The Best Knee Replacement Surgery

Tag Archives: Orthopaedic surgeon

Severe osteoarthritis, particularly in people above the age of 50, and any serious knee injuries may necessitate knee replacement surgery. Patients whose quality of life is hampered due to a stiff, painful knee, and who have exhausted other treatments, may be sterling candidates for knee replacement surgery.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, nine out of 10 patients report a significant reduction in knee pain and enjoy improved mobility following total knee replacement (TKR) surgery. Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler are board certified orthopedic surgeons providing knee replacement surgery to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, and surrounding communities.

Total Knee Replacement (TKR)

Cutting edge surgical techniques and technology have led to the development of very precise and functional artificial knee implants that can mimic the movement of the natural knee, and can be custom-fitted to the patient’s body. TKR is now considered among the safest and most effective of orthopedic surgeries.

In the TKR procedure, the surgeon will remove damaged parts of the bone and replace the knee with an artificial implant that is ideally suited for the patient’s unique anatomy. The arthritic bone will be cut away carefully and the healthy bone underneath will be reshaped precisely to fit into the implant components. The procedure must be performed by an experienced and board certified orthopedic surgeon for best results. Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada, and nearby areas for this surgery.

More about Knee Conditions

Four-Step Procedure

TKR involves a four-step procedure in most cases. The first step involves preparation of the bone. The damaged cartilage surfaces at the ends of the thighbone and shinbone are removed, and a small part of the underlying bone is also removed. In the second step, the metal-based femoral and tibial implants are placed in the desired position, and the surgeon will either press-fit them or cement them to the bone.

In the third step, the surgeon will insert a plastic button underneath the kneecap. Resurfacing the undersurface of the kneecap may be needed in this process in order to affix it properly to the button. In the fourth and final step, the orthopedic surgeon will implant a plastic spacer between the femoral and tibial metal components.

This medical grade spacer will help to create a smooth surface that glides easily and carries out the motion of the natural knee. The implants must be aligned precisely and fitted carefully to the bone in this procedure in order to achieve successful results. The procedure is usually performed with the patient under general anesthesia.

More about Dr. Thomas, M.D.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Knee replacement surgery can now be performed using minimally invasive techniques. Specialized instruments are used to make a significantly smaller incision, which is only about three to five inches in length.

Tissue damage is minimized with this approach because the surgeon can work between the muscle fibers instead of an incision through the tendon. This technique can reduce the pain, shorten the recovery period, and help to improve motion due to less scar tissue formation.

More about Dr. Bigler, M.D.

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 may affect not just professional athletes, but also ‘weekend warriors’ who engage in sports and other physical activities as a pastime. Some people say three on three basketball is the most fun thing they do all week and it is extremely beneficial for the body – unless you damage, extend, twist, or break something! But this is why there are outstanding doctors to get people back on their feet and ready for the next intense activity.

There is an old saying that still holds true: if you do not use it, you will lose it.

Minor sports injuries may be treated with over the counter sports medications, but more serious injuries may need the attention of an orthopedic surgeon.Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute is a pre-eminent practice, headed by board certified surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler. The practice provides cutting edge sports medicine treatments to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada and surrounding communities.

Common Sports Injuries

Some of the most common sports injuries include ankle sprain, hamstring pull, groin pull, ACL tear in the knee, shin splints, tennis elbow, and injury from repetitive movement of the kneecap against thigh bone. Sprains and strains are the most common sports injuries.

Sprains include injuries to ligaments, which are the tough bands connecting bones in a joint. If the ligament is suddenly stretched beyond limit, it can get torn or deformed. Strains include injuries to the tendons or muscle fibers, which anchor muscles to bones. Overuse or overstretching of the muscle causes strains or pulls.

Treatments

Severe sports injuries should only be treated by qualified and experienced orthopedic surgeon for best results. Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute receives patients from Las Vegas, Nevada for sports injury treatment and other procedures. Common sports injuries can take several weeks or months to heal, even with professional treatment. Surgery may be required if the sprain or strain is severe, involving the tearing away of an entire ligament, muscle, or tendon.

Ankle Sprain

Athletes will usually experience a sprained ankle at some point, which involves stretching or tearing of the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. The orthopedic surgeon or a physical therapist can guide the patient regarding the appropriate exercises for this condition. Ankle sprains are common in basketball, track, and in a number of other activities.

Groin Pull

Strain to the groin or the inner thigh muscles may caused due to pushing off in a side-to-side motion. Groin pulls with significant swelling should be treated by a physician as early as possible. A groin pull can happen in basketball, soccer, football, tennis, or just playing around with your kids.

Hamstring Pull

Injuries of the hamstring are slow to heal because the injured tissue receives constant stress from walking. It can take about six to 12 months for your heel to completely heal. This injury is common in colder weather where it is harder to get warm and if someone fails to stretch out that well before they push their body and begin to run or move quickly.

Shin Splints

Pain down the front of the lower legs is referred to as shin splints. It can be normally treated with medicine, but if there is a small fracture in the shin bone, an orthopedic surgeon should be consulted. You can experience shin splints with hard running on hard surfaces.

ACL Tear

If there is a suspected ACL injury, it is important to consult with an orthopedic surgeon early. A completely torn ACL will generally require surgery for a patient who is keen to remain physically active. ACL tears are among the most severe forms of common sports injuries.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow occurs from the repetitive use of the elbow and is most common in the age group of 30 to 60. It typically involves the outside of the elbow. Adequate rest and staying away from sports activities such as tennis or golf is important until the condition has fully recovered. You do not have to be a tennis player to acquire tennis elbow much too popular conception.

ACL Knee Surgery

Injuries involving the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) can be treated or repaired with ACL reconstructive surgery. The surgery must be performed by a qualified and experienced orthopedic surgeon to achieve safe and predictable outcomes.

Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute is a premier practice providing ACL reconstructive surgery and other procedures. Led by board certified surgeons, Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler, the practice receives patients from Las Vegas, Nevada, and surrounding communities.

Overview

ACL reconstructive surgery is typically performed by using a graft to replace the damaged ligament. Autografts are commonly used from the patient’s own body. If an avulsion fracture has occurred, which means the ligament and a piece of the bone has separated from the rest of the bone, then a repair procedure will be performed. The repair surgery will reattach the bone fragment connected to the ACL to the bone.

ACL reconstructive procedure is generally performed by making tiny incisions in the knee. Arthroscopic surgery is done by inserting surgical instruments through these incisions. In a few cases, an open surgery may be performed, which involves a larger incision in the knee. In either case, the procedure should be performed only by an orthopedic surgeon.

Arthroscopic Surgery

Benefits

Arthroscopic surgery for ACL is preferred because it enables the surgeon to view the knee structure easily, while keeping the incisions smaller than in the case of an open surgery. The procedure can be performed simultaneously with diagnostic arthroscopy.

Risk of complications is lower and recovery is relatively faster as compared to an open surgery. Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler provide ACL reconstructive surgery using the arthroscopic technique to suitable candidates in Las Vegas, Nevada and nearby areas.

Procedure

The arthroscopic ACL reconstructive procedure begins with the surgeon making two or three minor incisions around the knee. An arthroscope with a tiny camera is inserted through one of the incisions, enabling the surgeon to view the inside structure of the knee on a TV monitor.

The surgeon will insert surgical drills through the other incisions. These will be used to create tiny holes in the upper and lower leg bones where these bones join at the knee joint. The graft will be anchored through these holes. The graft will be taken through another incision in the knee, which will be used as replacement tissue.

The surgeon will secure the graft with staples or screws and will close the incisions with skin tape or sutures. The knee will be bandaged, and the patient will be moved to a recovery area where the condition will be monitored for a few hours. The ACL reconstructive surgery may also involve repair of other injured areas of the knee, such as menisci, cartilage, broken bones, and/or other knee ligaments.

Recovery

The patient may feel tiredness and discomfort in the first few days after the surgery. Swelling in the treated area and numbness around the incision may occur. The condition will begin to improve in about a week. It may take about four to six months before the patient may return to vigorous activities or sports.

Knee Injury

Knee injury treatment will depend on which part of the knee has suffered damage and what is the extent of the damage. Serious knee injuries should be treated only by a qualified and experienced orthopedic surgeon to ensure safe and effective results.

Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute, led by board certified surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler, is a leading practice providing knee injury treatments. The practice receives patients from Las Vegas, Nevada and surrounding communities.

Common Treatments

Simple sprains or strains involving the knee may be treated with RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) therapy. Over the counter anti-inflammatory medications may be used to address the pain and inflammation arising due to these minor injuries. Splinting or immobilizing the injured knee can reduce the chances of further damage, and can help stabilize the knee if it has torn ligaments.

Chronic knee injuries may require cortisone injections, which contain steroids. If the injury is more extensive and involves instability of the knee joint, torn ligaments, swelling, fracture, or decreased range of motion, it will require treatment from an orthopedic surgeon. Crutches and wheelchair use may be advised during the period of treatment. Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute provides advanced solutions for knee injuries to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, and nearby areas.

Knee Surgery

In case of extensive damage to the menisci or ligament tears, surgery may be indicated. Dislocations or fractures of the knee may also require surgery. Emergency surgery may be needed in case of acute injuries arising from forceful impact or damage to multiple parts of the knee.

In most cases, the knee surgery will be performed arthroscopically. Small punctures will be made in the knee to insert an arthroscope attached to a camera. With this technology, the surgeon can perform the knee repairs without having to make a large incision to open the knee. Physical therapy may be advised after the surgery to stretch and strengthen the muscles around the knee.

Prognosis

Severe knee injuries can be debilitating, and dislocations of the knee joint may cause vascular injuries resulting in severe disability. In case of minor knee injuries such as strains or sprains, the healing can occur gradually, and the prognosis is usually enlightening.

Cartilage or ligament injuries that cause instability or dysfunction of the knee may need surgery. Patients can usually recover the knee motion fully. Some knee injuries can result in irreversible, chronic damage, and long-term dysfunction.

Physical Exercises

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) provides an exercise guide, which includes images and directions. However, the patient should perform these exercises in consultation with the surgeon. Lunges, deep squats, full arc knee extensions, and hurdler’s stretches should be avoided since they can cause additional stress to the knee joint.

Recovery

Recovery in case of sprains or strains may take about one to two weeks. Complete recovery following a knee arthroscopic surgery can take one to three months. The surgeon’s instructions for rest, immobilization, and appropriate physical therapy should be followed for safer and faster recovery.

Contact Us

702.933.9393

9499 West Charleston, Suite 200
Las Vegas, NV 89117