Bentley Hofhine loves playing sports, and it’s something he has done for most of his life—since he was four years old.
Now 14, Hofhine has over a decade of basketball and football seasons under his belt, working hard alongside his teammates and coaches.
In October 2022, at the peak of the football season, Hofhine injured his shoulder playing the sport he loves.
Soon after his injury, Hofhine and his mother Wendy Hofhine met with Aaron J. Provance, CAQSM, FAAP, MD.
Provance is the pediatric sports medicine director in the Department of Orthopaedics at the 㽶Ƶ of Utah. Prior to joining the 㽶Ƶ of Utah, Provance served as the medical director of the Sports Medicine Center at Children’s Hospital Colorado for 12 years.
At the Children's Hospital Colorado, Provance built one of the nation’s leading pediatric sports medicine programs. His practice includes the management of all pediatric and adolescent sports injuries and fractures.
Provance diagnosed Hofhine with an AC joint sprain in his shoulder.
The AC joint is where the top edge of the scapula (shoulder blade) connects with the collarbone at the top of the shoulder. This joint helps stabilize the entire shoulder joint and is vital for a healthy range of motion and strength in the shoulder.
When sports are your life, being injured is really tough. Luckily, Hofhine’s AC joint sprain wasn’t severe enough to require surgery. Hofhine’s mom credits her son’s quick recovery to Provance and his expertise.
“Dr. Provance was so great with us and just gave Bentley exercises to do at home. He treated us really well and was very thorough.”
Even after his injury, Hofhine was able to finish out the rest of the fall 2022 football season and is now in the thick of basketball season. He recently decided to focus solely on basketball and improve his game as much as possible. He plays shooting guard on his team and is focusing on increasing his vertical jump height.
He is only able to stay consistent with his practice and improvement because his shoulder is stronger than ever.
“Bentley’s shoulder is doing great,” Wendy said. “We did recently visit Dr. Provance for another minor injury. We know we are in good hands with him. He’s just so kind and listens so well, and we have never felt rushed or like a number.”
Provance is just one of many 㽶Ƶ of Utah Health providers who specialize in pediatric sports medicine. To learn more about pediatric sports injuries and the Pediatric Sports Medicine Program at 㽶Ƶ of Utah Health.