Dr. Adam Joseph Seidl, MD

Added: I originally left rhis review two weeks ago. CU responded and asked me to reach out to them for resolution. I emailed as they asked and have never heard back from them, therefore I will continue to warn people in reviews anywhere I can. This was probably the most demeaning, awful appointment I've ever had. I went to see Dr. Seidl because another provider (Dr. Mayer at Steadman Hawkins) said my case was too complicated and that only Seidl would be able to help me. It started off by him arriving 32 minutes late with zero apology to his tardiness. He hadn't reviewed my chart nor my imaging results. As he was perusing my history he had me tell him about my previous surgeries. He clearly can't multitask because after telling him my lengthy history, I had to repeat half of it because he wasn't listening. After my surgical history and also informing him that I have Ehlers Danlos (dx was 25 years ago) he then suggested I get a cortisone injection for a labral tear. He had zero regard… for the fact that injections are absolutely not an appropriate treatment for patients who have EDS but as he refused to even acknowledge that I had it, I'm not surprised. I told him I had dislocated under 25 times and he was less concerned about the potential damage happening each time and more about the fact that I actually am the one who resets my own shoulder (I am). I explained that I haven't slept through the night in over two months because of pain and that without a brace it continually comes out. I told him the daily tasks I'm no longer able to do and he found it unbelievable that I can not drive and was strangely hung up on that fact. He never asked me where my pain was located and did not administer any tests (SLAP, Neers, Hawkins). The radiologist from UC Health stated that my imaging indicated a posterior and anterior labrum tear and suggested an MRA with angiogram (why didn't he even follow up with that?) He stayed as far away from me as he could with his back pressed against the door with the one exception of having me remove my brace to see how far my overhead ROM (guarded at best). After suggesting physical therapy (my PT had already told me I'm not a candidate because of my EDS and I informed Seidl of this already) and again shots (which makes things worse for EDS patients) he looked me in the eye and told me he didn't know what to do. You'd think after saying that it would have been a "but I'm going to help you or try and find out what I can do" but instead he told me he wouldn't help me or do any interventions. I then told him I have zero quality of life, I have to to take pain meds, my arm has zero functionality and that I desperately needed help and in return I was told "I feel for you but there's nothing I can do". In my chronic illness journey over the past 30 years I have never once been told that there's nothing that can be done without a follow up of a plan to get the help elsewhere. The callousness in which he spoke to me, the lack of care or concern was absolutely disgusting. He didn't even offer to help me get rebraced. So instead, I got up off the table, my wife rebraced me and we walked out during the appointment. Dr. Seidl is cruel and uncaring, I wouldn't trust him to change my lightbulb let alone fix my shoulder. UC Health should be ashamed having a doctor like that on their team. Steadman Hawkins came highly regarded and all I found were two doctors who couldn't even be bothered to help me.

I have had both knees and shoulders replaced – so I have a lot of experience with orthopedic surgeons. This latest occasion I needed a shoulder revision, which is a replacement of a replacement. Not all orthopedic replacement specialists will even consider doing a revision. I interviewed 5 surgeons who specialize in shoulder revisions – literally the best of the best in Colorado. I chose Dr. Seidl because I had a somewhat special situation and he demonstrated great confidence that he could avoid the complications (such as two surgeries to do the job and/or lengthy rehabilitation) that the other orthopedists expressed concerns about. All went extremely well. Zero complications. And I have full and complete arm motion as a result – something the other doctors warned would likely not be achievable. Thank you very much Dr. Seidl!

If you are in need of an orthopedic shoulder surgeon, I highly recommend Dr. Adam Seidel. His surgery skills are not only outstanding, but he listen to you and takes the time to answer all your questions. He truly cared about me as his patient. I could barely use my arm and was in horrible pain. Today, I have complete use of my arm and zero pain. Let me reiterate. I greatly recommend Dr. Seidl---an excellent surgeon and outstanding person.

He will mess up your shoulder and life worse than it was before

The cartilage in both my elbows had been damaged from rheumatoid arthritis to the point of severe, life-affecting pain. Dr. Seidel performed total elbow arthroplasty on both elbows (4 months apart) and both procedures were successful. With diligent physical therapy I regained full range of motion within a few months. I regained full pronation in both elbows and full supination in one elbow, and almost full supination in the more-damaged elbow. I was especially impressed with Dr. Seidel’s technique of moving the muscles and nerves of the elbow to the side rather than cutting through them. It made recovery much easier. I went from being in severe pain ALL the time to pain free within months. I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Seidel and the team at CU Health. Even though this is an unusual surgery, Dr. Seidel had performed many procedures and I felt confident going into surgery. I wasn’t disappointed. I would go as far to say that Dr. Seidel literally saved my life, because… my quality of living was so awful before the surgeries. Professional, experienced, effective. You can’t go wrong with Dr. Seidel.

The reason my shoulders fell apart is just a guess. It could’ve been 30 years of swimming with a flawed stroke, or some genetic flaw. As more cartilage disappeared and bone spurs grew to take its place, something had to be done. Using stem cells wasn’t far enough along to address such a complex problem, and “cleaning up” the joints by grinding down the spurs didn’t guarantee they wouldn’t return. The alternative was joint replacement. New composite parts inserted; the original, troubled ball and socket removed. Game on! Recovery was predictable: 3 months after surgery, limited range of motion. At 6 months, use of light weights. A year later, the shoulder functioned as “normal.” I credit a dedicated physical therapist, reasonable expectations, and a very skilled surgeon. Dr. Seidl assessed the challenge, presented his plan and performed the operation. I am now pain free and able to do everyday functions, sleep on my side and live as if there was never an issue, or the next best… thing.

60 yr old fairly active construction worker, never been operated on, with a arthritic old sports injury (left shoulder dislocation) years of discomfort...Dr. Seidl recommended this procedure and it was a total success..full range of motion, very little pain, short recovery period. Operation was 4 months ago. I feel great. Thank you very much Dr. Seidl sincerely Harry Porter

I had severe shoulder pain for several years. I consulted a physician who recommended against surgery because the results would be disappointing. Then last winter, I fell and tore my rotator cuff. That was when I met Dr. Seidl. He was fantastic! And the results of the surgery are amazing! I no longer have any pain & I have full range of motion. Dr. Seidl is brilliant... attentive, communicative & meticulous! I highly recommend him.