Orthopaedic Surgery in Los Angeles, CA

Board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS), Dr. Vangsness serves the needs of patients in and around the greater Los Angeles area. Dr. Vangsness has been dedicated to the overall health and well-being of his patients in need of surgical procedures to restore movement to certain parts of their bodies, and he specializes in torn ACL repair, rotator cuff surgery, and other orthopaedic surgeries.

ACL Repair

For patients exhibiting a torn ACL, surgery is known to successfully repair the ligaments in the knee, eliminating most of the pain and swelling the patient has endured. Through replacement of the torn ligament, Dr. Vangsness is able to make the joints stable again and, in most cases, send the patient home the same day to begin the recovery process.

Rotator Cuff Surgery

For those patients who have damaged their rotator cuff due to aging, dislocation, fracture, or work profession, Dr. Vangsness offers an innovation surgery to repair the ligament. Through his innovative rotator cuff surgery, C. Thomas Vangsness M.D. has been repairing patients’ damaged tendons for years. By smoothing or sowing the torn tendon within the shoulder, Dr. Vangsness can help to alleviate the patient’s pain and help them gain eventual stability of their shoulder again.

After a period of six to eight weeks, the patient, along with the help of a physical therapist, is able to more vigorously work on continued strength and movement in the arm. We encourage you to look at the photos and diagrams of rotator cuff surgery located on the procedures page.

Other Orthopaedic Surgery Procedures

Attracting patients from all over Southern California, Dr. Vangsness specializes in a number of procedures for patients who need orthopaedic surgery. Through his state-of-the-art techniques at his Los Angeles practice, Dr. Vangsness performs:

• ACL reconstruction
• Cartilage repair
• Meniscus surgery
• Shoulder bursitis
• Shoulder impingement
• Dislocated shoulder repair

To schedule a consultation with orthopaedic surgery specialist Dr. Thomas Vangsness, please contact his Los Angeles office at (323) 442-5860.

Rotator Cuff Surgery, Los Angeles, CA

What is the rotator cuff?

The rotator cuff is an essential part of any individual’s body and is responsible for movement and rotation within the shoulder. Because it controls the lifting that a patient can do with his or her shoulder, it is necessary for patients to regain control of it after an injury.

Causes of Rotator Cuff Injuries

Usually occurring in patients over the age of 50, a tear in the rotator cuff can be a common cause of pain from a fracture or dislocation. The rotator cuff can also become torn doing repetitive over-head work and activities in patients, such as:

• Construction workers
• Painters
• Tennis players
• Baseball or softball pitchers

How will rotator cuff surgery benefit me?

For patients with a rotator cuff injury, surgery will benefit them immensely. By repairing the tear by smoothing it out or sowing it back together, Dr. Vangsness is able to set the tendon in place in order for it to heal properly for future stability and movement.

Rotator Cuff Surgery

Through rotator cuff surgery, C. Thomas Vangsness, M.D., who is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS), will help you get back to actively using your shoulder again.

When the surgery is complete, the patient’s arm will be placed in a sling and pillow so that the site of the surgery can heal correctly. After the shoulder begins to heal, the patient will also be set up with a physical therapist so that he or she can begin to build back strength in the shoulder. Following six to eight weeks after the surgery, the patient should be able to use the repaired muscles with greater activity.

In addition, if you are suffering from a sudden fracture, dislocation, or shoulder bursitis, Los Angeles orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Vangsness can meet with you to discuss the best route to go.

To see our rotator cuff surgery expert, Dr. Thomas Vangsness, please feel free to contact us at (323) 442-5860. Call us today to schedule your consultation.