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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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