How to choose the best orthopedic surgery center near Bullhead City, NV

Posted on June 5, 2020 by Knee and Shoulder

Best orthopedic surgery center | Bullhead City, NV

Orthopedic surgeries can be complex and should ideally be performed only by an experienced, board certified orthopedic surgeon. When you are on the lookout for a good orthopedic surgery center near you, make sure you review the qualifications, experience and certifications of the operating surgeon who will perform your procedure.

Board certified orthopedic surgeons at Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute provide safe and proven orthopedic surgery to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV.

Choosing a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

When you choose an orthopedic surgery center headed by a board certified orthopedic surgeon, it serves as an assurance that the surgeon would have undergone a minimum number of years of training in this specialty area.

Board certified orthopedic surgeons will typically invest in best surgical practices and high standards of care, adopt cutting-edge orthopedic surgery techniques and technology, pursue continuing education to update their skills, and follow the latest safety protocols.

Surgical Experience

While it is prudent to choose a highly trained and qualified orthopedic surgeon, you should also consider how many years of experience does the surgeon have in performing orthopedic procedures. In the operating room, unexpected situations can arise when the surgeon needs to make quick decisions for a successful surgery.

Experienced surgeons have gone through all possible situations in the surgery room, and they are in a position to make the right decisions in the moment. If you are choosing a knee, shoulder, or hip related orthopedic surgery, you should evaluate whether the surgeon has adequate experience in that particular area.

Desirable Attributes in a Surgeon

Compassionate, caring, and easy to converse with
Transparent and willing to share all relevant information with the patient
Driven by a motivation to transform the patient’s life positively through orthopedic surgery

Provides personalized attention to every patient, irrespective of how big or small is their procedure
Has the ability to achieve results that are not only functionally excellent, but also address the patient’s aesthetic needs
Has an in-depth knowledge of the anatomical aspects of the areas to be treated
Adopts the right surgical techniques to ensure the orthopedic procedure is less invasive and creates minimum possible scarring, while achieving all the functional goals

Focus on Personalization and Innovation

Your orthopedic problems as well as your anatomy are unique to you. Your orthopedic surgeon should be able to individualize your procedure according to your specific needs. When your surgeon adopts a customized approach, chances are that you will achieve more effective and natural results and experience maximum post-surgical satisfaction.

Surgeons who are willing to embrace the latest innovations in orthopedic care will be able to provide you a safer, less invasive and less painful treatment experience with a shorter recovery and reduced risks. Your surgeon should preferably perform your orthopedic surgery at an accredited ambulatory surgical center or a hospital.

Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV for the latest procedures in orthopedic surgery.

Contact Us to Schedule a Consultation

If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board-certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. Contact the office today click here.

Serving patients from and around greater Las Vegas, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Mesquite, Pahrump, Nevada.

How to Choose The Best Orthopedic Surgery Center Near Mesquite, NV

Posted on June 1, 2020 by Knee and Shoulder

Best Orthopedic Surgery Center | Mesquite, NV

Orthopedic surgery can be a life-altering procedure for you. At which orthopedic practice you receive your surgery, and who is the operating surgeon will make a vital difference to your final outcome. Make sure you spend enough time and do your due diligence while selecting a practice for your knee, shoulder or another orthopedic procedure.

Practice Overview

The Knee and Shoulder Institute, led by Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler, who are both board certified orthopedic surgeons, provides state of the art orthopedic care. You can expect to receive the following integrated services under one roof at the practice:

Orthopedic surgery
Outpatient arthroscopy
Clinical orthopedics
Physical therapy
Radiology and lab services

Backed by experienced surgeons and staff and equipped with cutting-edge technologies, the Knee and Shoulder Institute can provide with the best in class facilities for accurate diagnosis and treatment. The practice accepts most insurance plans, except HMO plans. However, you should verify with your insurance provider whether the practice is covered within their network.

How to Select an Orthopedic Surgeon?

Here are some of the ways to identify a sound orthopedic surgeon for your needs in your local area:

Do your own local search on Google and other search engines to find out about the orthopedic surgeons in your area

Discuss with your friends and family members if someone has undergone orthopedic surgery and if they want to make a recommendation.
Talk to your primary care physician about your orthopedic concerns and see if they can make a suitable referral.
Check out the database of licensed orthopedic surgeons who are on board with the American Board of Orthopedics.
Speak to your insurance provider about local orthopedic surgeons that are a part of your plan network.

Based on your preliminary search, you can short-list one or two or more names of orthopedic surgeons in your area. Check out their practice websites and review the surgeon’s background. That should help you make a decision about seeking an initial consultation with the orthopedic surgeon of your choice.

Customized Care

Make sure that you choose an orthopedic surgeon who has extensive training and experience in the field. The surgeon should be in a position to provide you with a customized surgical plan to achieve most effective results in a targeted manner. Be prepared to ask questions related to your procedure and the surgeon’s approach at the time of initial consultation.

A dedicated surgeon will help you make an informed decision, and provide you the right guidance and the best treatment options that are appropriate for your condition. Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler have vast experience in orthopedic surgery procedures, and have advanced skills to ensure you can achieve your treatment goals in a less invasive manner with highly satisfactory outcomes.

Contact Us to Schedule a Consultation

Serving patients from and around greater Las Vegas, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Mesquite, Pahrump, Nevada.

How to Choose The Best Hip Replacement Surgeon

Posted on May 5, 2020 by Knee and Shoulder

Best Hip Replacement Surgeon

Your choice of a hip replacement surgeon will be a decision you probably live with for the rest of your life. A successful surgery will eliminate your hip joint problems and pain, and restore your confidence for years to come.

On the other hand, with an inexperienced surgeon, your chances of a less satisfactory outcome increase, particularly for this type of an intricate and advanced procedure.

Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute, led by board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler, provides hip replacement surgery to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV.

Do You Feel Comfortable with the Surgeon?

You need to pay attention to how your hip replacement surgeon and their support team make you feel. It is best to select a surgeon whom you feel comfortable with and trust completely with your safety and results. Seek answers to these questions:

Does the surgeon have a proven track record of success in complex orthopedic procedures?
Is the surgeon willing to listen to my concerns and empathize with me?
Do I feel confident of asking any questions from the surgeon about their background or about the procedure?
Am I prepared to disclose my medical history and habits to the surgeon?

Consider this Checklist for Finding the Right Surgeon

Are you board certified in orthopedic surgery?
How long have you been practicing?
How many orthopedic surgeries have you performed until now?
May I see before and after photographs of your past patients?

Will hip replacement help me achieve my goals?
Am I a good candidate for hip replacement surgery?
What are my options if I’m dissatisfied with the final results?
Will your staff assist me with insurance documentation?
Where will you perform my surgery?

What are the potential risks and complications?
What will be the recovery process?

These are just a few questions, but based on the surgeon’s answers, be prepared to ask any follow-up questions you may have. Be diligent and curious during your pre-operative consultation.

Do Your Own Research

Familiarize yourself with hip replacement surgery by reading about it on reliable medical websites. Prior to your appointment, check out the surgeon’s website to learn about their qualifications and experience and the kind of procedures they undertake.

If necessary, note down your questions and concerns and carry the list with you to your first appointment with the surgeon. When you are well-informed and prepared, you can have a more productive consultation and arrive at a better decision about your hip replacement surgery and the choice of a surgeon.

Other Requests to Make

You may request your surgeon to provide you with a quick office tour, if you wish to familiarize yourself with their office and staff. Ask for patient testimonials to know about the experience of other patients with the surgeon and their practice. Discuss frankly about the costs, payment methods, and financing options as necessary.

Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV for hip replacement surgery.

Contact Us to Schedule a Consultation

Serving patients from and around greater Las Vegas, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Mesquite, Pahrump, Nevada.

Hip Replacement Surgery Recovery

Posted on May 1, 2020 by Knee and Shoulder

Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip replacement surgery is a major procedure, which will involve a considerable recovery process. You should be prepared to commit time to a full recovery in order to achieve the best possible final results from your surgery. Your surgeon will discuss the recovery aspects with you at the time of the pre-operative consultation.

Preventing Blood Clot Formation

To minimize your risk of blood clotting in the legs after your hip replacement surgery, the following measures may help during recovery:

Early mobilization

It is best to sit up and even try mild walking with a walker or crutches soon after your surgery. Your surgeon may recommend this type of mobilization the same day or the next day after your surgery.

Pressure application

You may wear compression stockings or inflatable air sleeves on your lower legs during as well as after your hip replacement surgery. The pressure this will exert on your legs will prevent the pooling of blood in your leg veins.

Blood thinning medications

You may have to take prescription blood thinners, either orally or through injections after your surgery. Depending on your activity level post-surgery and your general clotting risks, your blood thinning meds may continue for a few weeks after the surgery.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a vital part of the recovery process after hip replacement surgery. A trained physical therapist can help you learn specific exercises that you can perform in the hospital as well as at your home to expedite recovery.

Exercises and regular physical activity will have to be a part of your daily routine to help you regain the use of your hip joint and muscles. Follow the advice of your physical therapist regarding mobility and strengthening exercises.

The therapist will also guide you about the right way to use a walking aid, such as crutches, cane or walker. As your physical therapy progresses, you will gradually increase the weight you place on your leg until you are able to walk freely without any assistance.

Recovery at Home and Follow-up Care

You and your caregiver will receive post-operative care guidelines from your surgeon before you leave for home. To ensure a smooth transition:

Enlist the help of a family member or friend to assist with household chores or meal preparation for a few days
To avoid bending down or reaching up, place the items of daily use at waist level at home
Consider a few home modifications, such as a raised toilet seat
Be diligent about your follow-up appointments with the surgeon in order to ensure that your hip is healing well

You can expect to return to your normal activities in about six to 12 weeks, if your recovery progresses well. The strength in your leg and hip will continue to improve for the next several months.

Contact Us to Schedule a Consultation

Serving patients from and around greater Las Vegas, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Mesquite, Pahrump, Nevada.

How to Prepare For Hip Replacement Surgery

Posted on April 20, 2020 by Knee and Shoulder

Hip Replacement Surgery

Preparation is a vital component of the hip replacement surgery process. Well-prepared patients will have a higher satisfaction rate and a reduced risk of complications during and after the surgery. During the initial consultation, your surgeon will guide you about the steps involved in pre-op preparation.

Early Preparation

Your orthopedic surgeon may recommend a physical exam by your primary care physician before the date of your hip replacement surgery is scheduled. This can ensure that any medical conditions such as hypertension or diabetes can be brought under control before the surgery.

It may be necessary for you to lose some weight, in which case your surgeon will suggest you to follow a scientific diet and exercise program. If you are a smoker, you may be required to quit the habit at least for several weeks prior to the surgery to minimize your surgical and recovery risks.

If you are undergoing any dental work, it is best to complete it first so that there is infection in your mouth. This will minimize your risk of hip joint infection (through germs in your mouth). Blood transfusion may be required during the surgery. If you and your surgeon agree, you might donate your own blood ahead of time in order to mitigate your risk of reaction to the blood transfusion.

Three Weeks before the Surgery

Get your home ready for post-operative recovery
Store daily use items in cabinets that are easy to reach

Prepare and freeze a few meals or stock up on ready frozen meals
Check your home safety to prevent tripping and falls
Place non-skid mats in the bathrooms or in the bathtub
Consider having a bed on the downstairs level at home so that you don’t have to climb stairs for the first few days after surgery

Two Weeks before the Surgery

Avoid the use of NSAIDs, aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications as directed by your surgeon.
Buy or rent the special medical equipment as recommend by your surgeon. This might include simple devices such as grabber and an elevated commode. It’s an astute idea to practice using these items at home in advance.
If you have any doubts or concerns about the surgery, clear them with your surgeon well in time. Update them about the preparatory steps you have been taking about your upcoming hip replacement surgery.

One Week before the Surgery

Make a list of all the medications you have been taking, and carry the list at the time of your pre-admission.
Complete any pre-surgery x-rays, lab work, EKG, or other tests as recommended by your surgeon.

Manage your insurance requirements and finances well before the surgery.

Contact Us to Schedule a Consultation

Serving patients from and around greater Las Vegas, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Mesquite, Pahrump, Nevada.

Hip Replacement Surgery Risks

Posted on April 1, 2020 by Knee and Shoulder

Hip Replacement Surgery

Like any surgery, hip replacement surgery will carry some risk. The key is to choose an experienced orthopedic surgeon who will minimize your risk of complications. During the pre-op consultation, the surgeon will apprise you of the potential risks and help you make an informed choice.

Potential Risks and Complications

Blood Clotting

Following the hip replacement surgery, clot formation may occur in the leg veins. In rare cases, this can be life-threatening if a piece of clot breaks off and travels to the lung or brain. Blood thinning medications prescribed by your surgeon will reduce this risk.

Infection

Infections could develop at the incision site or the deeper tissue close to your hip implant. Infections are mostly treated with antibiotics, but if a severe infection occurs near your prosthesis, it could necessitate a revision surgery.

Fracture

A healthy part of your hip joint could fracture during the hip replacement surgery. Fractures can sometimes be minor, which will heal on their own over time. However, for a bigger fracture, your surgeon may need to correct it with pins, wires, metal plate, or bone grafting.

Dislocation

The ball of your new hip joint may get dislodged in certain positions, particularly, in the first few months following your hip replacement surgery. In case of hip dislocation, your surgeon will fit you with a brace so that the hop stays in its appropriate position. If the hip continues to dislocate, you may need a surgery to stabilize it.

Difference in Leg Length

Despite the steps taken by your surgeon, on rare occasions, your new hip could make one leg shorter or longer than the other. This is sometimes caused by a muscular contracture surrounding the hip joint. Progressive stretching and strengthening of those muscles could help improve the condition.

Loosening

This complication rarely occurs with new and advanced hip implants, but in rare cases, the new joint may not be strongly fixed to the hip bone, or may loosen over time. This will create pain in the hip, and a revision surgery may be required to fix the problem.

Structural Damage around the Joint

Any of the soft tissue, such as tendons, ligaments or muscles around the hip may get damaged during the surgery. In exceptional situations, damage may also occur to the surrounding nerves, veins, or arteries. This can cause weakness or numbness in the affected leg.

Second Hip Replacement

Your hip implant may eventually wear out. Therefore, if you have undergone hip replacement surgery while you are relatively young, chances are that you may eventually require a second hip replacement. But new and advanced implant materials are increasing the longevity of the results, and this risk may be minimal.

For More Information

Serving patients from and around greater Las Vegas, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Mesquite, Pahrump, Nevada.

How much does hip replacement surgery cost and is it covered by insurance?

Posted on March 25, 2020 by Knee and Shoulder

Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip replacement surgery is a major procedure, which should only be performed a qualified and experienced surgeon. At the time of initial consultation, the surgeon will explain all aspects of the hip replacement surgery, and inform you about the estimated costs.

Insurance Coverage

Hip replacement surgery is usually covered under most health plans, including Medicaid and Medicare. If this surgery is covered under your insurance plan, your surgeon and their staff will help establish that the procedure is a medical necessity for you. It is best to speak to your insurer and ask about your coverage.

You should check whether your policy covers only specific types of hip implants. Find out from your insurer if you require pre-authorization or any other documentation.

Expenses Covered under Insurance

Health insurance policies typically cover the following costs for hip replacement surgery:

Appointment with the orthopedic surgeon
Additional pre-surgery appointments
Lab tests and other diagnostic evaluations
Surgery costs, including the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia costs, operating room expenses, and hip implant costs
Post-surgical hospitalization
Post-op recovery preparation at home, including safety bars and any other necessary medical equipment
Physical therapy and rehab appointments

It is important to understand any limits on your insurance coverage, so that you have a clear idea of how much of the cost will be covered.

Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Your out-of-pocket costs related to your hip replacement surgery will depend on the terms of your insurance policy. Even if hip replacement is covered under your policy, you may have to pay a certain part of the cost on your own.

Speak to your insurer about your costs, including deductibles, co-pays, and co-insurance that are related to your surgery. Supplement insurance might be able to save you a significant amount. You could also be eligible to apply health savings account (HAS), flexible spending account (FSA) and health reimbursement account (HRA) funds to any out-of-pocket costs.

Costs without Insurance Coverage

If your health plan does not cover hip replacement surgery or you do not have insurance coverage, you should discuss the costs during the initial consultation with your orthopedic surgeon. Hip replacement costs can vary from one practice to another and even from one patient to another depending on several factors.

The skill and experience of the operating surgeon, the kind of facilities and services they are able to provide, and the quality of the hospital or surgery center where the procedure is performed will make a difference to the overall costs. Make sure that while choosing an orthopedic surgeon, you do not automatically go with the one that offers the lowest cost.

Carefully consider the surgeon’s expertise, experience and whether they are board certified in orthopedic surgery. These aspects will make a critical difference to your final results. Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV for hip replacement surgery.

For More Information

Serving patients from and around greater Las Vegas, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Mesquite, Pahrump, Nevada.

Contact Us

702.933.9393

9499 West Charleston, Suite 200
Las Vegas, NV 89117