort between Maroun and Dr. Henry Stroope, another orthopedic surgeon at the hospital, along with David Eubanks, APRN, who assisted with perioperative care.

AMMC officials said the procedure reflects the hospital’s broader efforts to offer more advanced treatments locally. CEO Brad Bloemer described the surgery as an example of combining local resources with medical expertise to meet patient needs.

Arkansas Methodist Medical Center serves residents throughout Northeast Arkansas and Southeast Missouri. More information is available at myammc.org.