Sharon Schuman experienced a traumatic injury after suffering a head-on collision while riding her bicycle in November of 2023. An English literature professor, artistic director, and professional violinist, Schuman was seen at Slocum Orthopedics to begin her path of recovery and work to resume what she loved doing most – playing violin.

The accident caused Schuman multiple injuries, including a concussion and a pelvic fracture. “I knew the moment [of the accident] because of how much it hurt,” said Schuman. Even though she suffered considerably worse injuries, Schuman’s main concern was her left thumb. Once in the Emergency Room (ER), the X-ray confirmed her biggest worry: a displaced fracture that could greatly impact her ability to play the violin.

“I need my left thumb and wrist to work properly, or I can’t play [music],” said Schuman.

Schuman saw Dr. Heather Campion at Slocum Orthopedics for surgical treatment of the hand and wrist. Dr. Campion offers treatment for conditions of the hand, wrist, and upper extremities including nerve, tendon, bone, ligament, and joint care. Additionally, she specializes in wrist arthroscopy, ligament repair, and carpal instability reconstruction.

Dr. Campion operated on Schuman’s broken thumb, placing three pins to hold the fracture reduced as the bone healed. Schuman wore a cast for seven weeks and returned to Dr. Campion on January 2nd to have the cast and pins removed. During this period, Schuman’s thumb was immobilized, leaving her with the inability to complete daily tasks such as zipping up a jacket or a pair of jeans. Once the cast was removed and physical therapy began, she was able to recover the full use of her hand.

“I had no idea how stiff my wrist and thumb would be when the cast came off, but I launched into the work of regaining function, and it was well worth the effort,” said Schuman.

On Feb. 24th, less than two months after having her cast and pins removed, Schuman returned to the stage with Chamber Music Amici, a resident musical group of the Richard E. Wildish Community Theater in Springfield, Oregon.

“As soon as I found out Dr. Campion had also operated on a violinist friend of mine who performs at a high level, I knew I was in good hands,” Schuman said. “Slocum Orthopedics saved three out of five of the founding musicians of Chamber Music Amici and got me back to the stage. I can once again perform on violin, which is essential.”

“It was a pleasure caring for Sharon,” said Dr. Campion. “She was a dedicated patient that put in hard work post-op with hand therapy to regain her function. It is a joy to see patients return to the things they love to do.”

Slocum Orthopedics strives to provide the region’s best orthopedic and musculoskeletal care with Eugene’s only board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic doctors. With a comprehensive campus offering everything from minimally invasive outpatient procedures to joint replacement surgeries, physical therapy, and more, Slocum Orthopedics is the Pacific Northwest’s premier provider of progressive orthopedic care. From traumatic injuries, like Schuman’s bicycle accident, to sports medicine or treatment for chronic orthopedic conditions such as carpal tunnel or arthritis, Slocum Orthopedics proudly provides world-class orthopedic care and an exceptional patient experience.

A special thank you to Sharon for sharing her story with us! Catch Chamber Music Amici on stage this spring season. Tickets are on sale now for their Wildish and Mt. Pisgah music series 2024.