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.

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.

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.

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 post Types of Musculoskeletal Disorders appeared first on Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

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.

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.

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.

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 post Common Shoulder Problems appeared first on Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

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:

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 post What Are The Most Common Orthopedic Surgeries? appeared first on Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

Arthritis and osteoarthritis are frequently confused together. This is because they both belong to the same family of pathology – rheumatism. However, the two are very different with several distinct symptoms.

Osteoarthritis is a mechanical condition that is characterized by the slow and gradual wearing down of joint cartilage. Aging is a common risk factor where osteoarthritis is concerned. On the other hand, arthritis does not occur because of the normal wear and tear of bones. Instead, this condition takes place because of inflammation that results in the secretion of joint destroying substances.

Arthritis can be infectious, metabolic or genetic in nature. 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.

Difference in Symptoms

A common symptom to both conditions is naturally pain in the joint. Painin osteoarthritis generally takes place when the joint is moving. It decreases when the joint is at rest. In the case of arthritis, moving the joint may reduce the intensity of pain. The pain is worst during night when the body is at rest. Patients with arthritis notice a warm sensation near the affected joint along with swelling and redness.

Difference in Causes

Aging is a primary cause of osteoarthritis. People in certain occupations have a higher likelihood of developing osteoarthritis as compared to others. This is because the joints (primarily wrists and elbows) in such occupation are being constantly used.

Obesity is another reason for osteoarthritis issues, especially in the hips and knees. On the other hand, arthritis is caused due to hereditary factors. Additionally, people with chemical imbalance or immune disorder are at a greater risk.

Difference in Diagnosis

The doctor will perform a clinical assessment of the situation for making a diagnosis. They can prescribe X-rays and blood tests that will help determine whether you suffer from arthritis or osteoarthritis. This is when the doctors would choose an appropriate treatment plan based on your diagnosis.

Difference in Treatment

Osteoarthritis treatment

Treatment depends on the particular situation of a patient. Symptoms of osteoarthritis are irreversible, but can be managed. Your doctor will determine the best treatment plan for you which may include the following:

• Pain medications: Over the counter pain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen may be used for treating mild pain. Otherwise, your doctor would prescribe stronger medication.
• Surgery: You may need to undergo a joint replacement surgery if other treatment options don’t lessen the pain.

Rheumatoid Arthritis treatment

Most RA medications have side effects making it important to get regular doctor checkups. If your joint and pain function worsen after trying exercise, medicine, and lifestyle changes, you should consider joint replacement surgery.

These are a few tips for improving the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis:

• Rest whenever tired
• Use walkers, splints, canes, and other devices
• Exercise regularly
• Eat a balanced diet
• Maintain a healthy weight

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:

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 post What is The Difference Between Arthritis And Osteoarthritis? appeared first on Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

Arthritis of the shoulder joint can be painful, but it does not cause as great a disability as arthritis of the hip or knee. Doctors therefore prefer to treat it using non-surgical methods. Hip and knee replacement surgery are far more common than shoulder replacement surgery. However, shoulder replacement may be performed in patients who do not respond well to non-invasive forms of treatment.

Thomas & Bigler Knee and 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, while also serving areas such as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV.

Implants for Shoulder Replacement

In shoulder replacement surgery, an implant made of metal and plastic is used to replace the natural joint. The metal ball takes the place of the head of the humerus (arm bone) and the plastic cup replaces the glenoid (socket of the shoulder blade). After the surgeon has removed the faulty joint, the implant is accurately positioned and attached in place using cement.

What to Expect During Surgery?

Shoulder replacement surgery is done under general anesthesia. The surgeon may also administer a drug that blocks the nerves in the shoulder region to reduce the amount of pain you experience after the anesthetic effect wears off.

The surgeon first makes a 4 to 6 inch long incision along the front of the shoulder joint. Next, they remove the bone and cartilage affected by arthritis. Using special instruments, the artificial implant is set in place.

The actual replacement surgery will require about two hours; including the preparation and recovery period, the entire procedure may take about three hours.

Most patients will have to stay overnight in the hospital after the surgery. Although efforts are underway to carry out joint replacement on an outpatient basis, it requires extensive education of the patient before the surgery to help them learn how to cope after returning home.

Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation begins soon after the surgery with a therapist meeting the patient to demonstrate and perform physical therapy. The sling the patient wears after surgery will have to be taken off during the therapy. Most surgeons allow their patients to undertake some movement right after surgery.

Patients generally resume their normal activities within about three months of the surgery. This is the time to begin exercise to strengthen the shoulder muscles and increase their movements.

Risks in Shoulder Replacement Surgery

As in any other surgery, there is the risk of infection after shoulder replacement surgery, too. An infection around the new implant can cause serious complications and so, you must follow the instructions of your doctor to avoid infection.

There is also a risk of breakdown of the bone near the shoulder implant due to contact with the metal and plastic parts or the bone cement used. Some patients may experience instability or dislocation of the implanted joint. In other patients, the implant may loosen over time. People who undertake excessive physical activity involving the shoulders after undergoing this surgery may suffer from a fracture of the implant.

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 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:

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 post Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Procedures: Shoulder Replacement appeared first on Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

A total knee replacement surgery replaces the entire knee joint. A partial knee replacement, however, involves only one part of the knee. Based on which part of the knee is damaged, surgeons will replace the medial (inside), lateral (outside), or the kneecap portion of your knee.

Thomas & Bigler Knee and 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, while also serving areas such as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV.

Is Partial Knee Replacement Right for You?

Partial knee replacement is the method of choice for persons who are 60 years of age or older and have only partial knee damage. Surgeons also choose this technique if:

• The patient is thin, older, and does not have a very active lifestyle
• The knee deformity is minor only and the arthritis under the kneecap or the other side of the knee is not very bad
• The range of motion in the patient’s knee is good
• Knee ligaments are still stable

Persons with severe knee arthritis are not advised a partial knee replacement.

Procedure of Partial Knee Replacement

In a partial knee replacement procedure, the surgeon removes damaged bone and tissue from the knee joint. A prosthetic, which is an artificial implant, is used to replace the part which has been removed. The rest of your knee remains unchanged. Recovery from a partial knee replacement is faster because smaller incisions are used during the surgery.

Depending on your specific requirement, the surgeon will administer either general anesthesia or regional anesthesia. General anesthesia ensures that you sleep throughout the procedure. Regional anesthesia may be spinal or epidural type and only numbs the body parts below the waist. Your surgeon may also give you medication to make you drowsy or relaxed.

The surgery begins with a cut over the knee that is 3 to 5 inches (7.5 to 13 centimeters) in length. The surgeon then examines the joint to verify the extent of damage that has been shown by the pre-surgery diagnostic tests. In the rare event of finding a greater degree of damage than expected, the surgeon may advise a total knee replacement at this juncture.

During the actual procedure, the damaged part of the tissue and bone is removed. The replacement part made of a combination of metal and plastic is placed inside the knee and attached using bone cement. The surgeon then sutures the wound to close it.

Post-Surgical Recovery

Recovery is rapid in most patients and they report a significant reduction in knee pain after the surgery. People recover faster from a partial knee replacement than from a total knee replacement. You will be able to walk without support from a walker or cane within a month of surgery.

Most patients require physical therapy for at least 4 months following surgery. Your surgeon will advise you to avoid high-impact forms of exercise such as jogging and instead, choose activities such as swimming, walking, biking, golf, or tennis.

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 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:

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 post Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Procedures: Partial Knee Replacement appeared first on Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.