Font Size: A A A

Frequently Asked Orthopaedic Questions

Dr Hayes helps me with my Plantar Fasciitis. He always offers alternative ways to mediate the pain and also takes care of my concerns. I've been going to him for years and he's amazing every time. Thank you!

Rater8
It's been a few years since I went here with a broken arm and I can't thank them enough for the excellent care I got!!! I was able to avoid surgery and avoid my arm getting to stiff since he didn't put me in a full cast. The staff was super friendly throughout the whole building from the receptionist, the nurses, the x-ray techs and the dr. Literally everyone had a smile and that's rarer these days
Carissa Byram
Great Basin Orthopedics repaired my elbow accident and recently performed a total hip replacement. The elbow outcome was excellent using GBO's Physical Therapy services and I am hopeful the hip will be better than new in a short while. Stephen Capel was my therapist for the elbow and is now for my hip. I have full confidence with him.
James Tiner
I was so impressed with the friendly and caring people. I would say it was one of the best appointments for anything I have ever had! Thank you!
Sandy Jennings
I was amazed that when making the appointment that they were able to see me in two days.
General
This place is amazing! I am telling everyone I know!
General
I have seen 3 doctors in this office and they are all excellent in their field.
Virginia Anderson
Absolutely positive experience!
Catherine Oppio

I can not thank Dr. Dickens enough!!!! He got my daughter in the following Monday after her injury and then surgery the next day!!! So great full and thankful for him! He did awesome job as well with the surgery! Hardly don't see the scar!

Rater8
I'm very happy with the doctor and staff and love the nice and big waiting room.
General
I have been a patient of both Dr. Fyda and Dr. Hayes. Both doctors were thorough and knowledgeable in all facets of my care. I felt very comfortable and confident knowing I was in well-trained hands.
Shannon S.
Fixed my sons Right Clubfoot with very mininal treatment compared to other doctors recommendations. Minimal serial casting, No surgery, minimal bracing time. And over a year now with No treatment, and His foot looks perfect. Although I felt rushed along, and sometimes dismissed. I cant complain much, as I also felt the doctor did an excellent job, and wasnt there to screw around or put me through the ringer with extra treatments or procedures. Too many doctors out there seem to try and treat Clubfoot, and do more damage than good. Dont go anywhere else for clubfoot treatment.
Trisha R
Prompt professional knowledgeable service encountered from all staff members very patient oriented practice. Very pleased with my visit.
Mary B.
If you live in the Reno area, you just can't do better than Great Basin Orthopaedic. I'm someone with knee problems going way back decades, as well as other orthopedic issues, so I think I know what I'm talking about. Don't settle, get the best, go to Great Basin, or, as they call it GBO. I promise you will be glad you did.
Wanda H.
Great service. Nice staff. Would recommend to anyone needing knee replacement.
Jil L.
I hurt my foot playing softball last summer. My friend referred me to Great Basin Orthopaedics. The doctors were super nice, and the employees were super nice, too. I hope to be back on the softball field this summer.
Kelly M.
A very efficient run medical facility. Very professional staff who greeted you with a smile and introduced themselves in all interactions with the organization. A model for other medical groups to take notice.
General

Dr. Dickens is a great surgeon he has done now over 4 surgeries after I was in a motorcycle accident when a car hit me. He has really been an advocate for me and for getting things taken care of. Plus his positive attitude and encouragement is second to none.

Healthgrades
Tina is knowledgeable, compassionate and has me on my way to recovery!
Elizabeth Korinek
The check-in process was efficient. All the staff members were professional and cordial.
General
I will follow Amy wherever she goes. I relate to her because of her approach, and I trust her judgment and treatment plan(s) without hesitation.
Larry Brumberger
I have been going to GBO for many years and the staff and doctors are amazing and easy to talk to about your conditions , as well as, procedures if needed.
Sandy Dunn
Great care from all levels!!! Excellent care from the emergency room to rehab! Follow-up care will be excellent, also!!! Excellent care, excellent recovery, makes healing much faster, perfect recipe!!!
General
I love how smoothly everything runs here. My doctor is amazing the nurse is great too. From checking in, to follow ups to my surgery (ACL) everything went so smoothly and even my post op care. I wish all my doctors outside ortho would go so smoothly! Great job guys!
Sharon B.
My son was seriously injured in a skateboarding accident. The hospital said nothing was broken and sent him home telling him to follow up with an orthopedic specialist. He did not have insurance but was in process of getting some as he just moved to Nevada and no long qualified on mine. I called all the orthopedic clinics I could find they all said they would not see him. Finally one said OK in Sept. Even though I told them he could not use his arm at all and was in incredible pain. Get some insurance and call back. I offered to self pay for him still no. I finally found Great Basin. They were the kindest most helpful people I had talked to anywhere. They got him in within 4 days. The cost was exactly what they said. They then counseled him on where and how to get some insurance. When I followed up with them the next day they explained how they had applied the payment I had sent and his situation regarding insurance. I understood he was going to need insurance for any major treatment. We just needed to have his arm examined and get a professional opinion and make sure letting it go, while we got insurance, was not going to cause more damage. Great Basin is the first medical facility I've had to deal with in the last two years that has actually treated us like living beings. I am so appreciative. Thank you for helping us.
Kacee Casto
Frequently Asked Questions

What is orthopaedics?

Orthopaedics (alternatively, orthopedics) is a medical specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions, disorders, and injuries of the muscles, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. A doctor who specializes in this medical specialty is called an orthopaedic (alternatively, orthopedic) surgeon or orthopedist.

How do I choose an orthopaedic specialist at GBO?

You are welcome to call and request an appointment with any one of our specialists. Read about their specialties here. However, if you are unfamiliar with our doctors, our team can help match you with the orthopaedic specialist best equipped to treat your concern.

What is a bone and joint specialist?

At GBO, our practice is devoted to the specialty of orthopaedics which is defined as the diagnosis and treatment of disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system. All of our physicians are board eligible or board certified bone and joint specialists who have undergone specialty training in orthopaedics and are equipped to treat all disorders and injuries of the skeletal system and its related joints, ligaments, and muscles. Orthopaedists and orthopaedic surgeons also are experts in the prevention, treatment, and repair of orthopaedic issues, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of bone and joint disease.

If I have chronic foot pain, how can seeing a foot and ankle specialist benefit me?

A foot and ankle orthopaedist is specialty trained to address the bones, soft tissues and joints of the foot and ankle. While our entire team of orthopaedic doctors are experts in the medical and surgical management of all bones and joints, we have doctors who have chosen to specialize in foot and ankle due to personal passion and interest.

Is it important for my high school athlete to see a sports medicine physician?

A sports medicine physician is specialty trained to understand the specific mechanics of bones and joints and how to treat sport injury and help the athlete avoid injury. Both orthopaedic specialists and sports medicine orthopaedists understand the entire musculoskeletal system, but a physician with an expertise in sports medicine focuses on the non-operative treatments of sports injuries. Our team of physicians is on the sidelines at local sporting events helping identify and treat athlete injury.

Are all orthopaedic specialists also sports medicine doctors?

No, sports medicine is a specialty area of study.

What is an orthopaedic hand specialist?

A hand specialist is an orthopedic doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders in the hand, wrist, and forearm. Great Basin Orthopaedics has orthopedic surgeons who specialize in the hand and upper extremities (as well as hand-specific occupational therapists to assist in recovery). They have chosen to focus their training and work on this complicated area of the body and have a unique understanding of the complex networks of blood vessels, nerves, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones that make up the hand and fingers.

Do all orthopaedists treat all bone and joint problems?

Orthopedic surgeons are board-certified or board eligible medical doctors with a minimum of 14 years of conventional education. While all Great Basin Orthopaedics surgeons have knowledge of the entire musculoskeletal system, some have chosen an area of specialty. Our team will help you identify the surgeon best equipped and most experienced in your injury area.

Will I need physical therapy?

Your doctor will be able to fully answer this question after your diagnosis and treatment. Should physical therapy be prescribed, Great Basin Orthopaedics has a physical therapy clinic upstairs from their medical clinic for your convenience and to help ensure continuity of care from diagnosis through full injury rehabilitation.

What does board-certified mean?

The orthopaedic surgery board certification exams offered by American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS) enables successful candidates to present themselves to the public as qualified medical specialists in orthopedic surgery. Completing the orthopedic surgery board certification exams indicates mastery of orthopedic surgery skills and knowledge, as well as a professional commitment to adhere to the ABPS Medical Code of Ethics.

Once a doctor has completed an orthopedic residency at a major medical institution, the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery offers a written test to become board eligible. If the written test is passed, the doctor becomes “eligible” to take the oral test, after two years in practice. When the doctor passes the oral exam, the doctor becomes “board certified” and is considered a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. All Great Basin Orthopaedics surgeons are board certified (or board eligible if they are within the first two years of their practice).

What is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon?

A fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon is a doctor who has completed a minimum of 13 years of education and has completed an additional year of specialty training in a specific field of orthopedic surgery in an accredited fellowship program. There are fellowships in several areas of orthopaedics including: hand & upper extremity, adult hip and knee, trauma, sports medicine, spine, pediatric and foot and ankle.