We recently had the opportunity to interview Dr. Ray Jensen and learn more about his background and experiences using InSet™ Systems from Shoulder Innovations in his practice as an orthopedic surgeon. An edited version of our interview led by Dave Blue follows.
David Blue
Would you share your background with us, including how you became involved in healthcare and what attracted you to orthopedics?
Dr. Ray Jensen
Sure. I started out owning a construction company in Utah. I later got married, and my wife convinced me to go back to school. After some struggle, I got into medical school, and the rest is history in terms of construction. Orthopedics fit right into my construction background, and I’ve just fallen in love with it ever since. I love what I do. It’s like construction on the human body.
David Blue
So, was it the complexity that attracted you to focus on shoulders?
Dr. Ray Jensen
Yes, the complexity is always intriguing to me. Not a lot of people specialize in shoulders because they’re hard and challenging, but that’s what drives me. I trained with a lot of great individuals who influenced me in it. Luckily, my fellowship emphasized shoulder arthroplasty, which gave me more experience.
David Blue
Moving into the InSet™ System, how long have you been using itand how did you first become familiar with it?
Dr. Ray Jensen
I’ve been using this shoulder system for a little over a year and a half, but I have followed it for about two and a half years. I first came across the InSet™ system through some of your team members[LT1] and was interested in trying it. Additionally, I have two good friends who are using this system too, and they were influential in my adoption of it.
David Blue
What was your very first impression of the InSet™ technology?
Dr. Ray Jensen
It just makes sense. From a mechanical or even a construction standpoint, the fact that you can inset the glenoid makes sense to me. It clicked in my mind that this is going to be stable for my patients, and as a bonus, it’s easy to put in.
David Blue
If you were sitting down with a fellow shoulder surgeon to talk about this technology for the first time, what would you tell him?
Dr. Ray Jensen
I would emphasize its ease of use and the InSet™ design. One of the major challenges with total shoulder arthroplasty is ensuring longevity and avoiding glenoid loosening over time. I believe InSet™ could be the answer to that. So, my advice would be, if it makes sense to you, then give it a go.
David Blue
Do you have any pieces of advice or tips that you would share with other surgeons?
Dr. Ray Jensen
What I’ve found particularly helpful is the ability to plan shoulder surgeries right then and there with a PreView shoulder planning software system. It allows for immediate adjustments and if you have a great system and team in place, it enables accurate and effective placement every time.
David Blue
Any closing thoughts today?
Dr. Ray Jensen
The complexity of shoulder surgery necessitates a strong team and system. The key is to feel comfortable with the system in your hands and confident in your approach. That’s the beauty of this system from Shoulder Innovations. It’s so easy to use, it’s well thought out, the designers have done a great job, and it’s attractive looking. I think patients do well with it. When you combine those elements, you have a good system.
David Blue
Thank you again for taking this time, Dr. Jensen, I really appreciate it.
Dr. Ray Jensen is an orthopedic surgeon in Spearfish, SD.