EXPERT
Dr. Thomas Vincent Distefano, M.D.
Orthopedist
Dr. Thomas Distefano is an orthopaedic surgeon practicing in Maryville, MO. Dr. Distefano specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries, diseases and disorders of the bodys musculoskeletal system. As an orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Distefano tends to bones, ligaments, muscles, joints, nerves and tendons. Orthopaedic surgeons can specialize in certain areas like the hand, spine, hip, foot and ankle, shoulder and elbow or the knee.
31 years
Experience
Dr. Thomas Vincent Distefano, M.D.
- Maryville, MO
- Tulane Univ Sch of Med, New Orleans La
- Accepting new patients
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Are there any stretches I can do to correct shoulder pain?
Internal rotation, external rotation, seated rows, stretching and strengthening.
Can my repetitive strain injury be treated with arthroscopy?
It depends on the actual diagnosis. Generally, strain injuries can be treated with arthroscopy, but it's just temporary if it is for arthritis.
Why does my knee hurt so often?
You would need an evaluation to be more accurate. The most likely cause is from wear and tear (early traumatic arthritis) without a major injury from playing soccer.
What should we do for son's Achilles tendinitis?
Achilles tendon stretching, moist heat first, ice afterwards, 4 times per day, ibuprofen, medrol dose pack, advance to biking.
Is it normal for scar to itch constantly after knee surgery?
Yes, it is normal as long as it is healing well, not draining, not unusually red or hot. It will get better with time, and once fully healed (usually 3 weeks after surgery), get READ MORE
Yes, it is normal as long as it is healing well, not draining, not unusually red or hot. It will get better with time, and once fully healed (usually 3 weeks after surgery), get a deep massage with straight cocoa butter for 5 minutes 3/day for one month.
Why does my right knee feel stiff in the morning?
Stiffness in the morning is often a sign of early arthritis.
What can I do about tendinitis?
Ice, nsaids, activity modification, physical therapy exercises, bracing, cortisone injection as a last resort
What does it mean if my discogram is positive?
A discogram is a diagnostic procedure to determine if your vertebral disc(s) is/are your source of back pain.
Can I do anything for a broken toe?
Most toe fractures heal on their own with treatment for symptoms (modified shoes, ice, ibuprofen, buddy tape). Less commonly, it can be an intra-articular fracture (in the joint) READ MORE
Most toe fractures heal on their own with treatment for symptoms (modified shoes, ice, ibuprofen, buddy tape). Less commonly, it can be an intra-articular fracture (in the joint) which may require surgery, so it's good to get an X-ray.
How long does it take to recover from spinal cord surgery?
It should take about 3 months to fully heal, 12 months to fully recover.
Can laser treatment help spinal stenosis?
Laser treatments can help. However, it is unpredictable and usually not covered by insurance, which can make it a costly bet. Physical therapy exercises, nsaids, ice, heat, and READ MORE
Laser treatments can help. However, it is unpredictable and usually not covered by insurance, which can make it a costly bet. Physical therapy exercises, nsaids, ice, heat, and surgery.
Why does a broken hand need surgery?
A broken hand needs surgery for several type of injuries. If it is significantly displaced and unstable to closed reduction, it is needed to restore proper alignment and rotation. READ MORE
A broken hand needs surgery for several type of injuries. If it is significantly displaced and unstable to closed reduction, it is needed to restore proper alignment and rotation. If it is an intra-articular injury (fracture into the joint) it may need surgery.
How is osteochondritis treated?
Initially, conservative treatment is tried, NSAIDs, physical therapy, ice, and over-the-counter joint vitamin glucosamine. If not working, arthroscopic surgery could be considered, READ MORE
Initially, conservative treatment is tried, NSAIDs, physical therapy, ice, and over-the-counter joint vitamin glucosamine. If not working, arthroscopic surgery could be considered, including possible joint preservation with orthobiological techniques.
Can typing be the cause of tennis elbow?
Yes, it can develop from typing. More often, it is heavier repetitive motion with weight. It is a combination of microtearing and inflammation. Proper ergonomic setup in the office READ MORE
Yes, it can develop from typing. More often, it is heavier repetitive motion with weight. It is a combination of microtearing and inflammation. Proper ergonomic setup in the office setup can help many conditions.
Right shoulder pain at night--what's causing it?
There are many reasons for night shoulder pain. The most common reason is rotator cuff pain, tendinitis, partial tear, and full tears. You would need to be evaluated by an orthopedic READ MORE
There are many reasons for night shoulder pain. The most common reason is rotator cuff pain, tendinitis, partial tear, and full tears. You would need to be evaluated by an orthopedic surgeon to figure out the cause.
How long does it take to recover from spinal cord surgery?
Generally, it takes about a full year to completely recover from a surgery as big as that.
Should I wear an ankle brace?
It is usually advisable to wear a brace or play taped for 6 weeks after an ankle sprain
How long does an arm fracture take to heal?
Younger patients heal quicker. At nine years old, it usually takes about 6 weeks to heal, although it is usually not recommended to play contact sports for 10 weeks.
Should I be avoiding exercise with scoliosis?
Exercise is being recommended more and more as a treatment for mild to moderate scoliosis. By being proactive and performing these exercises, you may be able to slow the curvature READ MORE
Exercise is being recommended more and more as a treatment for mild to moderate scoliosis. By being proactive and performing these exercises, you may be able to slow the curvature of your spine and decrease the pain you feel as a result of your scoliosis.
Will my surgery end my career?
It really depends on what the surgery is. In now-minor surgeries like a herniated disc, players can often return to play. In more extensive procedures, return to play could be READ MORE
It really depends on what the surgery is. In now-minor surgeries like a herniated disc, players can often return to play. In more extensive procedures, return to play could be less likely.
