The majority of Dr. Thomas' surgery is arthroscopic surgery and is done on an outpatient basis. He does all of his own surgery, and assistants are used only to help hold position or pass instruments. Dr. Thomas assists in the education and instruction of various types of medical and paramedical students. These students may be present during clinic or surgery but do not effect the treatment rendered.
Following surgery there will be a rehabilitation phase in which the patient will undergo therapy. The length and type of rehabilitation greatly depend on the type of problem. Initially after surgery the patient will be seen by the therapist who will start the rehabilitation as well as check the surgical wounds. Two to three weeks after the surgical procedure, the patient will return to see Dr. Thomas for a follow-up visit. A follow-up appointment will be made prior to this if the patient or therapist notice anything out of the ordinary that requires Dr. Thomas' attention.

Return to work or previous activities will depend on the nature of the problem and the type of treatment chosen. In general, patients are encouraged to return as quickly as possible to work as this often serves as an important aspect of the rehabilitation process. There may be modifications necessary to permit early return, but this is preferable to waiting until everything is "perfect". Many sports activities will require some type of modification as well. A gradual return to a pre-injury sports or work level is always better than a return to full activity without proper conditioning.

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