The Shoulder Blueprint

Dr. Caleb Davis and Dr. Justin Givens
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Biweekly

Hosted by orthopedic shoulder surgeons Drs. Caleb Davis and Justin Givens, The Shoulder Blueprint breaks down everything you need to know about shoulder health—from rotator cuff injuries and arthritis to cutting-edge surgical and non-surgical treatments. Each episode explores the anatomy, biomechanics, and latest innovations in shoulder care, helping listeners understand their pain, recovery options, and what modern orthopedic medicine can really do.

  1. Sep 4

    Robotic Shoulder Replacement: What the Robot Actually Does

    Robotic-assisted shoulder replacement is one of the newest technologies in orthopedic surgery—but what does the robot actually do? Dr. Caleb Davis and Dr. Justin Givens take you inside the operating room to explain how MAKO robotic-assisted reverse shoulder replacement works. They walk through the process from the preoperative CT scan and 3D surgical plan to tracking the shoulder blade, preparing the socket, and using haptic boundaries that prevent the surgeon from moving outside the planned surgical area. Most importantly: the robot does not perform the surgery on its own. The surgeon remains in complete control. The discussion also goes beyond how the technology works. Caleb and Justin examine some of the biggest questions surrounding robotic shoulder replacement: Does greater accuracy actually improve patient outcomes? Does robotics make surgery faster? Can it reduce outliers? And could the enormous amount of surgical data being collected ultimately change how surgeons determine the ideal position for a shoulder replacement? They also discuss the limitations of the technology, the importance of surgical skill and soft-tissue management, and why the true clinical impact of robotic shoulder replacement will require years of research. A practical, balanced look at where robotic shoulder replacement stands today—and where it may be headed next. The Shoulder BlueprintHosted by Dr. Caleb Davis and Dr. Justin Givens Educational content only. This podcast does not provide individualized medical advice.

  2. Aug 20

    Reverse Shoulder Replacement: How It Works & What to Expect

    Reverse shoulder replacement has transformed the way surgeons treat some of the most difficult shoulder problems but what exactly are we “reversing,” and why does it work? In this episode of The Shoulder Blueprint, Dr. Caleb Davis and Dr. Justin Givens explain how reverse shoulder arthroplasty works, how the procedure evolved, and why it has become such an important option for patients with severe arthritis, irreparable rotator cuff tears, fractures, deformity, and failed previous shoulder replacements. They also discuss the realities patients need to understand before surgery, including expected pain relief and function, limitations with internal rotation, acromial stress fractures, dislocation, implant positioning, and why setting realistic expectations is one of the most important parts of a successful shoulder replacement. Plus, they look at the history of the reverse shoulder and the influence of Dr. Mark Frankle on the modern American design. Next episode: robotic-assisted shoulder replacement and CT-based preoperative planning. The Shoulder Blueprint is an educational podcast and is not intended to provide individual medical advice

  3. Aug 8

    Pyrocarbon Shoulder Replacement: The New Option for Young, Active Patients

    What happens when someone has severe shoulder arthritis in their 40s or 50s but is still extremely active? Traditional shoulder replacement can provide excellent pain relief but in younger patients, surgeons also have to think about what that shoulder will look like 10, 20, or even 30 years later. IDr. Caleb Davis and Dr. Justin Givens discuss pyrocarbon hemiarthroplasty, a newer approach that replaces the humeral head while preserving the patient’s native socket. They explain what pyrocarbon is, why its properties may make it more bone-friendly than traditional cobalt-chrome implants, and why it has become an increasingly interesting option for young and active patients. The discussion covers patient selection, arthritis, avascular necrosis, rotator cuff requirements, recovery expectations, technical challenges such as overstuffing, and the limitations of the long-term data we currently have. They also discuss an important shift happening in shoulder surgery: why some experienced surgeons who spent decades performing traditional anatomic shoulder replacements are now reconsidering how they treat their youngest and most active patients. Topics include:• What is a pyrocarbon hemiarthroplasty?• Pyrocarbon vs traditional metal implants• Preserving the glenoid in younger patients• Shoulder replacement longevity• Arthritis and avascular necrosis• Recovery after pyrocarbon shoulder replacement• Rotator cuff considerations• Overstuffing and surgical technique• What the long-term evidence currently shows• Where pyrocarbon may fit into the future of shoulder replacement The Shoulder Blueprint is hosted by orthopedic shoulder surgeons Caleb Davis, MD and Justin Givens, MD. Educational content only. This podcast is not a substitute for individualized medical evaluation or treatment.

  4. Jul 24

    Anatomic vs. Reverse Shoulder Replacement: Which One Is Actually Better?

    Shoulder replacement is not a one-size-fits-all operation. In this episode of The Shoulder Blueprint, Dr. Caleb Davis and Dr. Justin Givens take a deep dive into anatomic total shoulder replacement: how it works, who may benefit from it, and why reverse shoulder replacement has become increasingly common. They discuss: • Why a healthy rotator cuff is essential for an anatomic shoulder replacement• The potential for more natural motion, strength, and function• Polyethylene wear, implant loosening, and long-term bone loss• Subscapularis-sparing shoulder replacement and how it may accelerate recovery• How age, activity level, glenoid deformity, and future revision risk influence implant selection• Why surgeons sometimes plan an anatomic replacement but change to a reverse replacement during surgery The central message is simple: the best shoulder replacement is not necessarily the newest or most popular implant. It is the operation that best matches the patient’s anatomy, rotator cuff, goals, age, and long-term needs.

  5. May 27

    Optimizing Recovery After Surgery | Rehab, Sleep, Pain Control & Preventing Muscle Loss with Luke Brohm PT

    Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Caleb Davis is joined by physical therapist Luke Brohm, PT, to discuss how patients can optimize recovery after surgery. Drawing from both professional experience and Luke’s current recovery from Achilles tendon surgery, this episode explores practical and evidence-based strategies to improve healing, reduce complications, preserve muscle mass, improve sleep, and safely return to activity. The conversation covers: Early mobilization and blood clot preventionPreventing post-operative muscle atrophySleep and circadian rhythm after surgeryPain management and opioid reductionBlood flow restriction training (BFR)Neuromuscular reactivation and cross-educationCRPS and nervous system sensitizationRecovery psychology and maintaining routinePractical rehab strategies patients can apply immediatelyAn insightful discussion for athletes, surgical patients, clinicians, and anyone interested in recovery science and orthopedic rehabilitation.

  6. May 10

    Optimizing Surgical Recovery | Protein, Sleep, Vitamin D, Magnesium & Achilles Rehab

    Dr. Caleb Davis is joined by physical therapist Dr. Luke Brohm following Luke’s recent Achilles tendon rupture and surgery. The conversation explores the evidence behind optimizing recovery after orthopedic injuries and surgery, including: The importance of protein intake Sleep deprivation and injury risk Vitamin D deficiency Magnesium and pain modulation Zinc and vitamin C for wound healing Creatine, collagen, and BCAA supplementation Whole food nutrition vs supplementation Recovery strategies for athletes and older adults Luke also shares how reduced sleep, increased physical stress, and inadequate recovery may have contributed to his injury despite an otherwise healthy lifestyle. This episode focuses on practical, evidence-based strategies patients can use to improve healing, preserve muscle mass, reduce complications, and support recovery after surgery. Follow Dr. Caleb Davis:Website: calebdavismd.comInstagram: @calebdavismd

  7. Apr 23

    MLB Pitcher Josh Fogg on Shoulder Pain, Longevity, and the Reality of Elite Throwing

    Dr. Caleb Davis sits down with former MLB pitcher Josh Fogg for a candid conversation about the realities of high-level throwing sports. From an underdog path to the big leagues to dealing with long-term shoulder degeneration, Josh shares firsthand insight into what elite performance really costs and what he would do differently today. We discuss: -The evolution of training and recovery in baseball-Overuse injuries and long-term joint damage-Mental toughness vs. modern sports psychology-Shoulder arthritis, injections, and delaying surgery-Strength, longevity, and finding balance after sports 📲 Connect with Dr. Caleb Davis 🌐 Website: https://calebdavismd.com📧 Email: info@calebdavismd.com📱 Social: @calebdavismd

  8. Apr 15

    What does “shoulder impingement” actually mean and is it even the right term?

    In this episode, Dr. Caleb Davis and Dr. Justin Givens dive into the controversy surrounding impingement syndrome vs. subacromial pain syndrome. They explore the evolution of how we understand shoulder pain, why older mechanical theories fall short, and what current evidence tells us about diagnosis and treatment. You’ll learn: Why impingement isn’t just a “tight space” problemHow inflammation drives most symptomsWhen to treat conservatively vs. escalate careWhy imaging can sometimes do more harm than goodThe real role of therapy, injections, and surgeryA nuanced, honest discussion designed to cut through misinformation and help you better understand shoulder pain

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Hosted by orthopedic shoulder surgeons Drs. Caleb Davis and Justin Givens, The Shoulder Blueprint breaks down everything you need to know about shoulder health—from rotator cuff injuries and arthritis to cutting-edge surgical and non-surgical treatments. Each episode explores the anatomy, biomechanics, and latest innovations in shoulder care, helping listeners understand their pain, recovery options, and what modern orthopedic medicine can really do.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Caleb Davis and Dr. Justin Givens
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Caleb Davis and Dr. Justin Givens
  • Show Website
    The Shoulder Blueprint

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