It’s normal for you to want to get back on your feet quickly after a knee replacement surgery. Regular exercise can be helpful in restoring your strength and improving a full range of motion. This will help you return to the activities you love sooner. Placing too much strain on the healing knee can create post-operative pain and swelling. 

Board certified orthopedic surgeons will explain everything about the procedure, including how far to walk following a knee replacement. Patients naturally want to know when they can walk following a knee replacement. Full recovery from knee replacement can take anywhere from 6 months to an entire year.

Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute, led by stellar 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 are a few common time frames, even though everyone’s recovery will occur at a difference pace:

Three weeks after surgery

You will be discharged three weeks after the surgery. Your surgeon will encourage you to use assistive devices during this period to regain strength and mobility in your legs. They will ask you to consult with a physiotherapist for exercises that will improve flexibility and strengthen your quadriceps, hamstring, and calf. The goal is to get your knees to a point where you can bend it to 120 degrees. You should be flexible enough to get in and out, or on and off, of chairs, sofas, and car seats. 

4 – 6 weeks after surgery

You would be able to walk for 10 minutes without any assisted devices within 4 – 6 weeks of the procedure. You shouldn’t need cane, crutches, walker, and other assistive devices. Your physical therapist will encourage you to walk without an assistive device for longer distances gradually. You should be able to start driving again if your doctor clears you. 

8 – 12 weeks following surgery

Typical programs for physical therapy last for 8 to 12 weeks. By this time, you would be able to walk several blocks at a time. Your surgeon may even encourage you to pick up hobbies, such as cycling or swimming. The doctor may permit you for performing modified activities, such as dancing, yoga, and golf. 

You should not deter from your walking schedule once the therapy program ends around 12 weeks. You should also challenge yourself gradually for walking increased durations and distances.

12 months after surgery

You will continue making progress for an entire year following the knee replacement surgery. Your knee would have attained complete strength by this time. You should be able to resume most activities by this time. Stemming from this, you would continue making additional improvements for up to 2 years following the knee replacement procedure. 

Walking is among the most highly recommended exercises following a knee replacement. It can help you regain your independence. You should use a cane or walker for as long as prescribed and then try and walk around unassisted.

Diligent 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

Arthroscopy makes use of a camera for looking within the joint instead of using an incision to open it completely. This minimally invasive procedure allows orthopedic surgeons to diagnose, treat, and repair a wide array of diseases and conditions that may cause mobility issues and pain in the joints. If you are suffering from shoulder, knee or ankles stiffness and pain, you should consider an arthroscopy surgery. 

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.

Knee Arthroscopy

This is among the most common types of surgical procedures performed by orthopedists. Arthroscopic repairs include:

• Torn posterior or anterior cruciate ligaments (PCL or ACL)
• Torn meniscus repair (cartilage between the knee bones)
• Fractures
• Dislocated knee cap (patella)

The surgeon will repair these problems by repositioning bones, inserting rivets or pins, and suturing after understanding the concern using arthroscopy. 

In certain cases, tissue removal is necessary to get ideal results. Arthroscopy in such cases can be used for extracting the bone or tissue that may be causing pain by impinging on the movement. For instance:

• Baker’s cyst (also associated with arthritis)
• Loose cartilage bodies
• Inflamed or swollen synovium (joint lining)

Majority of knee arthroscopy surgical procedures can be completed within the hour as an outpatient procedure. 

Steps Involved in Knee Arthroscopy

Steps involved include:

• The procedure will start with local anesthesia or general anesthesia.
• The surgeon will make tiny incisions in your knee.
• Salt water will be pumped for expanding the joint. This will create a space big enough for the surgeon to maneuver within the joint. 
• An arthroscope will be inserted by the surgeon. Images from the joint will be projected on the monitor. 
• The surgeon will insert small surgical tools of correcting the problem once it is located and analyzed.
• The surgeon will drain the saline from your knees after the surgery. They will close the incisions using stitches. 

Shoulder Arthroscopy

These are the most common problems that can be treated using an arthroscopic shoulder surgery:

• Rotator cuff
• Impingement syndrome or restricted motion syndrome because of an acromion or the bone spur
• Inflamed tissue on top of the shoulder joint
• Ligament tear or a damaged coracoacromial ligament
• Torn labrum leading to shoulder instability (labrum is the cartilage that lines the shoulder joint)
• Bankart lesion (this labrum tear occurs on the lower part of the shoulder joint)
• SLAP lesion (this tear affects the ligament and labrum on top of the shoulder joint)
• Biceps tendon tears
• Inflammation in the lining of the joint or synovitis
• Arthritis of the collarbone (or clavicle arthritis)

Your surgeon may attempt to bring together the edges of the torn tendons together depending on your issue or injury. They will reattach the tendon using metal or plastic rivets, or sutures. Surgery may be required if the joint needs removing inflamed or damages tissue, cleaning out, or cutting the ligament.

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

Total knee replacement can be carried out in two ways: the traditional approach that involves significant downtime and the newer minimally invasive approach, also known as the quadriceps-sparing method.

Conventional knee replacement generally involves an 8” incision and a stay of 3 to 5 days. It may require an additional stay in a rehabilitation center as well. The recovery period can last for as long as 1 to 3 months, in which you would be required to use a cane or walker.

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. 

What Is Involved In The Quadriceps-Sparing Method?

Quadriceps-sparing total knee replacement is a more recent and minimally invasive technique. It involves inserting the knee replacement implant by making a shorter incision that prevents trauma to the quadriceps muscles. The same proven implants are used in this technique. An incision of roughly 3 – 4” in length is used in this technique, allowing for a quicker recovery time. 

You should be able to walk within a few weeks of the surgery using a cane. Quadriceps are among the most important muscles of the legs. By avoiding trauma to this muscle-group, post-operative pain is diminished. There is a reduced need for therapy and rehab as compared to other traditional approaches. 

Primary Benefits of the Newer Technique

1. Rapid healing 

Patients that undergo this procedure are able to regain muscle control and strength in a fairly shorter period of time as compared to patients that underwent the traditional knee replacement procedure. The surgeon doesn’t divide the quadriceps muscles and tendons. The kneecap is not flipped out the way or everted as it is in a traditional replacement procedure. 

2. Shorter incision

Knee replacement is never performed for cosmetic benefits. But, you cannot negate the benefits of having a smaller incision. The incision length is almost halved in the case of quadriceps-sparing method.

3. Decreased pain during recovery

This is a benefit accruing from the smaller incision and the fact that the important quadriceps group is not touched. 

4. Involves same reliable replacement implants

There have been many advances made in the nearly 4-decade history of contemporary knee replacement techniques. Quadriceps-sparing method is an enhancement on the traditional surgery. It makes use of the same proven implant designs. Except, the surgeon will insert the implants through a smaller incision. 

Better Suitability Prospects than a Partial Knee Replacement

Some patients feel that getting a partial knee replacement may be a more reasonable choice. These are also known as unicompartmental (partial) knee replacements and have a proven track record. The technique has been in use for decades. It offers the same exemplary clinical results as that of total knee replacement. 

There are several less invasive techniques available for inserting smaller implants. With that said, only about 10% knee replacement patients ever qualify for these procedures. In contrast, a minimally-invasive quadriceps-sparing total knee replacement is considered appropriate for a wide range of knee arthritis patterns.

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

Cortisone injections play a major role in relieving inflammation and pain symptoms from the shoulder. Besides used for the shoulder, these injections can be used in the knee, hip, spine, elbow, ankle, and wrist. Furthermore, there are several side effects to these injections which limit the number you can receive in a year. 

During your initial consultation, your surgeon will explain the potential side effects of cortisone injections and the number of injections you can receive in the shoulder in a year. 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 in and around greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV.

Side Effects of Cortisone Injections When Used in the Shoulder

Patients are at a higher risk of side effects if they receive a larger dose of cortisone. These are a few side-effects you should expect after getting the medication in the shoulder:

• Pain and discomfort
• Temporary facial flushing
• Temporary increase in blood sugar
• Temporary flare of pain and inflammation, also called a cortisone flare
• Joint infection
• Cartilage damage
• Death of nearby bone
• Tendon rupture or weakening
• Lightening or whitening of the skin at the injection site
• Osteoporosis 

Frequency of Cortisone Shots

You may request for a cortisone injection if your joint pain returns after a few months or week. Typically, patients are restricted from getting more than 3 cortisone shots in a year. With that said, you should speak with your doctor regarding your particular situation. They will be able to explain your options and the best treatment combinations that would work in your condition. 

Cortisone Shot Preparation

Cortisone injections can cause bruising and bleeding. It’s necessary that you don’t take any blood thinners for several days before the appointment. This includes dietary supplements which may have a blood thinning effect. You should speak with your doctor regarding the supplements or medications you should avoid. Pertaining to this, let the doctor know if you had a temperature of 100.4 F or above in the past 2 weeks. 

Getting a Cortisone Shot in the Shoulder

The doctor will position your shoulder in a way to make it easy and comfortable to get the shot. The injection site will be cleaned and sprayed with a topical anesthetic. The doctor may use fluoroscopy or another digital imaging technique for watching the needle’s progress and placing it in the right spot. 

You will be given the corticosteroid medication once the injection site is received. An anesthetic is usually mixed with the medication for providing immediate pain relief and to deal with any potential cortisone flare up. You will be sent home to recover once the injection has been given. 

Expectations Following a Cortisone Injection

Some patients notice a reduction in pain after a few hours while for others it may take up to 7 days. Severity of pain determines how soon the injections work. Chronic shoulder pain may require several weeks for continued relief. Patients that received an anesthetic with the cortisone shot may experience numbness for at least 24 hours. 

Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada and also from greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV for 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

Cortisone medication can help ease swelling and pain from arthritis, illness, or injury when injected into the body. Cortisone shots or corticosteroid shots don’t start working immediately. Some patients wonder when those chemicals begin to have an impact and which factors impact their efficacy. This is particularly true in the case of athletes that have a game or any type of contest on the horizon. Choosing the best time to have a corticosteroid shot can prove to be the difference between success and failure.

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 in and around greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV. 

Outlook Following Cortisone Shots

In general, cortisone shots take about 4 – 5 days to start working. In relation to this, it’s prudent to give the shot at least a week to ease pain. In most patients, corticosteroid shots take about 7 days to start showing benefits. The effect may last for up to 2 months. In some cases, the effect may last for more than 2 months. 

Cortisone reduces inflammation in damaged joints. Your doctor may recommend other treatments to address the cause of joint pain. This can be treatment for an autoimmune disorder, obesity, ligament damage, or another condition. 

Mechanism of Cortisone Shots

Cortisone shots are in-office medication. They may be injected directly in the joint involved. In some cases, the injection contains local anesthetic to start easing pain. Where shoulders are concerned, the cortisone injection can be injected in the:

• Joints
• Bursa
• Tendons

Longevity of Results

The effect of a corticosteroid shot may last between 6 weeks to 6 months. You will begin feeling great as the injection reduces inflammation. Furthermore, the injection doesn’t cure the disease. You should combine the shot with lifestyle changes, such as gaining muscle strength, losing weight and other similar methods. 

In some patients, the cortisone injection may not work. Failure can be due to the following reasons:

• Diagnosis was incorrect
• Cortisone shot was injected in the wrong area
• Needle placement was incorrect
• Failure of proper rehabilitation

Side Effects of a Cortisone Shot

Cortisone shots, in general, are safe when used for the right reasons. Correlating with this, there are always side effects to every medical treatment. Potential side effects, include:

• Infection (1 in every 100,000)
• Allergic reaction (rare)
• Skin discoloration and thinning (can be reduced by using ultrasound)
• Bleeding into joints
• Temporary increase in blood sugar levels of diabetics, which lasts for up to 2 weeks
• Increased pain in the first few days due to cortisone flare

These are all short-term side effects and can be prevented by getting the cortisone shot from a reliable treatment provider. In rare cases, there are certain long-term side effects as well. Recent studies have shown that incorrectly or repeated cortisone injections may damage the cartilage. Cortisone injections may cause weakness in the tendons for a few weeks. 

You can reduce the risk of these long-term side effects by using cortisone shots sparingly and always for the right reasons. Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada and also from greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV for 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