Ailments of the Ankle

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Ailments of the Ankle | Las Vegas Nevada | Orthopedic Surgeons The ankle can develop a variety of ailments, which can cause discomfort and hamper the functional ability of the ankle. Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler provide fantastic, incredible, and critical solutions for ankle ailments. Patients in Las Vegas, Nevada and surrounding locations have an opportunity to receive cutting edge treatments from Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler.

Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis refers to an inflammatory response, but it is limited by the fact that the Achilles tendon receives little blood supply. It involves inflammation of the enveloping sheath, degeneration within the substance of the tendon, or a combination of the two.

Achilles Tendinosis

In this ailment, the Achilles tendon becomes degenerative and inflamed. The tendon can swell and create pain. Athletes and patients with calf tightness may suffer from this condition. The condition may sometimes occur in the middle of the tendon or at the point where the heel bone and the tendon connect.

Ankle Fracture

Full or partial break in the ankle bone is called ankle fracture. It may involve the distal ends of the tibia, the fibula or both. Ankle fractures can range from less severe avulsion injuries to more serious, shattering type breaks. Some ankle fractures may also involve injury to vital ankle ligaments that allow the ankle to retain its normal position.

Ankle Sprain

Tearing of the ligaments of the ankle is known as an ankle sprain. Most commonly, the ankle sprain will occur on the lateral or outside portion of the ankle. This injury affects many people during a variety of activities. While usually it occurs in isolation, it may occasionally occur in the setting of an ankle fracture when the ankle bones are also broken.

Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle

As a person grows older, they may experience pain and stiffness in the ankles and feet, which could be arthritis. The nagging pain caused by this condition can worsen over time, if it is not treated early. Sometimes the pain may become so severe that the patient’s ability to walk is compromised. Severe arthritis of the foot and ankle can limit the quality of life, but treatment can slow the degeneration.

Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain

Chronic or recurring pain on the outer side of the ankle is called lateral ankle pain. This condition often develops following an ankle injury such as a sprained ankle. But sometimes other conditions may lead to the development of chronic lateral ankle pain.

High Ankle Sprain

The high ankle ligaments are located above the ankle, unlike the ligaments on the outside of the ankle which are more commonly injured. The high ankle ligaments connect the fibula and the tibia. A sprain in the high ankle may occur when there is damage and tearing of the high ankle ligaments.

Other ankle injuries include pilon fracture and talus fracture, which are more complex problems to treat. Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler are board certified orthopedic surgeons receiving patients from Las Vegas, Nevada for various ankle 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) 933-9394

Ankle Fracture Surgery | Las Vegas, Nevada | Orthopedic Surgeons An ankle fracture is said to occur when the malleoli, the ends of the ankle joint bone, are broken. Ankle fractures are quite common, and may happen due to twisting of the ankle, falls, and vehicle accidents. The fracture may result in the breaking of one or two or all three malleoli.

Pain, bruising, and swelling may occur due to ankle fracture, which can be corrected with surgery. Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler are board certified orthopedic surgeons providing ankle fracture surgery and other procedures to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, and surrounding locations.

Surgical Need and Goals

The primary goal of the ankle fracture surgery is to enable the ankle joint to heal and return to a normal shape. Once the ankle is restored to its original shape, the next step is to regain normal movement. The long-term surgical goal of repairing a fractured ankle is to reduce the risk of ankle arthritis in the future.

If the ankle bones poke through the skin, it is known as open ankle fracture and will require surgery. An unstable ankle fracture will also require surgery to repair the ankle. However, if the ankle retains its position and stability despite the fracture, an ankle fracture surgery will not be required.

Procedure

The patient will be administered antibiotics and anesthesia prior to the surgery. Once this part is completed, the surgeon will make incisions through the skin of the ankle to reach the broken bones. The surgeon will reposition the breaks in the bone and hold them together with implants.

Once the ankle fracture has been repaired, the patient’s leg will be placed in a protective splint made of plaster. Many patients may be able to return home the same day after surgery. Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada, and nearby areas for ankle fracture surgery.

ORIF Technique

A majority of ankle fracture surgeries may involve a specific technique called open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). In this technique, the surgeon will place an incision over the ankle to view the underlying fractured bones. Through an open reduction approach, the broken bone pieces will be set back together.

Using internal fixation, these pieces are then held together in correct position with the help of metal plates or screws. Stability is provided due to internal fixation technique, and the patient can begin movement of the ankle shortly after surgery as the fracture heals.

Recovery

With ankle fracture surgery, the patient’s ankle function is restored while the bones and joints heal. The ankle will be immobilized for a few weeks following the surgery. Once the wound healing is completed, the patient will be fitted for either a boot or a cast.

Removable boot may be used in many cases because it protects the ankle as it heals, and can be removed to allow for cleaning, icing, washing, and wound checks. Some patients may require physical therapy to restore full movement and strength of the ankle.

Shoulder Surgery Overview | Orthopedic Surgeon | Las Vegas If a shoulder joint injury does not improve with non-invasive therapies, the surgeon may recommend an arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder. Arthroscopy can help to diagnose, evaluate and repair the problems inside the shoulder joint. Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler provide shoulder surgery to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, and surrounding locations.

What is Shoulder Arthroscopy?

The term shoulder arthroscopy literally means “looking within the shoulder joint.” It involves the insertion of a tiny camera or arthroscope into the shoulder joint. The surgeon can view the images of the underlying joint structure to guide the use of miniature surgical instruments.

Arthroscopy allows for smaller incisions, unlike a standard, open surgery. This helps to ensure reduced pain, shorter recovery period, and less risk of complications. Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler are board certified orthopedic surgeons receiving patients from Las Vegas, Nevada, and nearby areas.

Surgical Procedure

Shoulder arthroscopy is usually performed using local anesthesia or regional nerve blocks to numb the shoulder and arm. The nerve blocks may be combined with sedation. The procedure generally takes about one hour, but the length of surgery can vary according to the extent of repair needed. Once the patient is in the surgery room, they will be positioned so that the surgeon can adjust the arthroscope correctly to have a clear view of the inside of the shoulder.

After the positioning, the surgical team may remove hair in the affected area, and clean the skin with an antiseptic solution. The shoulder and arm will be covered with sterile drapes. The procedure will begin with the surgeon injecting fluid into the shoulder to inflate the joint. This enables easier viewing of the underlying structures through the arthroscope. Thereafter, a small puncture in the shoulder will be made for the arthroscope.

The fluid flows through the arthroscope to keep the view clear and control bleeding. A monitor will receive images from the arthroscope to allow the surgeon will identify the precise areas of problem. The surgeon will then insert other tiny instruments for repair through additional small incisions. Tasks such as shaving, cutting, grasping, suture passing and knot tying will require specialized instruments.

In several cases, the surgeon may use special devices to anchor stitches into the shoulder bone. The repairs will be performed carefully and precisely, without disrupting the surrounding healthy muscles, nerves and tissue. Once the procedure is completed, the surgeon will close the incisions with stitches or steri-strips and cover the area with a soft bandage.

Recovery

Recovery with a shoulder arthroscopy will be faster as compared to an open surgery. However, it will still take a few weeks before the shoulder joint has recovered fully. Pain and discomfort may occur in the first week, which may be managed with pain meds.

Ice therapy may be used to gain relief from pain and swelling. The patient may feel more comfortable propped up in bed or sleeping in a reclining chair in the first few days. Normal activities may be resumed in about two weeks.

Types of Shoulder Injuries | Orthopedic Surgeon | Las Vegas A shoulder injury can be painful and hamper the normal functioning of the shoulder and arm. Physical therapy, pain medications and other non-invasive treatments may be applied to treat shoulder problems.

Arthroscopic surgery may be necessary in extreme cases of shoulder injuries. Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler provide treatments for shoulder injuries to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, and surrounding locations.

Dislocation

Dislocation may occur when the ball at the top of the bone in the upper arm pops out of the socket. If the shoulder is pulled very hard or twisted, a dislocation may take place. The surgeon will perform a procedure to push the ball of the upper arm back into the socket.

Additional therapies may include wearing a sling or device, applying ice three to four times a day, and performing range of motion exercises. Surgery may be needed if the tissue or nerve around the shoulder has been injured.

Separation

If the ligaments between the collarbone and the shoulder blade are torn, a shoulder separation will occur. The injury can occur due to a blow to the shoulder or falling on an outstretched hand.

Treatment includes a sling to keep the shoulder in place, adequate rest, ice therapy, exercise, and surgery in case of severe tears. Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler are board certified orthopedic surgeons receiving patients from Las Vegas, Nevada, and nearby areas.

Rotator Cuff Disease

Tendinitis and Bursitis are two types of rotator cuff diseases, which may occur individually or at the same time. They involve inflammation of the shoulder tendons or bursa. Pain medications, ultrasound therapy, ice application, gentle stretching exercise, or corticosteroid injections may be used for treatment. If the shoulder does not improve in six to 12 months, surgery may be performed.

Rotator Cuff Tear

Aging, falls, sports or repetitive motion activities may cause damage to the rotator cuff. Treatment for the torn rotator cuff includes adequate rest, application of heat or cold to the sore region, stimulation of muscles and nerves with electrical pulses, ultrasound therapy, cortisone injections and range of motion exercise. Surgery may be used when the tear does not get repaired with other treatments.

Frozen Shoulder

Restricted movement of the shoulder or frozen shoulder may occur due to various factors such as lack of use due to chronic pain, worsening arthritis, growth of tissue in the shoulder joint to restrict motion, or lack of fluid in the joint. Pain meds, heat therapy, stretching exercise, electrical stimulation of nerves, cortisone injections or surgery may be used to treat a frozen shoulder.

Fracture

A fracture in the shoulder usually involves the upper arm bone or the collarbone. Fractures are often caused by a blow to the shoulder or by a fall. The surgeon will put the bones into the correct position to support healing. A sling or another device will be used to maintain the bones in the right position. Once the bone has healed, shoulder exercises will have to be performed to restore movement. Surgery may have to be used in extreme cases.

Shoulder Injury Treatment | Orthopedic Surgeon | Las Vegas The precise nature of a shoulder injury can be diagnosed when the surgeon evaluates the patient’s medical history, performs a physical exam, and conducts tests such as x-rays, ultrasound, or MRIs. Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler provide shoulder injury treatments to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, and surrounding locations.

Arthroscopic Surgery

Shoulder joint problems that are severe in nature may have to be treated surgically. Arthroscopy is a less invasive procedure to diagnose and treat such problems. The surgeon will assess the condition using a fiber optic light source and a tiny camera placed into the affected area through a small incision.

Another small incision will be made to perform the surgical correction, while the arthroscope magnifies the underlying joint structures for more accurate procedure. Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler are board certified orthopedic surgeons receiving patients from Las Vegas, Nevada, and nearby areas for shoulder joint treatments.

Treatment of Shoulder Injuries

Dislocation

If the ball at the top of the shoulder bone pops out of the socket, a dislocation will occur. The surgeon will perform a physical procedure to push the ball back into the upper arm socket. Additional treatment may include wearing a sling, applying ice, range of motion exercise, and plenty of rest. If the nerve or tissue around the shoulder is injured due to dislocation, surgery may be necessary.

Separation

If the ligaments between the shoulder blade and collarbone are torn, a shoulder separation will occur. The treatment for this condition includes a sling to keep the shoulder in position, ice to relieve swelling and pain, specific exercises after a certain period of rest, and surgery in case the tears are severe.

Rotator Cuff Disease: Tendinitis and Bursitis

If the tendons in the shoulder become inflamed, it is called tendinitis. Bursitis occurs when the bursa, which is a small fluid filled sac to protect the shoulder joint, is inflamed. Both conditions may occur together or separately.

Ice application, pain medications, ultrasound therapy to warm deep tissue and increase blood flow, gentle exercises and stretching to improve strength, and corticosteroid injections may be used for treatment. Surgery may be necessary if the shoulder does not improve even after six to 12 months.

Frozen Shoulder

A frozen shoulder will make the movement of the shoulder very restricted. Frozen shoulder may occur due to lack of use of shoulder due to chronic pain, worsening arthritis, bands of tissue growing in the shoulder joint, or lack of shoulder joint fluid.

Heat therapy, pain meds, gentle stretching exercises, electrical stimulation of the nerves, cortisone injections and surgery, as a last resort, may be used to treat a frozen shoulder.

Fracture

A crack through a portion or all of the bone is called a fracture. In case of shoulder, the upper arm bone or collarbone is usually involved. The surgeon will put the bones into a position that promotes healing. A sling may be used to keep the bones in position. Surgery may be required if the fracture does not heal with non-invasive procedures.

Ankle Fracture Surgery | Las Vegas | Orthopedic Surgeons The ends of the ankle joint bones are called malleoli. The tibia bone has two malleoli in the medial and posterior, while the fibula has one, which is laterally placed. Ankle fractures take place when the melleoli are broken. These are common fractures, which may occur after a fall, automobile accident, or simply twisting of the ankle. One, two, or all three malleoli may be broken.

Ankle fracture symptoms include pain, bruising, swelling and difficulty with ankle motion. The surgeon may take x-rays to conclude that it is an ankle fracture. Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler provide ankle fracture surgery to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, and surrounding locations.

Goal of Ankle Fracture Surgery

The primary goal of an ankle fracture surgery is to enable the ankle joint to heal back to a normal shape. Once the ankle has been restored as required, the next step is to help it to regain regular movement. The long-term goal of ankle fracture surgery is to minimize the risk of ankle arthritis in the future.

Need for Surgery

When the ankle fracture is causing pain or instability, surgery will be required to repair the ankle. In some injuries, the ankle bones may poke through the skin. These are known as open ankle fractures and need surgery.

Ankle fracture surgery can be avoided when the ankle is in its original position and is reasonably stable despite the fracture. If the patient’s medical condition makes it too risky to have ankle fracture surgery, other treatment alternatives may be used.

Procedure

The surgeon will begin the ankle fracture surgery after anesthesia and antibiotics have been administered to the patient. Small incisions will be placed through the ankle skin in the area where the bones are broken. The surgeon will reposition the breaks in the bones and hold them in the right place with implants.

Following the repair of the ankle fracture, the surgeon will place the patient’s leg in a protective splint made of plaster. Many patients will be able to return home the same day after surgery, but a few may have to stay overnight at the surgical facility for observation. Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler are board certified orthopedic surgeons receiving patients from Las Vegas, Nevada and nearby areas for ankle fracture surgery.

Specific Surgical Technique

The most common surgical technique for ankle fracture surgery is called the open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) technique. It involves an incision over the ankle to view the fractured bones. Open reduction is performed to place the broken pieces of the bones together.

Internal fixation is then carried out to hold the broken bones in this correct position. Screws or metal plates may be used for this purpose. Movement can begin shortly after the surgery as the ankle fracture heals. Stability will be provided by the internal fixation technique.

Recovery

Following the ankle fracture surgery, the ankle will be immobilized for a few weeks. Once the wound healing is completed, the patient will be fitted for either a boot or a cast. Physical therapy may be needed in a few cases to regain full ankle strength.

O Ankle Injury Treatment after a Sprain | Las Vegas | Orthopedic Surgeon ne of the most common injuries is the ankle sprain. Fitness enthusiasts and athletes are more vulnerable to this injury. Nearly 25,000 people sustain ankle sprains every day. A simple rolling or twisting of the ankle, a minor fall, or simply stepping wrongly off a curb or uneven surface can cause an ankle sprain.

If ankle sprains are not treated appropriately, it can aggravate the condition and prolong the tenure of disability. Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler of the Knee & Shoulder Institute provide ankle injury treatments to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada and surrounding locations.

Ankle Anatomy

The ankle ligaments attach bone to bone through their origins and insertions in the ankle. The fluid, kinematic motion of the ankle joint is enabled by these ligaments, and provides stability and balance to the ankle. Therefore, any injury to the ankle ligaments can have a significant impact on the patient’s stability, movement, and balance.

Some of the commonly injured ankle ligaments include:

Anterior talofibular ligaments
Calcaneofibular ligament and the deltoid ligament

Major ankles bones such as the tibia, talus and fibula receive stability from these ligaments. An ankle sprain occurs when the ligament goes through a tear, stretch, or strain. Depending on the severity of the condition, the sprain can be classified as Grade I, Grade II, or Grade III.

The surgeon may sometimes take x-rays to determine that there is no dislocation, fracture or subluxation. In case of significant swelling or bruising, a physical examination may not be enough to conclude a dislocation or fracture. Dr. Bigler and Dr. Thomas are board certified orthopedic surgeons receiving patients from Las Vegas, Nevada and nearby areas.

Treatment

In case of ankle sprains, the basic treatment modalities include plenty of rest, compression, elevation, and anti-inflammatory medication. Depending on the degree of the injury, immobilization of the ankle may be recommended. In any case, the ankle injury rehabilitation should include a systematic plan to strengthen the proprioception of the ankle. Proprioception is essentially the ability to gauge where the extremity is in space, relative to the bodily movement.

Following an ankle injury, it is very important for the patient to re-train and fortify the ankle once again. In many cases, when a person sustains this injury, they may lose a sense of where their ankle is in relation to their basic body movements and surroundings. This can create stability and balance challenges, which can hamper movement and athletic performance, and heighten the risk of further injury.

Ankle Proprioception Exercises

Certain exercises can help to re-strengthen the ankle and improve its stability and balance. Ankle flexion and extension exercises are aimed at reinforcing the ankle strength and improving muscular strength of the leg. Ankle circle exercises can be performed with or without a pulley or cable.

Ankle ball rotations can be performed to enhance proprioception as the patient rolls the ball in multiple directors. It is recommended that the patient should consult with an orthopedic surgeon before conducting any type of exercises to restore ankle health.

Knee & Shoulder Physical Therapy Clinic | Orthopedic Surgeons | Vegas

Knee and shoulder related injuries can commonly occur during sports or other physical activities. Knee & Shoulder Institute is a state of the art practice providing advanced orthopedic care and physical therapy to treat various injuries and diseases related to these areas.

The practice integrates physical therapy, clinical orthopedics, outpatient arthroscopy, surgery center, and radiology and lab services to provide comprehensive solutions to patients. Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler provide advanced knee and shoulder treatments to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada and surrounding locations.

Shoulder

If the shoulder joint develops abnormal motion, it indicates instability of the shoulder. This can cause problems such as impingement of the shoulder or bursitis. Impingement syndrome can range from simple bursitis to tearing of the rotator cuff. This tear is a separation of the tendons that form the cuff of the tissue surrounding the shoulder bone. Primary movements of the shoulder will be happened if a tear occurs in the rotator cuff.

The shoulder joint bones are covered by hyaline cartilage, which ensures almost frictionless surface. If this cartilage gets damaged due to trauma, infection or simply wear and tear, it will cause osteoarthritis of the shoulder. These conditions of the shoulder can be addressed with specific physical therapy approaches, and sometimes involve surgery.

Knee

The knee, which bears the body weight, has a very important “shock absorber” called the meniscus. Meniscus is a semi-lunar shaped wedge made of fibro-cartilage, which is a very strong substance. It has minimal blood supply except for the most peripheral aspects. The meniscus performs various vital functions.

It protects the joint cartilage from wearing out and causing early arthritis. It distributes a large part of the body weight as a person walks, runs or jumps. The meniscus also adds to the knee joint stability by helping the shape of the femur conform to the tibia. Finally, the meniscus plays a key role in nourishing the joint cartilage that covers the joint bones.

Any injury to the meniscus, long-term wear and tear, or infection can cause osteoarthritis of the knee. Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler are board certified orthopedic surgeons receiving patients from Las Vegas, Nevada, and nearby areas for physical therapy and surgery of the knee.

Physical Therapy

Mild to moderate problems related to the knee and shoulder can usually be corrected with physical therapy exercises for motion and strength improvement. It may also involve training to balance the muscle forces around the joint. Pain and inflammation can be reduced with medication, but it is not a long-term solution to the underlying problem.

In more severe cases, Dr. Thomas and Dr. Biger may decide to treat the damaged joint surfaces with arthroscopic surgery. Ligament laxity or insufficiency can also be treated with physical therapy or surgery. Post traumatic arthritis may occur from previous injuries, which can be treated with arthroscopic surgical techniques. If the damage is severe, the surgeon may recommend joint altering surgery such as fusion or knee or shoulder joint replacement.

Top Sports Medicine Specialist and Physical Therapist in Las Vegas Sports medicine is a highly specialized field, which encompasses a wide range of surgical as well as non-surgical treatments for injuries sustained during a sport or another aggressive physical activity. Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler are board certified orthopedic surgeons providing cutting edge procedures for sports injuries to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, and surrounding locations.

Dr. Steven C. Thomas

Dr. Thomas is a leading sports medicine specialist with expertise in the treatment of both knee and shoulder problems. While his practice addresses all types of orthopedic concerns, the focus of Dr. Thomas is on sports injuries and arthroscopic treatments of knees and shoulders. Knee problems are usually more prevalent than shoulder concerns among the patients of Dr. Thomas.

Experience

Dr. Thomas holds a board certification in general orthopedic surgery as well as a Subspecialty Certificate in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. His extensive experience in this field can be gauged from the fact that has performed more than 30,000 surgeries in his career. One of the most significant aspects for new patients to know about Dr. Thomas is that he performs all of his own surgeries, and does not allow fellows, residents or other surgeons in training to do any of his surgeries.

Education and Training

Dr. Thomas completed his five years of residency training in orthopedic surgery at the University of Washington and affiliated hospitals. He followed this with fellowship training in surgery of the shoulder and elbow and research in sports injuries of the knee. He then completed a traveling fellowship in arthroscopic surgery of knee and shoulder injuries. He trained with Dr. Russell Warren, team physician for the New York Giants professional football team among other teams, at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.

Dr. Gregory T. Bigler

Dr. Bigler is also a board certified orthopaedic surgeon, fellowship trained in sports medicine and arthroscopy. He has been practicing in Las Vegas, Nevada for the last 25 years. He completed his medical degree from the University of Utah and graduated with honors. He published scientific papers while in medical school. He followed it with orthopedic training at the University of Oregon.

Training in Sports Medicine

Following his orthopedic training, Dr. Bigler went ahead with a sub-specialization in the field of sports medicine and arthroscopy. Dr. Bigler completed his sports medicine and arthroscopy fellowship from the prestigious Harvard Medical School at the Massachusetts General Hospital.

As a sports medicine fellow, he helped take care of the New England Patriots football team, the Boston Bruins hockey team, as well as the Harvard athletic teams. After his fellowship Dr. Bigler was among six physicians selected nationally to do a traveling fellowship where he traveled the world learning and teaching orthopedic techniques.

Other Activities

Apart from his private practice, Dr. Bigler has served as a team physician in the UNLV Athletic Department and with the CSN teams. He was on the San Diego Padres physician staff, and is currently an assistant clinical professor at the University of Nevada School of Medicine. He has been the Nevada delegate for the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine.

Elbow Surgery Options | Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon | Las Vegas Elbow surgery can be performed as an open or arthroscopic procedure. In many cases, surgeons prefer to use the arthroscopic technique because it involves much smaller incisions as compared to the open surgery.

This can result in reduced pain, reduced joint stiffness, quicker recovery, and lower risk of complications. Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Gregory Bigler and Dr. Steven Thomas provide elbow surgery to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, and surrounding locations.

Elbow Arthroscopy

The procedure is usually performed with the patient under general anesthesia. IV antibiotics will be administered to minimize the risk of infection. The two common positions for elbow arthroscopy are lateral or side lying and prone or lying on the stomach. Spine and other pressure points in the legs and arms are padded after positioning the patient.

A tourniquet is applied to the upper arm, and a compression garment may be applied to the lower arm and hand to minimize swelling. The surgeon will make a few small incisions to introduce the arthroscope and small surgical instruments into the elbow joint. The joint will then be filled with fluid to allow the surgeon to clearly view the underlying structures of the elbow through the camera.

A clear view will reduce the risk of injury to nerves and blood vessels surrounding the elbow joint. The surgeon will evaluate the joint elbow condition before starting corrective procedures. In some cases, the entire joint may be assessed, which will require five to six small incisions.

Once the problem has been carefully determined, the surgeon will insert other tiny instruments through separate incisions to repair the elbow joint. Specialized instruments will be used for tasks such as cutting, shaving, grasping, suture passing, and tying the knot. In several cases, the surgeon may use special devices to anchor stitches into the bone.

At the end of the procedure, the arthroscopy incisions will be closed with sutures or skin adhesive. An absorbent dressing will be applied to the elbow. A plaster splint or an additional soft dressing may be placed to restrict movement and protect the elbow. Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler are board certified orthopedic surgeons receiving patients from Las Vegas, Nevada, and nearby areas for elbow surgery.

Total Elbow Replacement

While knee and hip replacement procedures are more common than elbow joint replacement, the procedure is just as successful in relieving joint pain and restoring normal function of the elbow. A few thousand elbow replacement procedures are performed every year in the US, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

In case of total elbow replacement surgery, the damaged components of the ulna and humerus are replaced with artificial components. The artificial elbow joint is produced with a plastic and metal hinge with two metal stems. The stems are designed to fit inside the hollow part of the bone called the canal.

The size of components will vary according to the type of elbow replacement. In a few cases, the surgeon may perform a partial elbow replacement. An experienced orthopedic surgeon will carefully determine the most appropriate type of elbow replacement before going ahead with the procedure.

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