Orthopedic surgery procedures are designed to treat conditions involving the musculoskeletal system. Musculoskeletal trauma, degenerative diseases, tumors, infections, congenital disorders and sports injuries can be addressed with orthopedic surgery.
An orthopedic surgeon typically specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of the disorders of the joints, bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute, led by board certified surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler, provides orthopedic surgery to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada and surrounding communities.
Key Treatments
Some of the major treatments in orthopedic surgery include the following:
- Joint replacement (reconstruction, revision and replacement)
- Fracture care and trauma
- Microvascular procedures, such as nerve repair and muscle grafts
- Sports injuries
- Limb deformity
- Foot and ankle injuries
- Hand surgery
- Shoulder surgery
- Spine disorders
- Tumor surgery for bone cancers
- Pediatric orthopedic conditions
Most Common Orthopedic Surgeries
An experienced orthopedic surgeon can treat a variety of conditions by using both surgical and non-surgical approaches. The experts at Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute provide the appropriate treatments to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada and nearby areas. The most common orthopedic procedures usually include the following:
Total Knee Joint Replacement
Patients suffering for acute arthritis and seeking pain relief and improved range of motion may be fit candidates for total joint replacement surgery. The surgeon will assess the damaged areas of the joint, which may lie within various joints in the body, and replace them with plastic and metal surfaces. These replacements are naturally shaped to restore normal knee movement and function.
Total Shoulder Replacement
Patients with severe shoulder damage can receive relief through this procedure. Shoulder replacement will diminish the pain and discomfort in the shoulder joint. The procedure involves replacing the damaged parts of the cartilage and bone in the shoulder with a plastic or metal implant. The range of motion in the shoulder joint will improve with this surgery.
ACL Reconstructive Surgery
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of the major stabilizing ligaments in the knee. In case of a damage or rupture of this ligament, an orthopedic surgeon can reconstruct it with ACL reconstructive surgery. The procedure involves removal of the torn ligament and replacing it with own tissue or donor tissue to build new ACL.
The new ligament will be attached to the bone with staples or screws. As the healing of the knee takes place, the bone tunnels carved by the surgeon will start filling with new tissue, securing the new ligament.
Arthroscopy
In orthopedic surgery, arthroscopic techniques have proved to be particularly successful in making the procedure more precise and less invasive. As compared to a traditional ‘open’ knee or shoulder surgery, an arthroscopic surgery can help the patient recover much faster and with less risk of any complications.
Knee arthroscopy is one of the most common procedures performed by orthopedic surgeons today, and even various other orthopedic procedures are now performed arthroscopically in many cases. Recovery in such cases can be in a matter of days, instead of weeks in case of an open surgery.
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