Dr. Thomas Vincent Distefano M.D.
Orthopedist
2016 S Main St Maryville MO, 64468About
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.
Education and Training
Tulane Univ Sch of Med, New Orleans La 1993
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
Tulane University School of Medicine 1993
Board Certification
Orthopaedic SurgeryAmerican Board of Orthopaedic SurgeryABOS
Provider Details
Dr. Thomas Vincent Distefano M.D.'s Expert Contributions
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. READ MORE
Why is there a bump under my left hand's ring finger?
It may be a thickening of your palmar fascia or duprytrens contracture. READ MORE
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 joint. READ MORE
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. READ MORE
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. READ MORE
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. READ MORE
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 by ortho and MRI would be recommended if you are really concerned about a tendon tear. READ MORE
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 deficit to your hand and arm, immediate evaluation is needed. READ MORE
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 READ MORE
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. READ MORE
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. READ MORE
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 resolve. If it is completely torn, it is a surgical problem as the adductor tendon blocks the ligament from reattaching. READ MORE
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 that presents as a lateral bend in the spine along with vertebrae that have twisted out of normal alignment. READ MORE
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. READ MORE
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. READ MORE
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 complex connecting the end of the radius to the end of the ulna. Taping for lifting, ice, and ibuprofen to start with for treatment. READ MORE
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 Pegasus +30. For support for men: Keen Men's Austin Shoe. READ MORE
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. READ MORE
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. READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
Treatments
- Torn Meniscus
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Arthritis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Neuropathy
- Osteoarthritis
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Pain
Dr. Thomas Vincent Distefano M.D.'s Practice location
Dr. Thomas Vincent Distefano M.D.'s reviews
Write ReviewRecommended Articles
- What are metatarsal bones?
The five long bones of the metatarsus of the foot are known as the metatarsals. Just as metacarpals of the hand are made of different components, similarly, metatarsals are made of different components such as a proximal base, shaft, and distal head. Arches of the foot are formed by the metatarsal...
- What Is Blount’s Disease: Symptoms and Treatment
Blount's DiseaseBlount's disease is a growth disorder that causes the lower leg bones to bow outward. Although this disorder can affect people any time during growth stages, it is more commonly seen in adolescents and children who are younger than 4 years old.It is important to note that Blount’s...
- What Is Total Knee Arthroplasty?
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA), also known as total knee replacement, is a surgical procedure in which parts of the knee joint are replaced with artificial parts or prostheses.A normal knee usually functions as the hinge joint located between the lower leg bones (tibia) and the upper leg bone...
- Different Types of Physicians Explained
Doctors or physicians are categorized according to different factors including medical specialties and subspecialties. Most doctors specialize in a specific area of medicine. This article provides a summary of the different types of doctors in the medical field. AllergistsAllergists are also...
- Broken Tibia: Symptoms and Treatment
OverviewThe tibia and fibula are the two bones in your lower leg. The larger bone is the tibia, which supports most of a person's weight. It is also an important part of the ankle and knee joints. A fractured or broken tibia is usually along the length of the bone and in between the knee and above...
- Signs You Need to See a Doctor for Back Pain
There are a number of potential causes of back pain, but most of them are rare. Most cases of back pain, particularly those that go away with or without over-the-counter treatment, do not require a visit to the doctor. However, if your back pain is accompanied by any of the following signs and...
Nearby Providers
- Dr. William G Humphreys M.D.2016 S MAIN ST MARYVILLE MO 64468
- Dr. Damian N Mizera M.D.2016 S Main St Maryville MO 64468