Hope Solo Now Has ‘Bionic’ Shoulder, As Surgery Marks Silver Lining To Suspension

Hope Solo is on the mend.

The United States women’s soccer goalkeeper underwent successful shoulder replacement surgery Tuesday at University of Washington Medical Center. Solo shared the news of her procedure on Instagram.

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Yesterday, I underwent shoulder replacement surgery to address an injury I’ve been dealing with for some time. An opportunity presented itself after my contract was terminated and while difficult, it opened the door to take care of a long overdue surgery. Thanks to a brilliant team of doctors at the University of Washington Medical Center led by Dr. Frederick Matsen (my new Captain Sully, my hero!) I’ve got a brand new shoulder (read: bionic) and for the first time in years, I can raise my right arm above my head. I’m filled with excitement knowing how life-changing this is and I look forward to coming back healthier and stronger than ever. (At left, four minutes after waking up with Dr. Matsen; at right, four hours after waking. For more on the procedure, which was developed by Dr. Matsen at the Univ. of Washington, check the link in my bio.)

A post shared by Hope Solo (@hopesolo) on Sep 28, 2016 at 8:43am PDT

Solo, 35, still is serving her six-month suspension from Team USA and sitting out the rest of the National Women’s Soccer League season, so now was a good time for her to replace the oft-injured joint.

USA TODAY’s Nancy Armour detailed Solo’s history of shoulder ailments.

“Solo has had problems with her right shoulder for several years, and had reconstructive surgery in September 2010,” Armour writes. “In addition to repairing a torn labrum, 11 anchors were put in place to stabilize the shoulder joint.

“But that was considered a ‘fix’ to get her back on the field quickly, not a long-term solution. The procedure she had Tuesday is designed to let her resume high-impact activity.”

The U.S. Soccer Federation will determine how soon, if ever, Solo returns to international duty.

She and her fans undoubtedly can’t wait for her to show how well she can play with a “bionic” shoulder.

Thumbnail photo via Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports Images