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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Why do I have mild back aches?
If that has been going on more than 6 weeks or if it radiates down one or both legs, it should be evaluated.
Why is there a bump under my left hand's ring finger?
It may be a thickening of your palmar fascia or duprytrens contracture.
What are the symptoms of a bunion?
A bunion is pain on the inside part of the joint where the big toe connects to the foot with inward angling of the big toe, making a bump that can rub on the inside part of that READ MORE
A bunion is pain on the inside part of the joint where the big toe connects to the foot with inward angling of the big toe, making a bump that can rub on the inside part of that joint.
What should I do for son's chronic knee pain?
Yes, if it has been hurting for a couple of months, you should get it evaluated.
What is causing the pressure in my arm?
It could be a nerve compression syndrome like carpal tunnel syndrome. If the symptoms persist, you might get it evaluated.
Is my knee healing properly?
Yes, it is normal to feel like it is going to give out 2 weeks after surgery due to weakness. That feeling will go away as your leg gets stronger.
Will the torn tendon in my elbow always be a problem for me?
Most musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries are best seen on MRI. If you tore a tendon, you should have pain and loss of function. If it seems fine now, it should be good to go. Evaluation READ MORE
Most musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries are best seen on MRI. If you tore a tendon, you should have pain and loss of function. If it seems fine now, it should be good to go. Evaluation by ortho and MRI would be recommended if you are really concerned about a tendon tear.
Why does pressing on my neck make my arm and wrist hurt?
You are probably impinging on a nerve root from either a spur or disc. If it gets better with ibuprofen, ice, and heat, no problem. If it gets worse, constant, or causes neurologic READ MORE
You are probably impinging on a nerve root from either a spur or disc. If it gets better with ibuprofen, ice, and heat, no problem. If it gets worse, constant, or causes neurologic deficit to your hand and arm, immediate evaluation is needed.
Are there any exercises I can do to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome?
Wrist curls, hand squeezes, rigid wrist splint to wear for sleeping only, ibuprofen
Is there anything I can do to help a jammed finger heal?
Ibuprofen 600 mg (3 over-the-counter tabs) 3 times a day with a meal for 7 days, ice frequently until not sore, work on range of motion.
How long does a knee replacement surgery take?
It depends on the skills of the surgeon and the surgical team. It can take from 40 minutes to one and a half hours.
Is a partially torn UCL of thumb serious?
If it is not completely torn, it should heal on its own. It takes 6 weeks for 85% healing and 3 months for full healing of ligament and about 6 months for all of the symptoms to READ MORE
If it is not completely torn, it should heal on its own. It takes 6 weeks for 85% healing and 3 months for full healing of ligament and about 6 months for all of the symptoms to resolve. If it is completely torn, it is a surgical problem as the adductor tendon blocks the ligament from reattaching.
What's the difference between scoliosis and kyphosis?
Kyphosis is actually a perfectly normal condition in which the spine bends forward. Hyperkyphosis is when the spine bends forward more than normal. Scoliosis is a spinal condition READ MORE
Kyphosis is actually a perfectly normal condition in which the spine bends forward. Hyperkyphosis is when the spine bends forward more than normal. Scoliosis is a spinal condition that presents as a lateral bend in the spine along with vertebrae that have twisted out of normal alignment.
Should I see a doctor for my shoulder pain?
I would give it a few weeks, use ice, ibuprofen, range of motion. If it doesn't clear up, have it checked out.
What are the symptoms of a spine injury?
An injury to the spine usually results in severe pain to your back. Injury to the nerves would include weakness or loss of sensation in your legs.
Why does my wrist hurt when I twist it?
A physical examination is needed to accurately diagnose your condition. The most likely cause of wrist pain when twisting in weight lifts is TFCC strains or the ligament and cartilage READ MORE
A physical examination is needed to accurately diagnose your condition. The most likely cause of wrist pain when twisting in weight lifts is TFCC strains or the ligament and cartilage complex connecting the end of the radius to the end of the ulna. Taping for lifting, ice, and ibuprofen to start with for treatment.
What orthopedic shoes are best?
I prefer Hoka shoes for men and women. Other choices: For women runners: Asics Gel Kinsei 6. For support for women: Earth Women's Red Foot Walking Shoe. For men runner's Nike Air READ MORE
I prefer Hoka shoes for men and women. Other choices: For women runners: Asics Gel Kinsei 6. For support for women: Earth Women's Red Foot Walking Shoe. For men runner's Nike Air Pegasus +30. For support for men: Keen Men's Austin Shoe.
Can surgery help degenerative disc disease?
Surgery would be the last resort. It should not be inevitable. I would concentrate on all nonoperative treatment, especially physical therapy.
Should my child's knee be examined?
If this just started happening without injury, it would be okay to watch for a few weeks. If it has been going on for awhile, getting it checked out would be a good idea.
Why does my back sometimes ache when I am trying to sleep?
There are many reasons this could happen. If you have a physical job, it may be from overuse or lifting improperly and you feel it at the end of the day when there are no distractions. If READ MORE
There are many reasons this could happen. If you have a physical job, it may be from overuse or lifting improperly and you feel it at the end of the day when there are no distractions. If it doesn't go away with ice, heat, and ibuprofen in a few weeks, evaluation should be considered. If you have symptoms that radiate down one or both legs, an evaluation is warranted to make sure you do not have a slipped disc or something significant.
