Orthopedists in Independence, MO

I recently went to Kansas City Orthopedic Institute and talked to Dr Rhoades (and a couple of his residents/assistants whose names I forget). First appointment was mostly by the resident, who then reported to Dr Rhoades. He then recommended an MRI. Got a fluoro arthrogram (contrast dye injection) and MRI done at JoCo Imaging Center. Great experience there, super nice guy running the machine and really made me comfortable. Made another appointment at KCOI to go over the results and look at the images. Talked with another younger dude who works under Dr Rhoades who was great at explaining things and answering questions. All first-time experience with this sort of thing so nothing to compare to, but my experience at both was fine. Ultimately I got good news and found out I have a partially torn rotator cuff that doesn't need surgery (yay). So I can't speak to their surgery practice, but KCOI/Dr Rhoades would have been on the shortlist if I had to get operated on.

Dr. Gurley at College Park Family Family Care in OP did a excellent job on my shoulder. He was also great in helping me understand and think through the decision of whether to have surgery and the timing in life.

Can’t give any recommendations of specific doctors but I believe st Luke’s lees summit has decent orthopedic surgeons. Either way I’d recommended talking to at least two different docs to compare costs and to get a second opinion. It’s also worth checking out exercise therapy. I have heard of people going this route to avoid surgery and having pretty good success. A lot cheaper than surgery. Not typically covered by insurance though as it’s relatively new in practice.

Dr. Vincent Key! He's at KU Med. He's the surgeon for the Royals (and maybe some of the Chiefs?) Very personable, highly intelligent. Had SLAP tears in both of my shoulders, and he did the surgeries 3 months apart. Also, his nurses are awesome. (It's been 10 years since I've seen him, but can't imagine a whole lot has changed.)

Dickson & Dively.