Committed to advancing surgical techniques for hand, wrist, and elbow conditions.
Revolutionizing Surgical Care
Dr. Mencias's expertise and relentless pursuit of advancing surgical methods have been instrumental in the development of numerous pioneering procedures. His commitment to patient care and improving outcomes has not only revolutionized the field but also offered a new beacon of hope for patients.
These pioneering techniques are a testament to Dr. Mencias's dedication to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the realm of orthopedic surgery, offering a more effective and efficient treatment options for hand, wrist, and elbow injuries.
UCL Repair with InternalBrace™ Augmentation at Elbow
Dr. A.J. Mencias is at the forefront of advancing elbow surgery with his innovative technique: UCL Repair with InternalBrace™ Augmentation. This procedure offers a unique approach to treating ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries, which are common among athletes and can significantly impair performance and quality of life.
The technique involves augmenting the native ligament repair with an InternalBrace, a procedure that has been found to increase stability while preventing suture failure and bone tunnel fracture. Unlike traditional methods that replace or reconstruct the UCL using a tendon graft from elsewhere in the patient's body or a donor, this method leverages the patient's own ligament, promoting a more natural healing process.
As one of the pioneers of this innovative method, Dr. Mencias has made significant contributions to the field of orthopedic surgery. His dedication to improving patient outcomes through advanced surgical techniques continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in orthopedics. He remains committed to providing the highest standard of care, offering patients a cutting-edge alternative to traditional UCL repair methods.
This pioneering procedure, developed by Dr. Mencias, has shown promising results, including high return-to-sport rates and improved functional scores. It’s considered a viable alternative for athletes who meet specific surgical findings, potentially eliminating the need for secondary procedures.
While traditional UCL repair methods often involve longer healing periods and potential instability, this innovative technique provides enhanced stability to the elbow joint, expedites recovery, and significantly minimizes the risk of re-injury.
The Modern Tommy John Elbow Reconstruction leverages advanced surgical techniques and technology to further enhance patient outcomes. Unlike the traditional method, which uses a tendon graft to replace the UCL, the modern approach pioneered by Dr. Mencias uses a different method that is tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy and condition.
Dr. Mencias’ personalized approach to the traditional Tommy John Elbow Reconstruction ensures a more natural alignment and fit, reducing the risk of complications and promoting quicker recovery times. Furthermore, Dr. Mencias’ technique focuses on preserving as much of the patient’s original ligament as possible, fostering a more organic healing process.
With the Modern Tommy John Elbow Reconstruction, patients can expect a less invasive procedure, shorter recovery periods, and an overall improved quality of life post-surgery.
Modern Tommy John Elbow Reconstruction
Traditional Tommy John Elbow Reconstruction, also known as Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) reconstruction, is a surgical procedure designed to repair a damaged ligament in the elbow. The technique was first introduced by a surgeon named Frank Jobe in 1974 to treat baseball pitcher Tommy John, hence its popular name. This surgery has been instrumental in saving the careers of numerous athletes, providing a solution to eliminate pain while restoring stability and range of motion.
However, medical innovation does not stop, and this is where Dr. A.J. Mencias comes into play. Building on the traditional method, Dr. Mencias has developed a pioneering technique known as Modern Tommy John Elbow Reconstruction. This innovative procedure differs from its predecessor in several key ways, bringing about a new era in UCL treatments.
InternalBrace™ on Hand/Wrist
Dr. A.J. Mencias is at the forefront of groundbreaking surgical techniques in hand and wrist care, notably the development of the InternalBrace™ method. This innovative approach augments traditional hand and wrist ligament repair, providing both enhanced strength and stability while promoting the body's natural healing process. The InternalBrace for hand and wrist technique employs a biologic repair system coupled with the robustness of SutureTape, creating a superior solution for hand and wrist injuries.
The procedure involves a meticulous surgical technique where an incision is carefully made over the affected area, enabling the placement of the InternalBrace. This technique not only strengthens the surgical repair but also aids in the prevention of future injuries, thereby promoting long-term health and functionality of the hand and wrist.
Dr. Mencias’ role in pioneering this method underscores his commitment to advancing the field of orthopedic surgery and hand care. His relentless pursuit of innovative solutions has led to the development of this revolutionary technique, setting a new standard in hand and wrist repair methods. By implementing the InternalBrace technique, Dr. Mencias continues to provide his patients with the most advanced, effective, and safe surgical options available.
The InternalBrace method, championed by Dr. Mencias, offers a promising solution for those seeking improved recovery outcomes and a swift return to their regular activities.
The FiberLock technique leverages the unique properties of a FiberTak® guide, which is designed to screw into the second metacarpal, ensuring the correct trajectory is maintained during the surgical process. It involves bringing SutureTape from the FiberTak anchor underneath the thumb metacarpal and securing it into the base of the first metacarpal. This intricate procedure optimizes ligamentous support at the base of the thumb, greatly enhancing patient outcomes.
One of the major benefits of this technique is the reduced recovery time compared to traditional methods. Patients undergoing Fiberlock Reconstruction report significant pain relief and improved function, enabling them to return to their daily activities more rapidly.
FiberLock™ Reconstruction of the Thumb
Dr. Mencias was instrumental in the development and refinement of the FiberLock™ Reconstruction of the Thumb technique. This groundbreaking procedure provides a significant advancement in the treatment of thumb arthritis, offering an innovative alternative to traditional hand and wrist repair methods.
BioBrace® Implant
Using a BioBrace® Implant is a transformative approach that Dr. Mencias takes to hand, wrist, and elbow repair. Unlike traditional methods which often involve prolonged recovery periods and potential complications, this pioneering procedure incorporates a BioBrace implant, offering a more efficient and effective recovery process.
The BioBrace is a bioinductive implant reinforced with a collagen matrix that provides immediate strength and ultimately resorbs into the body over time. This offers not only enhanced strength from the outset but also promotes rapid tissue incorporation, setting the stage for long-term healing and reinforcement of soft tissue where weakness exists.
What sets Dr. Mencias’ technique apart is its unique combination of durability and bio-inductivity. The implant supports suturing and cannula passing while maintaining a highly porous structure that allows for better integration with the patient’s own tissues. This has been particularly beneficial in the reinforcement of soft tissue repairs such as hand, wrist, and elbow procedures.
As we continue to witness the positive impacts of this method, it’s clear that Dr. Mencias’ adaptation of the BioBrace Implant technique is truly a pioneering procedure in the realm of orthopedic surgery.
The technique involves the use of an InternalBrace™ device that uses bone anchors connected by a thick suture, allowing for immediate joint stability and more effective treatment outcomes. Unlike traditional methods, which may require longer recovery periods and sometimes result in less optimal joint mobility, the InternalBrace technique provides an added layer of protection to prevent stress on the thumb right at the point where the ligament could tear again.
Dr. Mencias’s role in pioneering this method has been instrumental in its success, bringing to bear his extensive experience and expertise in hand and thumb repair. His innovative approach ensures a more efficient healing process, enabling patients to regain their hand function more swiftly and effectively than with traditional methods.
Basal Joint Reconstruction With InternalBrace™
The basal joint is where the metacarpal bone of the thumb meets the trapezium bone in the wrist. When the joint becomes injured, the condition can be very disabling because use of the thumb is necessary for nearly every manual, from writing to opening a jar to buttoning a shirt.
As a pioneer in the field of hand surgery, Dr. Mencias has contributed significantly to the development of the Basal Joint Reconstruction with InternalBrace™ technique. This innovative surgical procedure offers an advanced solution for patients suffering from basal joint arthritis, providing immediate joint stability and a quicker return to normal activities.
Thumb And Digital Needle Arthroscopy
Thumb and Digital Needle Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows for enhanced visualization and treatment of joint problems in the thumb and fingers. Unlike traditional open surgery techniques, this method involves the use of a small arthroscope, which Dr. Mencias inserts into the joint through tiny incisions. The arthroscope relays real-time, high-definition images to a screen, allowing Dr. Mencias to accurately diagnose and treat the issue while minimizing surgical trauma.
Dr. Mencias’s commitment to incorporating the latest advancements in technology and surgical procedures underscores his dedication to patient care and positive surgical outcomes. As we continue to explore the potential of Thumb and Digital Needle Arthroscopy, we are confident that this technique will become a cornerstone in the treatment of intra-articular pathology of the thumb and digital metacarpophalangeal (MP) joints.
One of the major benefits of this procedure is its less invasive nature, which often results in better cosmetic outcomes, reduced recovery times, and minimized post-operative discomfort for patients. Moreover, the application of longitudinal traction during the procedure allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the thumb and digital metacarpophalangeal (MP) joints, offering an unparalleled level of detail that surpasses conventional methods.
