Ankle injuries or defects can be corrected with the help of traditional or arthroscopic ankle surgery. Ankle arthroscopy is recommended in many cases because it is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to treat problems of the ankle. Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler provide ankle surgery to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, and surrounding locations.

 

Anterior Ankle Arthroscopy

This procedure involves the use of a tiny fiber optic camera or arthroscope that is inserted into the damaged ankle area through a small incision. The camera will magnify and transmit images of the ankle to a monitor, which enables the surgeon to perform more targeted surgery in a less invasive manner.

 

Ankle Arthritis

Patients with end-stage ankle arthritis can benefit from ankle fusion, which can be performed with ankle arthroscopy. Results of the procedure can match or be better than open surgery.

 

Ankle Fractures  

Fracture repair can be used with the help of ankle arthroscopy and open techniques. Normal alignment of the bone and cartilage can be achieved with this procedure.

 

Ankle Instability

If the ankle ligaments are stretched out, the patient will feel instability in the ankle. Arthroscopic or open techniques can be used to tighten the ligaments.

 

Anterior Ankle Impingement

Athletes or footballers may suffer from ankle impingement when the bone or soft tissue at the front of the ankle joint is inflamed. Arthroscopy can be applied to shave off inflamed tissue and bone spurs.

 

Arthrofibrosis

The formation of scar tissue within the ankle can result in a stiff and painful joint. Ankle arthroscopy can identify the scar tissue and remove it successfully.

 

Infection

If an infection occurs in the ankle joint, it may not be eliminated with antibiotics alone. Arthroscopic surgery can be used to wash out the joint and restore ankle health.

 

Loose Bodies

Bone, cartilage and scar tissue may become free floating in the joint. This can cause pain and create clicking and catching problems in the ankle. Sometimes the ankle joint may get locked. Ankle arthroscopy can identify and remove the loose bodies.

 

Osteochondral Defect (OCD)

Ankle fractures and sprains may cause OCDs. Ankle surgery in this case may involve scraping away of the damaged cartilage and drilling tiny holes in the bone to support healing.

 

Synovitis

The synovial tissue lining of the ankle joint can become inflamed, causing pain and swelling. The inflamed tissue can be removed surgically with ankle arthroscopy. Dr. Bigler and Dr. Thomas are board certified orthopedic surgeons receiving patients from Las Vegas, Nevada, and nearby areas.

 

Total Ankle Replacement

Total ankle arthroplasty can be performed using general anesthesia or nerve block. The surgeon will approach the ankle from the front or the side depending on the type of ankle implant being used. The bone will cut to allow for the placement of plastic and metal components that will re-create the ankle joint.

Sometimes the patient may have a tight Achilles tendon or a tight calf muscle that will require lengthening to improve the ankle’s range of motion. Thereafter, the incisions are closed with sutures and a splint is applied.

 

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

Orthopedic surgery is an intricate and advanced procedure that should only be performed by a highly trained and experienced orthopedic surgeon. Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute is a leading practice in Las Vegas, Nevada, providing cutting edge orthopedic surgery and other procedures.

The practice is led by Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler, who are both board certified orthopedic surgeons with several decades of training and experience in this field. Together with a team of trained staff members, Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler provide state of the art orthopedic care to patients in and around Las Vegas.

 

How to Reach an Orthopedic Surgeon?

The orthopedic surgeon will perform critical surgery or other treatments to rehabilitate the affected bone, muscle, ligament, tendon or nerve. It is important for a patient to choose the most appropriate orthopedic surgeon for their needs. When a sudden need arises for orthopedic treatment, a patient may not have ready reference of a good surgeon available to them. They may look for qualified and experienced orthopedic surgeons in their area in the following ways:

• Search online for leading orthopedic surgeons in the local area, and review their website, patient testimonials and other details available online.
• Seek recommendations from family members and friends who may have received orthopedic surgery in the past.
• Speak with the physician about the specific health concern and ask for a referral.
• Check the database of licensed orthopedic surgeons on the American Board of Orthopedics website.
• Talk to the health insurance provider to know about local orthopedic surgeons.

 

Questions to Ask

Once the patient has identified one or more possible orthopedic surgeons for their treatment, they should ask a few important questions before making a decision. An experienced surgeon will encourage patients to clarify all their concerns and doubts during the initial consultation, and provide detailed and accurate answers. Some of the key questions include:

• Are you a board certified orthopedic surgeon?
• How many years of training have you completed in orthopedics?
• For how long have you practiced in Las Vegas, Nevada and how many years of experience do you have as an orthopedic surgeon?
• Are you a fellow or a member of any of the leading orthopedic professional societies or associations?
• How many orthopedic surgeries have you performed in your career?
• Would you personally perform the surgery in my case, or would it involve other surgeons or trainees?
• Do you perform the specific type of orthopedic surgery I need?
• Are there any techniques available to make my orthopedic surgery less invasive?
• Can you recommend any alternatives to the procedure I require?
• What is your success rate in performing orthopedic surgery?
• Do you have a policy for revision procedures in case I need one after the primary orthopedic surgery?
• Can you provide with testimonials of previous patients who have received the same surgery from you?

Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler have outstanding credentials as orthopedic surgeons, which make them the first choice for thousands of patients in and around Las Vegas.

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

Sports and other aggressive physical activities can sometimes cause wear and tear or injuries that may require professional medical treatment. Some of the sports-related injuries and painful conditions can be treated effectively with sports physical therapy. Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute is a leading practice providing sports physical therapy, advanced orthopedic surgery and other procedures to patients in and around Las Vegas, Nevada.

 

Dr. Steven C. Thomas

Dr. Thomas is a leading board certified orthopedic surgeon with expertise in sports physical therapy and other procedures. While his practice offers treatments for general orthopedic problems, the emphasis of Dr. Thomas is on sports injuries and arthroscopic treatment of problems related to the knee and shoulder. Dr. Thomas holds a Sub-specialty Certificate in Orthopedic Sports Medicine. Until this present time, he has performed more than 30,000 surgeries.

The distinguishing characteristic of Dr. Thomas is that he will perform all of his surgeries on his own, and not allow fellows, residents or other trainee surgeons to substitute for him. He completed medical school and research at Johns Hopkins in 1984, followed by five years of orthopedic residency training at the University of Washington and affiliated hospitals.

After the completion of his residency, Dr. Thomas pursued fellowship training in advanced surgery of the shoulder and elbow. At this time, he also completed his research in cruciate ligament reconstruction and sports injuries of the knee. He also 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. Thomas has published several articles in the field of orthopedics and co-authorekd chapters in major orthopedic text books. He is a pre-eminent sports physical therapist receiving patients from Las Vegas, Nevada and surrounding areas.

 

Dr. Gregory T. Bigler

Dr. Bigler is a highly experienced, board certified orthopaedic surgeon, fellowship trained in sports medicine and arthroscopy. He has been practicing in Las Vegas for the last 25 years. Dr. Bigler attended medical school at the University of Utah. He published numerous scientific papers while in medical school and graduated with honors. He received training in orthopedics at the University of Oregon.

Following his orthopedic training, Dr. Bigler went ahead with a sub-specialization in the field of sports medicine and arthroscopy. He completed a fellowship in sports medicine and arthroscopy 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.

Following his fellowship Dr. Bigler was chosen among six physicians nationally to completed a traveling fellowship that gave him the opportunity to travel the world and learn cutting edge orthopedic techniques. In Las Vegas, Dr. Bigler has been a team physician in the UNLV Athletic Department and with the CSN teams.

He has served as the Nevada delegate for the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine. He is a renowned sports physical therapist providing the most innovative and advanced solutions in Las Vegas.

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

The ankle is among the most commonly injured joint. Ankle injuries may result from performance or practice in athletics, or simply a misstep causing a twist or turn in the ankle joint. The weight of the body can be so forceful in such cases, that it can lead to a rupture or partial tearing of the vital ligaments that provide stability to this weight bearing joint.

While many of the ankle injuries will heal on their own with a few weeks of rest and protection from further damage, some can be severe enough to make the ankle unstable. If left untreated, such conditions can lead to progressive damage of the cartilage joint surface, or cause hindrance in the patient’s future sports and physical activities.

Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler are board certified orthopedic surgeons providing treatments for ankle injuries to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, and surrounding communities.

 

Treating Minor Sprains

Minor sprains or injuries to the ankle can be identified with symptoms such as pain, discomfort and swelling along either side of the joint, and occasional clicking or popping with certain motions. The ankle should be immobilized and proper rest should be given to it until the healing is complete.

However, the challenge here is that patients may ignore the condition and resume their activities with incomplete healing of the torn or stretched ligament. This can make the ankle vulnerable for future. Ankle supports or taping may help in case of minor sprains.

 

Medication and Physical Therapy

In case of moderate ankle injuries, medications may be used to reduce inflammation, but this will not correct the underlying problem. Physical therapy exercises to improve motion and strength may be used along with training to balance the muscle forces about the ankle. Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada, and nearby areas for various types of ankle injuries.

 

Arthroscopic Surgery

In more severe or refractory cases, the damaged ankle joint surface must be treated with arthroscopic surgery. It will repair the joint as well as support the treatment of lax or insufficient ligament. Post-traumatic arthritis resulting from past ankle injuries can also be treated with arthroscopic surgery. More complicated injuries may require joint altering procedures such as joint replacement or fusions.

Arthroscopy procedure involves the placement of a tiny arthroscope into the joint through a small incision. A micro camera will transmit the image of the underlying structures to a monitor for targeted surgery in a minimally invasive way. Another small incision may be placed to insert other instruments and perform the repair procedure.

An arthroscopic surgery for the ankle will usually be performed as an outpatient procedure at a surgical facility. Light general or local anesthesia is administered. Two or three incisions of the size of a buttonhole will be placed for the insertion of the arthroscope and special instruments to perform the repair. Once the repair is completed, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures and apply a dressing.

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

Sports injuries can be painful and cause serious damage to the bone, muscle, ligaments, and tissue in some cases. It is important to receive specialized sports medicine and surgery in order to recover from the condition successfully. Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute is a premier practice providing cutting edge treatments for sports injuries.

Led by board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler, the practice offers state of the art orthopedic care, including specialized treatments for sports injuries. The practice is equipped with innovative and advanced technology to diagnose and treat various orthopedic conditions. Dr. Thomas and Dr. Biger provide sports medicine to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, and surrounding communities.

 

Customized Treatments

The Knee & Shoulder Institute prides itself in offering customized surgical and non-surgical solutions for sports injuries and other conditions. Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler will evaluate the patient’s injury along with their unique anatomy in order to create a customized treatment plan. Their goal is to maximize benefit through targeted, minimally invasive surgery and sustainable, healthy, and permanent results.

The practice integrates clinical orthopedics, physical therapy, outpatient arthroscopy and surgery center, and radiology and lab services to ensure comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for every patient. The procedures are tailored to suit the individual needs of a patient, which leads to the highest patient satisfaction levels in most cases. The practice receives patients from Las Vegas, Nevada, and nearby areas.

 

Expertise in Sports Medicine

Dr. Thomas does offer general orthopedic treatments, but his emphasis is on sports injuries and arthroscopic treatment of issues related to the knee and shoulder. While Dr. Thomas is a board certified orthopedic surgeon, he additionally holds a Subspecialty Certificate in Orthopedic Sports Medicine.

He has performed more than 30,000 surgeries till date. He personally performs all his procedures, and will not let fellows, residents, or trainee surgeons perform any of his surgeries. Patients seeking treatment for complex or severe sports injuries can expect to achieve optimal outcomes with surgery from Dr. Thomas.

Dr. Bigler is also a board certified orthopaedic surgeon with fellowship training in sports medicine and arthroscopy. He has been practicing in Las Vegas for 25 years. Following his orthopedic training, Dr. Bigler chose sports medicine as his area of sub-specialty, and completed his sports medicine and arthroscopy fellowship at the prestigious Harvard Medical School at the Massachusetts General Hospital.

Dr. Bigler’s expertise in sports medicine has led him to hold positions of team physician in the UNLV Athletic Department and with the CSN teams. He has served on the San Diego Padres physician staff, and is currently an assistant clinical professor a the University of Nevada School of Medicine. He has also served as the Nevada delegate for the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine.

 

Arthroscopy

The Knee & Shoulder Institute provides arthroscopic surgery for sports injuries related to the knee, shoulder, elbow, ankle and other areas. Arthroscopy is an advanced technique involving small incisions and the use of a micro camera to perform procedures more accurately in a less invasive ma

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 Surgery Recovery

Following ankle surgery, the patient will take some time to recover. Depending on the extent of surgery performed and patient’s natural ability to heal, the recovery period may slightly vary from one patient to another. In general, patients with the fastest recovery times are those who plan for their recovery in advance and follow the instructions of surgeon diligently.

Dr. Steven Thomas is a board certified orthopedic surgeon, who along with highly experienced orthopedic surgeon Dr. Gregory Bigler, performs ankle surgeries for patients in Las Vegas, NV and surrounding communities.

Preparing for Recovery

Prior to the ankle surgery, the patient may acquire the mobility devices that may be required, and practice with them in the days preceding the procedure. The patient may discuss with family and friends to identify someone who may help them with the daily chores in the first few days of recovery. Driving may not be advisable for the first few weeks, so contact numbers of a few local cab companies may be noted in advance.

Arrangements with the employer regarding sick leave should be made well in time. The patient may also discuss the possibility of working remotely from home. In a majority of cases, the patient may have to stay away from work for about two months. The operating surgeon will advise various precautions that must be observed during the recovery. These should be noted and followed carefully.

Adequate Rest and Sleep

Sufficient rest and sleep will limit the strain that the patient would be putting on the treated ankle. Sleep is restorative for the body, and will promote physical healing around the bone and tissue. The surgeon will advise when the foot or ankle is in a position to bear weight. Until then, the patient should refrain from putting weight on the ankle.

When the patient finds it hard to relax, they may perform deep breathing exercises, meditation or use other relaxation techniques of their choice. Board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Thomas along with Dr. Bigler provides advanced ankle surgery procedures to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Swelling

For the first few days after the ankle surgery, the patient will be required to keep the leg elevated for most part. Ideally, the ankle should be kept above the waist to reduce swelling from blood circulation. Ice packs can also help to reduce swelling. Some patients use a cold circulation unit instead of ice packs.

Wound Dressing

The bandage or plaster cast should not be removed by the patient on their own. The bandage will absorb discharge from the incision, and some spotting is normal. However, if spotting spreads quickly, the patient must get in touch with the surgeon promptly. The surgeon’s instructions should be followed for cleaning the incision area once the bandage has been removed.

Bathing

A bath tub is preferable to a shower because the patient will have better control over the water flow. It is important to prevent the cast or bandages from getting wet. The leg should be waterproofed by using some plastic bags or a medical water sealant bag and the patient may simply hold it out of the water while bathing for the first week.

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 Surgery Overview

An ankle is one of the commonly injured joints in the human body. If the injury is severe, the patient may have to undergo arthroscopic surgery to treat the damaged joint surfaces. The surgery will also enable the treatment of ligament insufficiency or laxity. Past ankle injuries may lead to post traumatic arthritis, which can also be treated with arthroscopic technique.

In more severe ankle injuries, the patient may require a joint altering surgery such as joint replacement or fusions. Board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Steven Thomas along with highly trained and experienced orthopedic surgeon Dr. Gregory Bigler provides ankle surgery to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada and surrounding communities.

Ankle Arthroscopy

Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery performed by an orthopedic surgeon to address problems related to the ankle. The goal of the surgery is to improve overall ankle function and mitigate ankle pain. Various disorders of the ankle joint can be treated with arthroscopy.

Ankle fusion can be performed with arthroscopy in a case where the patient is suffering from end-stage ankle arthritis. If the ankle has suffered a fracture, ankle arthroscopy may be combined with open surgical techniques to repair the ankle. In cases where the ankle has become unstable with the ligaments of the ankle stretching out, the ligaments can be tightened with an arthroscopic technique.

If scar tissue formation occurs within the ankle, the surgeon may employ arthroscopy technique to identify the scar tissue and remove it. An infection in the ankle joint may also require arthroscopy. Loose bodies can cause a painful joint or locking of the joint, which can be treated with arthroscopy. Dr. Thomas is a board certified orthopedic surgeon, who along with leading orthopedic surgeon Dr. Bigler, provides ankle surgery to patients in Las Vegas, NV.

Surgical Procedure

The surgeon will mark the operative leg before the procedure begins, and the patient will be administered anesthesia. The leg will be cleaned thoroughly and in some cases the surgeon may use a device to stretch the ankle joint in order to improve the view. The surgeon will make at least two minor incisions in the front and back of the ankle. Through these incisions, the surgeon will insert the arthroscopic camera and surgical instruments.

A sterile fluid will be sent into the joint to allow it to expand and enable for better viewing. The surgeon will employ an appropriate technique to correct or repair the ankle joint through the incisions. Once the surgery is completed, the incisions will be closed with sutures. A sterile dressing will be used to cover the sutures. In many cases, the surgeon will use a splint or a boot.

Recovery

Mild pain and swelling is likely to be experienced by most patients. The surgeon may advise the patient to keep the leg in an elevated position for a few days. Pain medications will be needed in the first week. Several weeks or months as a waiting period may be necessary before the patient can put weight on the leg.

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

Elbow is the joint where bones, cartilage, ligaments and fluid converge to ease the rotation of the forearm. There are muscles and tendons in this area that further aid movement of the elbow joint. An elbow injury stems from the wear and tear or any kind of damage in this structure. While injury of the funny bone can cause intense pain followed by numbness, the sensation fades away after some time. In some other cases though the injury could be serious, which ultimately might affect movement. For treating such chronic and serious elbow injury, Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon Steven C. Thomas and Gregory T. Bigler recommend surgery for patients based in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Types of elbow injury

Experiencing persistent symptoms like pain, numbness, sore arm, swelling, redness could all be a sign of some elbow injury, the common types are as follows:

Tennis elbow

Lateral Epicondylitis is the medical term for a very common elbow injury, Tennis Arm. When tendons connecting the forearm and the bony portion of the elbow are damaged due to overuse, it leads to this particular medical condition. The term origins from a common tennis injury, which happens while hitting backhand. In case of this injury, the patient needs to be immediately treated with the RICE method – Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation – followed by an X-Ray of the effected area.

Golfer’s elbow

A common sports injury, golfer’s elbow or medical epicondylitis is caused by inflammation of the tendons attaching the forearm and bony structure of inner elbow. Primary symptoms of this injury will be soreness, localized pain and tenderness. A combination of ice-packs, isolation and medications like pain killers is used to provide relief. In children this condition is called Little Leaguer’s elbow.

Bursitis

When you hit your elbow hard against a surface or an edge, some major swelling might happen, which are symptoms of Bursitis. The inflammation of the bursa due to an injury, trauma or even a local infection causes swelling, though movement isn’t much affected. You might consider visiting a physician for extreme pain and swelling.

Muscle sprain

Sprain is the most common form of injury related to muscles and tendons and can occur in any part of the body. Usually for elbows, sprains happen due to over-extension or when the elbow is simply jammed. Depending upon severity of the injury, age and other related factors, you can opt for natural healing or surgery, that yields quick and effective results.

Elbow fractures

At the elbow joint or adjacent to the joint, bones can suffer wear and tear or even break to cause severe pain and dislocation. It is ideal to get an X-Ray done for diagnosis of the fracture and its severity. Recovery from an elbow fracture requires immobilization and use of a cast, at times though serious injury might require orthopedic surgery for relief.

Treatment of elbow injury

Orthopedist’s and orthopedic surgeon’s opinion is a must for treating any injury related to the elbow. However certain first-aid treatment could be given for immediate relief:

− Apply the RICE method for pain reduction.

− Use a cast or any support for the effected area while minimizing movement of elbow.

− A physician should be consulted for better advice, and in severe cases or for chronic pain surgical procedures could help.

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