Empire Orthopedic Center is proud to be a leader in the modernization of orthopedic care with our focus on both the conservative non-operative treatment or less invasive surgical treatment of common joint pain problems supported by our on-site physical therapy department. Our surgeons are specialists within the field.
Arthroscopic surgery involves looking inside the specific joint and evaluating the state of the cartilage and surrounding tissues. This minimally invasive treatment can be used to solve many major problems such as rotator cuff tears and impingement syndrome of the shoulder. Cartilage tears in the knee and articular damage can, in many cases, be treated with repair and cartilage transplant. Arthroscopic treatment of hip joint abnormalities such as cartilage tears and impingement syndrome are now commonplace for our practice. Most arthroscopies are performed in an outpatient surgery center and no overnight stay is required. When the simple treatments of joint disorders fails, then a more involved surgical treatment may be required. Hip replacements can be performed through various approaches; however the new muscle sparring anterior approach clearly demonstrates the quickest recovery requiring the least amount of rehabilitation. Knee replacement surgery focuses on only replacing the area that is damaged in the knee. This focused treatment keeps the knee feeling more normal and better function is maintained. When the knee joint is globally damaged, then the modern complete knee replacement is the only treatment of choice. Modern instrumentation allows us to perform the replacement through a much smaller incision and consequently less tissue damage and a quicker recovery.
Joint replacements can wear out with time and require a second or even a third revision surgery. At Empire Orthopedics we perform many hip and knee revision surgeries as well as care of many of the uncommon joint replacement complications.
Empire orthopedics is proud to offer a modern specialty approach to orthopedic care. Our private office offers a warm environment, personalized and focused care supported by electronic medical records and state of the art imaging and diagnostic tools. All facets of our practice are patient focused designed to achieve the best outcomes.
Education:
Loma Linda University
School of Medicine
Loma Linda, CA
Memberships:
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons
American Medical Association
California Medical Society
San Bernardino County Medical Society
Academic and Teaching Appointments:
1997 – Present Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery
Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
1991 – Present Chief, Total Joint Replacement
Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans’ Hospital
Loma Linda, CA
2006 – Present Empire Specialty Ortho Orthopedic Center
Colton, CA
Areas of Practice:
Total Joint Replacement
Sports Medicine
Podiatry
Physical Therapy
Dr. Thomas
Empire Orthopedics
900 East Washington Street, Suite 200
Colton, CA 92324
(909) 882-5867
www.empireorthpediccenter.com