Shoulder Impingement

Posted on April 5, 2022 by adminksi

Shoulder Treatment

Shoulder impingement takes place when the acromion impinges on or rubs against the rotator cuff beneath it. Acromion is the top outer edge of the shoulders. Impingement can cause irritation and pain. Shoulder impingement syndrome is believed to be the cause of up to 65% of complaints related to pain in the shoulder.

Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute, led by 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.

Development of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

The rotator cuff swells like a sprained ankle when it is irritated or injured. However, swelling causes other events to take place because the rotator cuff is surrounded by the shoulder bone. Swelling also reduces the amount of space present around the rotator cuff. This leads to the acromion rubbing against the rotator cuff.

And, like a vicious cycle, the amount of space around the rotator cuff is reduced because of swelling, which causes the acromion rubbing action. The rubbing leads to further swelling in the rotator cuff tendons. This narrows the space under the acromion further.

Bone spurs on the acromion bone in some cases can also contribute to impingement. This causes the space where the rotator cuff is present to become even more narrowed.

Shoulder Impingement Causes

Shoulder impingement syndrome is generally seen in athletes involved in sports and similar activities. This is particularly true for individuals involved in overhead rotational motion, such as volleyball, baseball, swimming, and tennis among other things, such as painting and window washing. Shoulder impingement can also occur because of an injury, such as falling on an outstretched arm or on the shoulder.

Treatment of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

The goal of this treatment is to reduce pain and restore shoulder function. Ice, rest, steroid injections, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy are a few popular treatment options for impingement syndrome.

Physical therapy is an important treatment option for shoulder impingement syndrome. You would only require 1 – 2 in-office visits in most cases to learn how to perform physical therapy at home. You will learn to improve your shoulder’s range of motion by performing stretching exercises. You can begin strengthening exercises as well as the pain reduces.
Ice applied on the shoulder for 20 minutes twice daily can help. A bag of frozen corn and peas also works.
Naproxen or ibuprofen can be used for relieving pain. Stronger prescription strength medication may be required for severe pain.

Surgery

Surgery is considered when all other options have been tried without any relief. Arthroscopic shoulder decompression or subacromial decompression surgery can create more space in the shoulder for the rotator cuff by removing parts of the acromion. The procedure is performed using arthroscopic technique, which involves small incisions in the shoulder.

Other issues, such as inflammation of the bicep tendon, arthritis, and partial rotator cuff tear can also be repaired at the time of the surgery. Open surgery is another option to consider for severe tears.

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

Tendon Tears Of The Shoulder

Posted on April 1, 2022 by adminksi

Tendon Tears

The shoulder tendons and muscles are placed under a significant deal of strain on a daily basis. Painting, cleaning, lifting boxes, gardening, and majority of recreational activities, such as swimming, tennis, and golf can case shoulder tendon tear or strain.

Symptoms and Signs

Overuse and injury are common causes of shoulder tendon tear. Symptoms and signs of shoulder tendon tear include:

Deep and dull pain in the shoulder
Pain in the night, especially when sleeping on the troubled side
Inability to bear weight on the troubled side
Feeling or hearing a popping or snap when moving the shoulder
Shoulder weakness caused by pain or exertion
Shoulder stiffness
Inability to keep the arm at an elevated position

Types of Shoulder Tendon Tear

Tendon tear of the shoulder can either be complete or partial:

Partial tears occur when the tendon is not severed completely
Complete tears occur when there is a split in the tendon

Treatment for Shoulder Tendon Tears

Tendon tears can be microscopic in size to complete ruptures causing the tendon to come away completely from the bone. Further, initial injuries can cause secondary tears.

Treating mild to moderate tears

You should speak with an orthopedic expert if you suspect a rotator cuff tear. The following treatment may be recommended for mild to moderate injuries:

Steroid injections
Anti-inflammatory medications
Physical therapy

In certain cases, a combination of patients, conservative treatments, and rest is enough. Mild tears can take 6 – 8 weeks to heal while a more serious one may need 12 weeks to heal.

Severe tears

You may need surgery in severe cases of tendon tears. This is particularly in the case of people working in construction or athletes. Partial or complete tears of the rotator cuff tendon may require an arthroscopic surgery. Open surgery involving a larger incision may be needed in the case of difficult tears. It is vital to immobilize the shoulder following the surgery. Rehabilitation exercises should be started gradually for regaining shoulder strength.

Risk of Shoulder Tendon Injury

Shoulder injuries can take place in anyone, whether from repetitive overuse, falling on an outstretched arm, or direct impact. However, there are certain factors that may increase the risk of shoulder tendon injury:

Age: older people are at a higher risk of degenerative weakening soft tissue because of wear and tear. Degenerative disorders generally begin at the age of 40.
Jobs: Repetitive exertion of the shoulder can cause tiny tears in the soft tissue. This damage can worsen over time. Painters, construction workers, and athletes are at a greater risk of injury.
Smoking: Flow of blood and oxygen is reduced to the body’s soft tissues because of smoking. This increases the susceptibility to injury and slows down the healing process as well. Smoking can make it difficult to prevent future injuries.

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

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

Chronic Shoulder Instability and Dislocation

Posted on March 15, 2022 by adminksi

Shoulder Instability

Shoulder instability happens when the shoulder joint’s lining, labrum, or ligaments become torn, stretched, or detached. This allows the humeral head or the ball of the shoulder joint to move partially or completely out of the socket. Individuals with this type of instability feel pain when the shoulder is not in its place.

Shoulder Instability Types

Shoulder Subluxation and Dislocation

The humeral head can be dislocated or subluxed with significant trauma to a normal joint. Shoulder subluxation takes place when the humerus quickly slides in and out (partially) of place. Shoulder dislocation takes place when the humerus comes out of the glenoid. It may need to be pushed back in place with medical assistance or may fall back in with time on its own.

Labral Tear

Shoulder instability happens when the labrum is peeled or torn off the glenoid. It can happen following a shoulder dislocation or shoulder trauma because of repetitive motion.

Genetic Condition

Some people are born with loose shoulder ligaments because of spacious or loose capsule. Instability, for these people, can happen without any trauma or after a relatively minor injury. Some people may also have a genetic condition that loosens the joints and predisposes them to develop weakness or instability in the shoulder.

When is Surgery Needed?

The shoulder may be unstable or loose despite a full course of physical therapy in which shoulder strength or motion are restored. Treatment options may consist of surgery or activity modification. Activity modification is mainly recommended for patients that experience instability while performing certain activities. In such patients, avoiding the activity can eliminate the episode of dislocation or subluxation.

Surgical treatment is considered in patients that are not willing to give up sports or activities provoking the episodes. The surgery will involve a physical examination of the shoulder under anesthesia to assess the direction and extent of instability. Generally, an arthroscope is used for inspecting the inside of the shoulder joint for evaluating the joint and cartilage.

The arthroscope will allow direct assessment of the condition of the rotator cuff tendons and labrum. Arthroscopic techniques may be used for stabilizing the shoulder in a limited number of patients that have mild laxity or looseness in the shoulder.

Open Surgery

Open surgery is often required for correcting severe instability. An incision will be made on the shoulder and the muscles will be moved for gaining access to the join capsule, labrum, and ligaments. The structures are then reattached, repaired, or tightened depending on the injury.

The repair can be performed with simple sutures or sutures that are attached to metal or plastic anchors. The anchors are inserted in the bone for tightening or reattaching the ligaments. The anchors remain in the bone permanently.

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

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

Chronic Tendinitis Of The Shoulder

Posted on March 1, 2022 by adminksi

Chronic Tendinitis

Shoulder tendonitis is an inflammation of the biceps tendon or the rotator cuff. Rotator cuff consists of tendons and muscles in the shoulder, which are responsible for connecting the upper arm bone with the shoulder blade. An injury may range from mild to severe inflammation of the rotator cuff. Rotator cuff tenonitis is when the rotator cuff becomes thickened and inflamed.

The rotator cuff tendon may get trapped under the highest point or the roof of the shoulder, called the acromion. It is formed by a part of the scapula. Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute, led by 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.

Symptoms of Shoulder Tendonitis

These are a few common symptoms of shoulder tendonitis. However, you should know that symptoms are unique to different patients.

Inability to hold the arm at certain angles or positions
Tenderness or pain in the shoulder

Shoulder tendonitis symptoms may resemble other medical problems or conditions. You should always speak with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.

Diagnosing Shoulder Tendinopathy

Your doctor will ask your medical history and symptoms. They will also perform a physical exam and get detailed images of the shoulder. Images may be taken with:

Arthroscopy —a surgery that is done with a scope
MRI scan
CT arthrography—specialized x-ray
X-rays

Treating Shoulder Tendinopathy

It may take months to resolve tendinopathy and associated pain. It is important that you follow through with your treatment. This can include:

Rest, Ice, Heat

You should avoid any activities that can cause pain in the shoulder. Your doctor may recommend using an ice pack for helping control swelling and pain. Ice packs are of particular help during the first 24 – 48 hours following exercise or injury. You should protect your skin by keeping a towel between the skin and ice.

Stiffness may decrease in a few days. You should ask your therapist or doctor before using heat for the first time. Make sure you use a towel to protect your skin from the heat source.

Medication

There are several medications that can help reduce pain and swelling. This includes:

Topical pain medicines can be applied to the skin
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin for managing pain
Steroid injections in the bursa for decreasing inflammation

Severe or persistent pain may require further treatment. Your doctor may use steroids in the area to temporarily relive pain. Frequent steroid injections can damage the tendons.

Rehabilitation

You would be able to regain a range of motion and strength with rehabilitation. It will also prevent future injuries. Rehabilitation may include:

Exercises for maintaining normal range of motion
Physical therapy for strengthening the muscles controlling the shoulder
Gradual return to work and sports
Exercises for specific muscles that are used in job activities and sports
Learning ways to modify activities for preventing re-injury

Surgery may be required in case of severe injuries. 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:

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

Types of Musculoskeletal Disorders

Posted on February 10, 2022 by adminksi

Musculoskeletal Disorders

MSDs or musculoskeletal disorders are disorders and injuries that affect the musculoskeletal system or the human body’s movement. This includes tendons, muscles, nerves, ligaments, blood vessels, and discs among others. Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the more common problems among people across the US.

Common Types of MSD

These are a few common musculoskeletal disorders:

Tendonitis
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Ligament sprain
Tendon/muscle strain
Tension neck syndrome
Rotator cuff tendonitis
Thoracic outlet compression
Radial tunnel syndrome
Epicondylitis
Digital neuritis
DeQuervain’s syndrome
Trigger finger/ thumb
Ruptured/ herniated disc
Degenerative disc disease
Mechanical back syndrome

Musculoskeletal disorder accurately describes a condition. Repetitive stress injury, repetitive motion injury, and overuse injury are a few other common names for musculoskeletal disorder.

Osteoarthritis Overview

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint condition that is generally long-lasting or chronic in nature. Joint is the body part where two bones connect. The ends are protected by cartilage, which is a type of protective tissue. This cartilage breaks down in osteoarthritis, which causes the bones to rub together. This can cause stiffness, pain, and other symptoms.

OA is usually prevalent in older people. However, it can happen in adults of any age. Osteoarthritis is known as degenerative arthritis, degenerative joint disease, and wear-and-tear arthritis.

Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome involves the compression of median nerve as it passes through the hand. The median nerve is present on the carpal tunnel or the palm side of the hand. It provides sensation to your index finger, thumb, long finger, and a small bit of the ring finger. The nerve supplies impulses to the muscle that goes to the thumb. Carpal tunnel syndrome can take place in one or both the hands.

Compression in the carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by swelling within the wrist. This can lead to weakness, numbness, and tingling on the hand (near the thumb).

Types of Musculoskeletal Pain

These are common types of musculoskeletal pain:

Bone pain: Musculoskeletal injuries and bone fractures can cause bone pain. Bone pain may also be caused by a tumor.
Joint pain: Inflammation and stiffness may accompany joint pain. Joint pain worsens with activity and gets better with rest for many people.
Muscle pain: Cramps, muscle spasms, and injuries can cause muscle pain. Tumors and infections can also cause muscle pain.
Ligament and tendon pain: Your bones and joints are connected by strong bands of tissue called tendons and ligaments. Strains, sprains, and overuse injuries can result in ligament or tendon pain.

Conditions Increasing the Risk of Musculoskeletal Pain

There are certain conditions that can increase the risk of musculoskeletal pain. This includes:

Arthritis: This is chronic joint inflammation. People with this condition experience stiffness and joint pain.
Fibromyalgia: This is a chronic illness which results in all-over musculoskeletal pain and chronic fatigue.

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

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

Acute Tendinitis Of The Shoulder

Posted on February 5, 2022 by adminksi

Acute Tendinitis

Shoulder tendinitis and bursitis are common reasons for pain and stiffness in the shoulders. These involve inflammation or swelling in a particular area within the shoulder joint. Rotator cuff, a group of muscles, along with the bicep tendon keep the shoulder joint stable. These tendons and muscles keep the humerus or the upper arm bone within the glenoid or the shoulder socket.

When the biceps tendon or the rotator cuff tendons become irritated and inflamed, it is known as bicipital tendinitis or rotator cuff tendinitis. Subacromial bursa is an area that lies within the space between the rotator cuff tendons and the acromion (a part of the shoulder blade hanging over the tendons).

The tendons are protected by the bursa. Subacromial bursitis happens when there is inflammation in the bursa. Shoulder bursitis and tendinitis can cause stiffness and pain around the shoulder.

Causes of Shoulder Tendinitis

Shoulder tendinitis can be the result of sports injuries by overuse or repetitive use of the tendons. It can also be the result of a more sudden or serious injury. For instance, professional swimmers, baseball players, golfers, and tennis players are susceptible to tendinitis in the arms, shoulders, and elbows. Improper technique is the primary cause of overload on tissues, which causes tendinitis.

However, this condition can affect anyone and not just professional athletes. People with jobs that require heavy lifting or overhead work are at an increased risk of tendinitis. Anyone with repetitive motion can develop tendonitis. Shoulder tendinitis can also occur because of falling on an outstretched arm or a direct blow to the shoulder area.

Shoulder Tendinitis Treatment

Treatment goals for the condition involve reduction in inflammation and pain. It also involves preserving mobility while preventing recurrence and disability. Treatments can include a combination of using ice packs, wrapping bandages, and giving the shoulder rest. Naproxen, aspirin, and ibuprofen can be used for reducing swelling.

Physical therapy is a vital component of the treatment plan. Cortisone injections may be provided if the pain or inflammation is severe. Surgery is considered in cases where the biceps tendon or the rotator cuff has completely or partially torn off. It is also considered when symptoms fail to improve with other treatment option. Damaged tendons can be repaired by surgery, which removes the inflamed bursa.

Consulting with a Doctor

Shoulder tendinitis may go away on its own eventually. You should speak with your doctor if you experience pain that interferes with your everyday routine. You should speak with a doctor if there is soreness that doesn’t improve with rest and other self-care measures. Other reasons to visit the doctor is if you have fever, recurrence, or the affected area appears warm, swollen, or inflamed. These signs and symptoms indicate that you may have an infection.

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

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

Common Shoulder Problems

Posted on February 1, 2022 by adminksi

Shoulder Problems

Shoulder is comprised of several joints, tendons, and muscles that allow for a wide range of motion in the arm region. You can do everything from throwing the perfect pitch to scratching your back. However, mobility comes at a price. It may lead to impingement or instability in the bony structure or soft tissue in the shoulder, causing pain.

Bursitis

Bursae are fluid-filled small sized sacs located in the joints all over the body. This includes the shoulders as well. Excessive use of the shoulder may result in swelling or inflammation of the bursa between the acromion and the rotator cuff. Acromion is a part of the shoulder blade. This can result in a condition called subacromial bursitis.

Tendinitis

Tendons are cords connecting the bone to the muscle. Tendonitis is usually a result of inflammation. It is usually of two types:

Acute: Excessive ball throwing or any other overhead activities during sport and work can cause acute tendonitis
Chronic: Degenerative diseases, such as repetitive wear and tear, and arthritis can cause chronic tendinitis

Tendon Tears

Tearing and splitting of tendons can result from degenerative changes or acute injury in the tendons because of long-term overuse, advancing age, sudden injury, and wear and tear. These tears can cause partial or complete separation of the tendons from the bone. In case of complete tears, the tendon is completely pulled away from the bone attachment. Bicep tendon and rotator cuff injuries are among common injuries.

Impingement

Shoulder impingement takes place when the acromion or the top of the shoulder blade places pressure on the underlying soft tissue when the arm is being lifted away from the body. The acromion impinges or rubs against the bursa and rotator cuff tendons as the arm is lifted. This may cause tendinitis and bursitis, which may limit movement and cause pain.

Instability

Shoulder instability takes place when the upper arm bone head is forced out of the shoulder socket. This can take place because of overuse or sudden injury. Shoulder dislocation can be partial too. This is when the upper arm ball comes out of the socket partially in a condition known as subluxation. The ball is completely out of the socket in a complete dislocation.

Arthritis

Shoulder pain can happen because of arthritis. There are several types of this condition, with the most common being osteoarthritis. It is also known as wear and tear arthritis. Swelling, stiffness, pain and other symptoms can begin during middle age. Osteoarthrosis worsens with time and develops more gradually.

Fracture

Fractures are basically broken bones. Shoulder fractures involve the humerus (upper arm bone), clavicle (collarbone), and scapula (shoulder blade). They are often caused by a fall from standing height. Fractures are common in contact sports injury and motor vehicle accidents as well. They result in swelling, severe pain, and bruising around the shoulder.

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

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

Kinds of Orthopedic Doctors

Posted on January 2, 2022 by adminksi

Orthopedic Doctors

Orthopedic surgeons are doctors specializing in the musculoskeletal system, such as the joints, bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles that are essential for movement and daily life. Trained orthopedic surgeons can treat, diagnose, and prevent problems with advanced precision.

Orthopedic Doctor Types

Orthopedic specialists and orthopedic surgeons are not the same. Orthopedic surgeon is often used by default when referring to orthopedic doctors. This is quite common because orthopedic surgeries are a common medical procedure in this field.

Many people have had some kind of encounter with an orthopedic surgeon. However, you should understand that all orthopedic surgeons are specialists, while all orthopedic specialists are not surgeons.

Orthopedic specialists, surgical or another, are qualified for assessing, diagnosing, and treating orthopedic ailments using noninvasive treatments. But, all orthopedic surgeons don’t operate just because they are qualified to do so.

Skilled orthopedic specialists with a robust healthcare system will be more interested in using advanced noninvasive technique for restoring lives. They will use computer assisted treatments and minimally invasive procedures for harvesting and growing cells for cartilage repair.

Orthopedic specialists are vital to a patient’s orthopedic care plan, whether they are operative or not. They evaluate a patient’s unique condition to provide treatment options. They also help them determine a preferable course of action. This may or may not include surgery, even if the physician is an orthopedic surgeon.

Specialist or Surgeon

Non-surgical orthopedists are a great starting point for patients that haven’t received a clear diagnosis. Most orthopedic conditions can be treated effectively without surgery. This includes the majority of sports medicine injuries as well. Patients are directed to orthopedic surgeons if surgery does become necessary.

Conversely, it is wise to speak with an orthopedic surgeon if your diagnosis includes surgery. Patients should speak with their primary care physician to determine if they require surgery. The physician would even research their condition after making a diagnosis.

Role of Primary Care Physicians

You would need to see an orthopedic specialist whenever an injury is caused by repetitive motion or is traumatic in nature. Orthopedic specialist is required even when an injury is exacerbated by repeated motion. Primary care providers, on the other hand, are the first point when a patient experiences a mix of orthopedic symptoms (joint or bone pain) and non-orthopedic symptoms.

These are a few telltale indicators that you should visit a PCP or an orthopedic specialist:

Chronic pain
Limited range of motions
Inability to perform everyday functions
Trouble standing
Trouble walking
Sprain
Soft tissue injury

Importance of Sub-Specialists

Orthopedic specialists sub-specializing in treating specific body areas or particular conditions are a judicious option for patients. Sub-specialists come with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the area of their expertise. This can help patients with chronic or complex conditions.

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

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

Joint Fusion Surgery

Posted on December 15, 2021 by adminksi

Joint Fusion

You may need joint fusion surgery (arthrodesis) if you have severe arthritis pain. The procedure welds or fuses the two bones together that form part of the aching joint. This will result in the bone getting fused together to become a single solid bone. This can help lessen the pain. This can stabilize the joint and help you place more weight on it.

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

Good Candidates for Joint Fusion Surgery

Arthritis is capable of causing severe damage to the joints. Joint fusion surgery can be considered if other treatments have not helped. The surgery can help relieve symptoms of scoliosis, degenerative disk disease and other back problems. Joint fusion surgery can be performed on the:

Spine
Ankles
Fingers
Wrists
Feet
Thumbs

It may take a long time to heal from joint fusion surgery. This is why your doctor would ask you whether you can cope with a long recovery or not. You may not be a suitable candidate if you have other health issues, such as:

Infection
Poor bone quality
Narrowed arteries
Neurological problem that keeps your body from healing

Joint Fusion Surgery Process

Depending on the type of joint fusion surgery performed, you can either have it as an outpatient surgery or in the hospital. Your doctor may choose to provide you with general anesthesia. If you want, the surgery can be performed with local anesthesia as well.

An incision will be made by the surgeon at the surgery site once you are under the effect of anesthesia. They will scrape away damaged tissue or cartilage from the joint. This will allow the bones to fuse together. In some cases, the surgeon may place a small fragment of bone between the ends of the joint.

This bone piece may be taken from the pelvic bone, below the knee, or the heel. The bone may also come from a bone bank that stores donated bones. Your doctor may choose to make use of a manmade substance instead of an actual bone. Space within the joint may be closed using screws, metal plates, or wires.

The hardware used is usually permanent and will stay even when the joint heals completely. The surgeon will close the incisions using staples or sutures once they are finished.

Results and Recovery

You would need to wear a brace or cast for a few days after the joint fusion surgery. You may need to use a wheelchair, walker, or crutches as well. Healing can take anywhere from 12 – 14 weeks. You would need help to get through your daily chores and household tasks. You should expect to lose some range of motion.

You may feel stiffness in the joint as well. Physical therapy may allow you to keep all other joints in working shape. Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada and also serving greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, Mesquite, NV, and nearby areas for orthopedic surgery.

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

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

What Are The Most Common Orthopedic Surgeries?

Posted on December 1, 2021 by adminksi

Common Orthopedic Surgeries

Orthopedic surgeons perform a wide array of orthopedic surgeries for addressing various different parts of the body. These procedures are invasive in nature, but are basic and routine.

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

Knee Replacement

The knee is a highly used joint in the body. Unfortunately, it tends to get over-used to the point of injury many times. Knee replacement surgery may be performed by your surgeon for replacing a part or the entire joint with artificial components.

In most cases, knee replacement is necessary because the joint cartilage is damaged which makes it painful to move or restricts movement.

ACL Surgery

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is an important part of the knee. It runs diagonally across the knee towards the front. The ACL is responsible for keeping you stable when you rotate the leg. Reconstructive surgery is required if this ligament gets torn. The surgery involves taking a small part of tendon from somewhere else in the body. The part is then grafted on the damaged part. This is not a major surgery and patients can usually return home the same day.

Hip Replacement

Hip is another common joint that is usually replaced. The hip is made up of the femoral head (the ball) and the acetabulum (the socket). Like the knee, hip cartilage tends to wear over time as well. This is especially true if it is damaged. The entire joint needs replacing in most cases. However, you may choose to get Birmingham Hip Resurfacing in which only the damaged part is replaced.

Shoulder Replacement

Shoulder is another common joint replacement surgery. The upper part of the arm bone or the humerus is replaced with a metal ball in most cases. The surgeon will put in a plastic replacement for replacing the damaged part of the socket. However, in case the rotator cuff is damaged, the socket will be made of metal and the arm bone will be replaced with a plastic component.

Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy can be performed on the shoulder or knee. It is a minimally invasive procedure allowing surgeons to place a tiny camera in the body near the joint. It allows for a clear image of the damage. You may need to get the arthroscopy done before a shoulder or knee replacement to allow the surgeon to determine the extent of damage.

Joint Fusion

You may need a joint fusion procedure if you suffer from arthritis. Cartilage will be taken from an uninjured part of the body during the surgery and grafted on the damaged area. Once your surgeon performs this procedure, the bones on either side of the joint will fuse together. This helps in stabilizing the joint to a significant extent. The procedure can be successfully performed in the fingers, spine, feet, and ankles.

Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada and also serving greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, Mesquite, NV, and nearby areas for orthopedic surgery.

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

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

Contact Us

702.933.9393

9499 West Charleston, Suite 200
Las Vegas, NV 89117