Chronic exertional compartment syndrome is a nerve and muscle condition induced due to exercise. It leads to pain, swelling and, in some cases, disability in the affected muscles of the arms or legs. While this condition can afflict anyone, it is more common among athletes involved in repetitive impact activities such as running.

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome will often respond to activity modification and non-surgical treatments. However, in a few cases, surgery may be recommended. Most patients can return to their sports or other activities after the surgery. Stellar and sagacious board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler provide treatments for chronic exertional compartment syndrome to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada and surrounding communities in The Silver State.

Diagnosis

Imaging Studies

Imaging tests such as MRI or or near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) may be performed to diagnose this condition. The muscle structure in the compartments can be assessed with an MRI scan to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms.

An advanced MRI scan may help to evaluate the fluid volumes in the compartments during exercise. This test has been found to be more accurate in identifying compartment syndrome.

NIRS is a new, cutting edge technique that employs the use of light wavelengths to measure the saturation of tissue oxygen in the blood. This helps to determine if the muscle compartment has reduced blood flow.

Compartment Pressure Testing

If an abnormality is not detected with imaging studies, the orthopedic surgeon may recommend measuring the pressure within the muscle compartments. This test is known as compartment pressure measurement, and it is the gold standard for diagnosing chronic exertional compartment syndrome.

The test is mildly painful and invasive, and will involve insertion of needles into the muscles. Therefore, the surgeon will not recommend this test unless the results of other tests and the patient’s medical history strongly suggest the presence of chronic exertional compartment syndrome.

Treatment

Both surgical and non-surgical treatment options are available to treat chronic exertional compartment syndrome. But non-surgical options are usually effective only when the patient quits or significantly reduces the specific activity that is causing the condition.

Non-Surgical Options

The orthopedic surgeon may initially prescribe pain medications, along with a strengthening or stretching exercise regimen, orthotics, massage, a break from regular exercise or sports activity, or the use of various biomechanical techniques, such as altering how to land while jogging. But these non-invasive options are not likely to provide lasting relief from true chronic exertional compartment syndrome.

Surgical Options

The most effective solution for chronic exertional compartment syndrome is surgery. This will involve operating on the inelastic tissue encasing each muscle compartment or fascia. The surgeon may either cut open the fascia of each affected compartment or remove portions of the fascia. The pressure will be relieved with this surgery.

Patients should be aware of the potential surgical risks such as infection, numbness, scarring and permanent nerve damage. Adept and successful board certified orthopedic surgeons at Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada and other town and suburbs across the landscape for the treatment of chronic exertional compartment syndrome.

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. call (702) 933-9393; Physical Therapy (702) 933-9393.

Cartilage damage can cause stiffness, pain and inflammation in the joint. In case of severe damage, the surgeon will have to perform cartilage repair or removal to restore the joint function. Dedicated and judicious board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler provide treatments for cartilage damage to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada and surrounding locations in the Silver State.

Causes

Damage to the cartilage may occur due to a direct blow or heavy impact due to a fall or an accident. Sportspersons are a higher risk of articular damage. Wear and tear of the joint due to a prolonged period of stress can lead to cartilage damage. Osteoarthritis may cause inflammation, breakdown and eventual loss of cartilage in the joints. Extended periods of inactivity or immobility also increase the risk of cartilage damage.

Diagnosis

Symptoms of cartilage damage and ligament damage are similar. Therefore, in addition to a physical exam, the orthopedic surgeon may order the following diagnostic tests:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

The test provides detailed images of the affected site. However, in some cases, an MRI may not be able to detect cartilage damage.

Arthroscopy

In this case an arthroscope is inserted into the joint to examine the damage on a monitor and repair it. The extent of cartilage damage can be determined more accurately with arthroscopy.

Treatment

Non-Surgical

Surgery is reserved as the last option to treat cartilage damage. Some patients may respond well to conservative, non-surgical treatments. These may include special exercises, NSAIDs, and in a few cases, steroid injections. If the damage is limited, the patient may only need to go through a physical therapy program or do some exercises at home.

Surgical Options

If the patient fails to respond to non-surgical treatments, they will require a surgery. The appropriate surgical option will be recommended according to the age and activity level of the patient, the size of the lesion, and the age of the injury.

Debridement

This involves smoothing the damaged cartilage and removal of loose edges to avoid irritating and rubbing against other body parts. Small arthroscopic instruments may be used to perform this procedure.

Marrow Stimulation

The orthopedic surgeon will drill small holes under the damaged cartilage to expose the blood vessels that lie inside the bone. Blood clot formation inside the cartilage will occur, triggering the production of new cartilage. However, the new cartilage may not have similar strength and suppleness as the original cartilage.

Mosaicplasty

In this procedure, the surgeon will remove healthy cartilage from one site and move it to the damaged area. If the damage is extensive due to osteoarthritis, this procedure may not be helpful. Mosaicplasty is used only where the cartilage damage occurs in isolated sites, typically limited to 10 to 20 mm in size. Patients below the age of 50 who have suffered minor damage due to an injury often make ideal candidates for this procedure.

Patients in Las Vegas, Nevada and other communities and towns in this area of the country have an opportunity to receive treatments for cartilage damage from the hardworking and fabulous board certified orthopedic surgeons at the Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute.

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. call (702) 933-9393; Physical Therapy (702) 933-9393.

A Baker’s cyst is a fluid-filled cyst that will create a painful bulge and tightness behind the knee. If the patient extends the knee or flexes it fully or is active, the pain may worsen. Also known as a popliteal cyst, it often occurs because of a problem with the knee joint. For instance, a cartilage tear or arthritis can cause the knee to produce excess fluid, resulting in a Baker’s cyst.

Swelling may occur due to the Baker’s cyst, and the patient will feel uncomfortable. But relief can be obtained if the probable underlying cause of the problem is addressed. Remarkable and adroit board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler provide treatments for Baker’s cyst to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, and surrounding communities across the horizon.

Diagnosing the Problem

A physical exam is usually enough to diagnose a Baker’s cyst. However, some of the signs and symptoms of this condition may be similar to other more serious conditions, such as a tumor, blood clot, or aneurysm. Therefore, the treatment provider may order non-invasive imaging tests, such as:

• Ultrasound
• X-ray
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Treatment

In some cases, the Baker’s cyst may disappear on its own. But if the cyst is painful and large in size, the following treatments may be recommended:

Medication

Cortisone or another corticosteroid medication may be injected into the painful knee to reduce inflammation. This will provide relief from the pain, but the possibility of recurrence of the cyst still remains.

Fluid Drainage

The orthopedic surgeon may drain the fluid from the knee joint with a needle. This procedure is known as needle aspiration and is typically performed under ultrasound guidance.

Physical Therapy

Pain and swelling can be reduced with the help of ice packs, a compression wrap, and crutches. The patient may be instructed to perform gentle range of motion and strengthening exercises for the knee muscles. These steps can help to mitigate the symptoms and improve knee function.

Treating Underlying Conditions

Wherever possible, the surgeon will try to treat the underlying cause of the cyst for permanent relief. If the surgeon determines that overproduction of the synovial fluid is being caused by a cartilage tear, they may advise surgery to repair or remove the torn cartilage. If the Baker’s cyst has occurred due to osteoarthritis, it will often improve when the arthritis is treated. This condition rarely requires surgical intervention.

Baker’s Cyst Caused due to Arthritis

If the cyst has been caused by arthritis, the surgeon may recommend a few steps that can be followed at home. The first step is the RICE treatment, which involves rest, ice therapy, compression, and elevation. The patient can compression the knee with a wrap, sleeve or brace, and as far as possible, keep the leg in an elevated position at night.

Reduction of physical activity for some time may be advised. This will help to reduce irritation of the knee joint. During this period of reduced activity, the surgeon may also suggest alternative forms of exercise. Profound and sagacious board certified orthopedic surgeons at Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada and other cities and suburbs in this area of the southwest.

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. call (702) 933-9393; Physical Therapy (702) 933-9393.

The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that acts as a buffer or cushion between the femur and tibia. Each knee joint has two menisci. Activities or sports that put pressure on or rotate the knee joint can a meniscus tear. More than half a million cases of meniscus tear occur every year in the US.    

Depending on the severity of damage to the meniscus, the treatment options can vary. Board certified orthopedic surgeons at the Knee & Shoulder Institute, Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler, provide treatments for meniscus tear to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, and other cities and communities in The Battle Born State.

Symptoms

The patient might hear a popping sound around the knee joint when a meniscus tear occurs. This may be followed by pain, particularly when the site is touched, and other symptoms which include:

• Swelling
• Difficulty in moving the knee or perform its full range of motion
• The feeling of the knee catching or locking
• The feeling that the knee is unable to support the body or is giving way
• A popping or slipping sensation, which indicates that a piece of cartilage may have become loose and may be blocking the knee joint

If one or more of these symptoms occur and persist for a few days, or occur after a knee injury, the patient should contact an orthopedic surgeon. If the patient is unable to bend the knee due to locking, the patient should contact the surgeon.

RICE Treatment

A meniscus tear may initially be treated with conservative approaches such as RICE, which includes rest, ice, compression and elevation. The patient should:

• Rest the knee and use crutches to avoid weight bearing on the joint and avoid activities that could worsen knee pain
• Apply ice to the painful joint every four hours for 30 minutes
• Compress the knee in an elastic bandage to mitigate inflammation
• Elevate the knee to reduce swelling

Pain meds such as ibuprofen and other NSAIDs may be taken to reduce pain and swelling around the knee. The surgeon may recommend physical therapy to strengthen the knee muscles. This will help to improve knee stability and reduce the pain. Massage techniques may be used by a qualified therapist to reduce swelling and stiffness.

Surgery

If the pain and inflammation does not resolve with conservative therapies, a surgery may have to be performed to treat the meniscus tear. A small incision will be made in the knee, and the surgeon will insert tiny instruments and a camera into the inner structures of the knee to repair or trim away the damaged meniscus. The surgery is typically completed in one hour.

Patients can return home the same day after the surgery. Recovery and rehabilitation will take about six weeks, and the patient will have to wear a knee brace or crutches in this period. Fabulous and sagacious board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada and nearby areas for meniscus tear repair.

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. call (702) 933-9393; Physical Therapy (702) 933-9393.

Total knee replacement refers to a surgical procedure designed to replace the damaged knee joint with artificial materials, which are known as the prosthesis. The posterior cruciate ligament in this surgery is retained, sacrificed, or replaced with a synthetic post. Each of these knee replacement approaches has their own pros and cons.

Total knee replacement surgery is typically chosen by patients who have irreparably damaged knee joints due to trauma, progressive arthritis or other rare joint diseases. Irrespective of the cause, the continual pain and stiffness and compromised function of the knee leads many patients to seek this solution.

Remarkable and fantastic board certified orthopedic surgeons at the Knee & Shoulder Institute, Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler, provide total knee replacement and various other procedures to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada and surrounding communities across the horizon.

Procedure Overview

A total knee replacement procedure is usually completed in about two to three hours of operative time. The procedure is complex, and will require the surgeon to make precise measurements. The damaged parts of the bone will be carefully removed in order to shape the remaining bone to accommodate the knee implant. The surgeon will build the artificial knee inside the leg, one component at a time, to create a workable artificial joint.

Surgery

The total knee replacement procedure begins with the surgeon making an incision across the front of the knee to gain access to the knee cap. The length of the incision will be pre-determined during the pre-op surgical planning in consultation with the patient.

The kneecap, called the patella, is the first part of the knee that will be exposed. Once the knee is open, the surgeon will rotate the kneecap outside the knee area. This will enable them to view the inner structures of the knee clearly. The femur or the thighbone will be first resurfaced by the surgeon. The bones will be carefully measured and precise cuts will be made using special surgical instruments.

The surgeon will remove the damaged bone and cartilage from the end of the femur. It will be then resurfaced to fit the first part of the artificial knee, the femoral component. Tibia or shinbone is the next bone that the surgeon will resurface. Damaged bone and cartilage will be cut away from the top of the tibia. The surgeon will then shape the bone to fit the metal and plastic tibial components.

The tibial tray, which is the bottom portion of the implant, will be fitted to the tibia and secured into position with the help of bone cement. Once the tray is in position, the surgeon will snap in a medical grade plastic insert to sit between the femoral component and the tibial tray and act as a buffer. This insert will support the body as the patient bends and flexes the knee.

Once the knee replacement is complete, the patella will be returned to its normal position after it has been adjusted for a proper fit with the rest of the implant. Outstanding and state of the art board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada, and nearby areas for total knee replacement.

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. call (702) 933-9393; Physical Therapy (702) 933-9393.

Arthritis of the knee is a common condition that may gradually deteriorate, if left untreated. In severe cases, knee arthritis can cause debilitating pain and will compromise the quality of life of the patient.

Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler of the Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute provide treatments for knee arthritis to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, and surrounding communities across the landscape in this part of the southwest.

Analgesics

Analgesics are a commonly used drug to provide relief from various forms of knee arthritis. Unlike NSAIDs, which target both inflammation and pain, analgesics are aimed only at pain relief. These drugs may be prescribed for patients who are unable to use NSAIDs due to side effects or allergies. Analgesics will also help patients whose knee arthritis causes pain but not inflammation.

NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs are a popular form of oral treatment to address the condition of knee arthritis. Over a dozen drugs are available in this category, both with and without prescription. NSAIDs are designed to help ease pain as well as inflammation arising out of knee arthritis. In fact, NSAIDs can be used to treat all forms of arthritis.

Hylauronic Acid Injectables

HA supplements may be injected into knee joints to supplement naturally occurring hyaluronic acid. In healthy joints, HA performs the role of a lubricant and a shock absorber, enabling their smooth movement over each other. Therefore, in patients where the acid is disintegrated due to knee arthritis, a supplement may reduce pain and inflammation.

Corticosteroid Injections

In some cases, the surgeon may decide to inject corticosteroids directly into the arthritic knee joint to provide quick relief from pain and inflammation. These injections may deliver benefits lasting from a few days to over six months. Although targeted relief to joint is achievable with corticosteroid injections, but this treatment is not without risks. Repeated injections to the knee joint may contribute to breakdown of the cartilage. The surgeon will usually limit the number of injections a patient may receive.

Arthrocentesis

Arthrocentesis or joint fluid aspiration involves removal of joint fluid through a hollow needle inserted into the knee’s joint space. The goal is to test the joint fluid in the lab, but the removal of excess fluid may also provide quick relief from pain and swelling in the knee. In many cases, the surgeon may use the same puncture site where the fluid was removed to inject a corticosteroid preparation or anesthetic to further address the pain and inflammation.

Surgery

Total knee replacement is a common form of knee surgery. The surgeon will remove the damaged knee joint and replace it with prosthesis of metal, ceramic or plastic components. The knee is, in fact, the most commonly replaced joint. If the joint damage is irreparable and compromises knee function and causes persistent pain, the surgeon may recommend this surgery.

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive knee surgery that may be used to remove or repair torn menisci, repair a torn cruciate ligament, trim torn pieces of knee cartilage or perform synovectomy. Standout and dedicated board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada, and nearby areas for knee arthritis treatments.

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. call (702) 933-9393; Physical Therapy (702) 933-9393.

Rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that provide stability to the shoulder. Following a rotator cuff injury, the patient will usually need an exercise condition program to restore regular shoulder movement and normal activities. If the program is well-structured, the patient may even able to resume sports and other strenuous activities.

The shoulder condition and rotator cuff treatment exercise condition program should ideally be performed under the professional guidance of a surgeon and the supervision of a physical therapist.

Outstanding and state of the art board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler provide treatment for rotator cuff injuries to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada and other cities and communities in this part of the Southwest.

Surgical Repair

To repair a damaged or torn rotator cuff, the surgeon will typically reattach the tendon to the head of the humerus, which is the upper arm bone. In case of a partial tear, only debridement procedure may suffice, which involves smoothing or trimming. If the thickest part of the tendon has sustained a full tear, the surgeon will repair it by suturing the two sides back together.

Rotator cuff surgeries have become less invasive now due to the introduction of innovative techniques. Open surgery, arthroscopic surgery, and mini-open surgery are the commonly used techniques for rotator cuff repair. Similar pain relief and strength improvement may be experienced by patients who are good candidates for any of these surgical techniques.

Open Surgery

For large or complicated tears, or where additional reconstruction such as a tendon transfer is essential, an open surgery may be more appropriate. This will involve a long incision over the shoulder and the shoulder muscle may be detached to gain greater access to the torn tendon. The bone spurs from the underside of the acromion will be removed through the incision.

Arthroscopic Surgery

This is a relatively less invasive surgical technique, which makes it the preferred choice if the rotator cuff injury is somewhat minor. The surgeon will create a small incision to introduce a tiny camera called an arthroscope into the shoulder joint. The underlying structure can be viewed on a screen, and the surgeon will use it as a guide to perform precise surgical repair with miniature tools.

Arthroscopic surgical repair of the torn rotator cuff can be performed as an outpatient procedure. The patient will go through reduced discomfort, less risk and faster recovery. Judicious and tremendous board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada and other neighborhoods and suburbs in this area of the state.

Mini-Open Surgery

A mini open repair surgery may be performed in some cases using cutting edge technology and surgical instruments. The surgeon will create an incision of three to five centimeters, which will be smaller than in the case of traditional open surgery. Bone spurs will be removed arthroscopically, which will avoid the need to detach the deltoid muscle.

Once the arthroscopy is done, the surgeon will repair the rotator cuff using the mini open incision. For tendon repair, the surgeon will view the inner structure of the shoulder directly, and not through the camera.

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. call (702) 933-9393; Physical Therapy (702) 933-9393.

The upper arm bone head rests in a glenoid, which is a shallow socket in the shoulder blade. This head is typically bigger than the socket, and is surrounded by a soft fibrous tissue rim called the labrum. The labrum performs the role of stabilizing the shoulder joint.

The rim makes the socket significantly deeper in order to allow the upper arm bone head to fit better. Furthermore, it serves as an attachment site for various ligaments. Tears related to the labrum may occur either above, below or in the middle of the glenoid socket.

The Knee & Shoulder Institute, led by sagacious board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler provides treatments for shoulder labrum damage to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada and surrounding locations and cities in The Silver State.

Types of Labrum Tears

A SLAP lesion (Superior Labrum, Anterior to Posterior) is a tear of the rim above the middle of the socket that may also involve the biceps tendon. A tear of the rim below the middle of the glenoid socket that also involves the inferior glenohumeral ligament is called a Bankart lesion. Tears of the glenoid rim often occur with other shoulder injuries, such as a full or partial shoulder dislocation.

Symptoms

A tear in the shoulder socket rim will have symptoms that are quite similar to those of other shoulder injuries. These symptoms may include:

• Pain and discomfort, typically with overhead activities
• Locking, catching, grinding or popping
• Intermittent pain with everyday activities or night pain
• A feeling of an unstable shoulder
• Reduced range of motion
• Strength loss

Treatment

At the outset, the treatment provider may prescribe some anti-inflammatory drugs and advise the patient to take adequate rest, while a final diagnosis is made. In some cases, the surgeon may recommend rehabilitation exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff muscles. If the patient’s condition does not improve with these conservative approaches, an arthroscopic surgery may have to be performed.

At the time of arthroscopic surgery, the surgeon will assess the condition of the rim and the biceps tendon. If the injury is limited to the rim itself, without involving the tendon, the shoulder still has stability. The surgeon will remove the torn flap and correct any related issues. If the tear extends into the biceps tendon or if the tendon is detached, it indicates shoulder instability.

In this case, the surgeon will have to repair and reattach the tendon using absorbable wires, tacks or sutures. Shoulder instability may also occur in case of tears located below the middle of the socket. In this case, the surgeon will reattach the ligament and tighten the shoulder socket by folding over the tissue.

Rehabilitation

Following surgery, the patient will be required to keep the shoulder in a sling for about a month. The surgeon or the physical therapist will prescribe passive range of motion exercises in order to strengthen the biceps.

In about three to four months, the shoulder will be fully healed. Stellar, adroit, and board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada and nearby areas.

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. call (702) 933-9393; Physical Therapy (702) 933-9393.

ACL or the anterior cruciate ligament runs diagonally in the middle of the knee. A knee injury may sometimes lead to a damage or tear of the ACL, which may be treated non-surgically or repaired with ACL reconstructive surgery. Only a qualified and experienced orthopedic surgeon should perform this surgery to achieve sustainable results.

The Knee & Shoulder Institute is a state of the art practice providing ACL reconstructive surgery and various other treatments. Led by judicious and board certified orthopedic surgeons, Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler, the practice provides ACL treatments to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, and surrounding communities across the horizon.

ACL Reconstructive Surgery

The surgeon will perform ACL reconstructive surgery using a graft to replace the torn ligament. The grafts are taken from the patient’s own body in many cases. If the ligament and a piece of bone has separated from the rest of the bone, a repair procedure will be carried out to address the avulsion fracture. The bone fragment will be reattached to the main part of the bone.  

Small incisions in the knee will be made to perform ACL reconstructive surgery. An arthroscope and other small surgical instruments will be inserted through the incisions. But in some cases, the surgeon may recommend open surgery, which will require a bigger incision. Only an experienced orthopedic surgeon should ideally perform this repair procedure.

Arthroscopic Surgery

Advantages 

Many surgeons prefer arthroscopic surgery for ACL because it allows the surgeon to view the internal knee structure without have to make a large incision. Risk of complications is reduced with this advanced technique. Patients go through less pain and discomfort and they will usually recover much faster because the tiny incisions will heal quickly.

The committed and golden Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler provide receive patients for ACL reconstructive surgery from Las Vegas, Nevada and nearby areas. They will provide arthroscopic surgery to the appropriate candidates.  

Procedure

Following anesthesia, the surgeon will begin the procedure by making a few tiny incisions around the affected area of the knee. They will insert an arthroscope with a tiny camera through one of the incisions, while the inner structure of the knee can be viewed outside on a TV monitor.  

Through another incision the surgeon will insert small surgical drills into the deeper tissue. Small holes in the upper and lower leg bones will be created where the bones join at the knee joint. Through these holes, the surgeon will anchor the graft. The graft will be obtained from another part of the knee to be used as a replacement tissue. The graft will be secured with screws or staples, and then the surgeon will close the incisions.  

The knee will be covered in bandages, and the patient will be moved to a recovery room where the nursing staff will monitor their condition for a few hours. The ACL reconstructive surgery may also include repair of other injured areas of the knee, such as menisci, cartilage, broken bones or other knee ligaments.  

Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada and nearby areas for ACL treatment and various other procedures.

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. call (702) 933-9393; Physical Therapy (702) 933-9393.