Persistent hip pain may interfere with daily life in a major way, making it hard to remain seated, standing, or go about your usual routine. This pain can stop one from engaging in physical activities or other life choices they enjoy. Hip replacement surgery can be highly effective for someone who has to deal with this kind of pain. During your consultation, your orthopedic surgeon will perform a physical examination and determine whether you are a candidate for hip replacement surgery. Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute, led by established board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler provides hip replacement surgery to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV.

What Is Hip Replacement Surgery?

Hip replacement surgery is a procedure that is done for those who are suffering from extensive damage to their hip cartilage and bone. During the operation, portions of the hip joint are taken away and replaced with prosthetic parts. With a successful procedure, the hip’s mobility and function will be returned, as well as the alleviation of any discomfort.

Who is a Good Candidate for Hip Replacement Surgery?

Hip replacement surgery is most often carried out on individuals between the ages of 50 and 80, and can be done at any age if it is deemed medically essential. This type of operation is beneficial for individuals who experience hip discomfort that does not get better through taking medication, doing physical therapy, or exercising. People who suffer from arthritis had an injury, or have long-term issues with hip pain may also be suitable for the surgery. During your consultation with your surgeon, they will assist you in determining if surgery is the ideal choice.

Hip Replacement Benefits 

Opting for a hip replacement can help you return to an active life and relish the activities you love. With successful surgery, you will be able to move around without discomfort and experience relief from pain. Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute, led by established board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler provides hip replacement surgery to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV.

Contact Board Certified Surgeons Dr. Bigler or Dr. Thomas at the Knee and Shoulder Institute in Las Vegas, NV to Schedule an Appointment:

If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board-certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. Contact the office today click here.

Serving patients from and around greater Las Vegas, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Mesquite, Pahrump, Nevada

Shoulder instability typically happens when the lining of the shoulder joint, ligaments, or labrum are stretched, ripped, or detached, allowing the ball of the shoulder joint to move either all the way or partially out of its socket. This can cause a feeling of the shoulder giving out during movement, swelling, or limited mobility. There are both surgical and non-surgical treatment options available, both of which your surgeon will discuss with you during your consultation. Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute, led by established board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler provides treatment of shoulder instability to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV.

How is shoulder instability diagnosed?

During your consultation, your surgeon will ask you questions about your physical medical history as well as your symptoms. You will have a physical examination that will also help your surgeon determine the severity of your shoulder instability. X-rays or other imaging tests may be ordered to rule out the possibility of other injuries or conditions.

Symptoms of Shoulder Instability

Indications of shoulder instability include the feeling of the shoulder giving out. This feeling occurs when the ball of the shoulder comes out of the socket, may cause pain, and most commonly occurs when doing motions such as throwing or reaching. Other symptoms include limited mobility of the arm and shoulder, swelling and bruising.

Treatment

Non-surgical treatment of shoulder instability usually involves putting the arm into a sling and immobilizing it until the pain and swelling have subsided. Exercise and physical therapy is then used to strengthen the arm. Cold compressions and pain medications may be recommended to help ease the pain until the shoulder is better. Patients who do not opt for surgery typically have to do activity modification to avoid re-injury of the arm. Those who wish to continue playing sports or being active, or continue to suffer from discomfort, are recommended to have surgery. Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute, led by established board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler provides treatment of shoulder instability to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV.

Contact Board Certified Surgeons Dr. Bigler or Dr. Thomas at the Knee and Shoulder Institute in Las Vegas, NV to Schedule an Appointment:

If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board-certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. Contact the office today click here.

Serving patients from and around greater Las Vegas, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Mesquite, Pahrump, Nevada

One of the most common injuries to the knee is a torn meniscus. Meniscal tears typically occur when the knee is forcefully twisted or rotated, such as during sports that involve sudden stopping and pivoting. Left untreated, meniscus tears can cause pain and immobility in the knee. Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute, led by established board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler provides treatment of meniscal tears to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV.

What is a Meniscus?

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that cushions the shinbone and the thighbone.

Symptoms of a Meniscal Tear

Indications of a torn meniscus may not appear until after 24 hours or more when swelling and pain begin. You may notice:

• Pain when rotating or twisting the knee
• Difficulty straightening the knee out
• Popping or locking sensation during movement
• Feeling as though the knee is giving out
• Swelling and stiffness

Treatment for Meniscal Tears

Depending on the extent of the injury, a torn meniscus can sometimes heal on its own with rest, ice compressions, and pain medications. If the tear is significant and causing major discomfort and immobility, surgical intervention may be required. If you’re experiencing knee pain and unsure if it is a meniscal tear and if it will heal on its own, it’s recommended that you seek a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon to be evaluated. By scheduling a consultation, your surgeon will be able to make recommendations to you that can help you prevent further damage to your knee. Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute, led by established board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler provides treatment of meniscal tears to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV.

Contact Board Certified Surgeons Dr. Bigler or Dr. Thomas at the Knee and Shoulder Institute in Las Vegas, NV to Schedule an Appointment:

If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board-certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. Contact the office today click here.

Serving patients from and around greater Las Vegas, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Mesquite, Pahrump, Nevada

Shoulder instability can feel like the shoulder has come out of the socket or “gives way” when making certain movements. This condition can cause pain and limited range of motion, and if left untreated, can lead to more serious injury or eventual arthritis. Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute, led by established board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler provides treatment of shoulder instability to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV.

What is Shoulder Instability?

Shoulder instability is a condition in which the shoulder repeatedly slips out of the socket. This is most commonly caused by a dislocation of the shoulder during injury, or repeated overhead motions such those performed during sports. Injury or overuse of the shoulder can cause stretching and tearing of the ligaments or labrum, allowing the ball of the shoulder joint to continually slip out of the socket.

Causes

The most common cause of shoulder instability is injury that causes the shoulder to dislocate. When injury occurs, the labrum can be torn from the bone or the ligaments may become overstretched, resulting in a loose shoulder. Other than injury, the shoulder joints may become loose with repeated shoulder motions. This is more common for athletes such as baseball players and swimmers. Genetic issues can also cause one to have more elastic ligaments that cause the shoulder to be easily dislocated.

Symptoms

Symptoms of shoulder instability include:

• Repetitive dislocation of the shoulder
• Shoulder repeatedly giving out
• Shoulder feeling loose or slipping in and out of place
• Pain

When to See a Doctor

To avoid more serious injury and pain to the shoulder, you should seek medical evaluation right away. If left untreated, the damage to the shoulder may progress further and may require more intense treatment or surgery to remediate. Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute, led by established board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler provides treatment of shoulder instability to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV.

Contact Board Certified Surgeons Dr. Bigler or Dr. Thomas at the Knee and Shoulder Institute in Las Vegas, NV to Schedule an Appointment:

If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board-certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. Contact the office today click here.

Serving patients from and around greater Las Vegas, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Mesquite, Pahrump, Nevada

ACL and MCL tear are both seriously debilitating knee injuries. These two knee injuries may have similar symptoms. Many people routinely use the terms interchangeably. Taking this into account, there are several significant differences to be aware of.

Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute, led by established board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler, provides orthopedic surgery to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV. 

An Overview of ACL and MCL

The ACL and MCL are both knee ligaments. They have a primary function of supporting and stabilizing the knee. ACL is an acronym for the anterior cruciate ligament. This prevents the shinbone from sliding forward while MCL or medial collateral ligament ensures the femur doesn’t slide from side to side. 

Knee injury can potentially cause lasting damage to both these ligaments. The most common knee injury involves ACL or MCL tear. Support and stabilization of the knee is compromised when the ligament sustains damage. 

Understanding an ACL Tear

ACL tear refers to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, which can cause significant pain and swelling. Torn ACL can result in further injury if not treated in a timely and proper manner. These injuries are common during activities involving jumps and pivots. Football, basketball, and soccer players usually experience ACL tears. 

Common symptoms of an ACL tear include:

• Severe swelling in the knee region within 6 hours of injury
• Audible popping sound when the injury occurs
• Pain when turning the injured leg or walking
• Instability in the knee as if it won’t hold your weight

Understanding an MCL Tear

MCL tears are typically the result of a direct blow to the knee. Athletes participating in contact sports are generally vulnerable to knee injuries in this category. MCL can suffer a tear when there is a direct hit to the outer portion of the knee. The symptoms of an ACL and MCL injury are the same. 

You will experience significant pain and won’t be able to walk normally. You may experience severe swelling in the first 6 hours of the injury. In addition, you would experience a locking or catching in the knee joint in case of an MCL tear. 

Causes of ACL Tears

ACL injuries generally occur when there are sudden or quick changes in direction. Twisting actions that don’t involve moving the feet may cause this injury as well. ACL tear may occur when a person stumbles when landing or slows down abruptly. Gender is a major factor in these injuries. Genes controlling certain proteins in relation to the integrity and structure of ligaments work differently in men and women. 

Causes of MCL Tears

MCL injuries generally occur when someone collides into you from the side. It can happen while making quick stops and turns as well. These injuries usually occur in athletes. You may suffer an MCL tear if you fall and the lower leg spreads out. Repeated stress can cause the MCL to become loose by losing its normal elasticity.

Highly resourceful board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV for safe and proven orthopedic surgery procedures. 

Contact Board Certified Surgeons Dr. Bigler or Dr. Thomas at the Knee and Shoulder Institute in Las Vegas, NV to Schedule an Appointment:

If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board-certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. Contact the office today click here.

Serving patients from and around greater Las Vegas, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Mesquite, Pahrump, Nevada

The recovery timelines for an ACL surgery as a result of a sports or another injury is generally similar for most people. Full recovery generally takes about 6 months. This involves returning your knee to a pre-injury condition with stability and a full range of motion in the knee joint. Recovery timelines may vary depending on your personal anatomy and condition. 

There are several stages involved in the path to recovery. There are recommended activities for each stage that can help you heal quickly and return to regular activity. You can aid your recovery by following the doctor’s instructions completely. Many people can resume low-impact exercises and activities within 1 – 2 months of the ACL surgery. However, full recovery generally takes several months. 

Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute, led by successful board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler, provides orthopedic surgery to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV.

Here is the average recovery process following an ACL procedure:

Recovery Begins Immediately

Your body will kick in the healing mode on the day of the surgery. You can aid the process by following doctor’s instructions. You will be taught stretching and strengthening exercises which will help you achieve normal activity as soon as possible. Cold compression therapy is known to help in the first few days of the surgery. 

Cryotherapy helps in reducing pain and swelling. Simultaneous compression enhances the benefits of cold therapy. It brings vital nutrients and freshly oxygenated blood to damaged skin and tissues. You should consider elevating the injured area above the level of heart for reducing swelling. 

Crutches are required for the first 2 weeks following a surgery. You may need to wear braces for another month once the crutches are gone. It’s vital to attend all physical therapy sessions in the first few weeks. Most patients resume walking and other light exercises within a month.

Full Healing Takes Time

Most healing following an ACL surgery occurs in the first few weeks. Your muscles will become stronger as you learn more exercises and the intensity of your physical therapy is increased. You may want to continue compression therapy to increase swelling. The initial months following an ACL surgery have their challenges, especially where athletes are concerned. 

Pain and swelling may disappear easily, but you would need to limit activity till the knee tissues have healed completely. Increasing intensity or adding too much activity can result in reinjury. This may prolong the recovery process unnecessarily. You should work with your physical therapist for finding the right balance between rest and activity in the initial months following an ACL surgery. 

In general, it takes 2 – 9 months for long-term rehabilitation. Most people cannot resume their regular activities for at least 6 months. Recovering from ACL surgery can be challenging. You should remain committed to physical therapy if you want to quickly resume normal activity. Don’t forget to follow all instructions provided by your surgeon.

Dependable and notable board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV for safe and proven orthopedic surgery procedures. 

Contact Board Certified Surgeons Dr. Bigler or Dr. Thomas at the Knee and Shoulder Institute in Las Vegas, NV to Schedule an Appointment:

If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board-certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. Contact the office today click here.

Serving patients from and around greater Las Vegas, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Mesquite, Pahrump, Nevada