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Frequently Asked Orthopaedic Questions

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
The check-in process was efficient. All the staff members were professional and cordial.
General
I have seen 3 doctors in this office and they are all excellent in their field.
Virginia Anderson
After my great success with Grant after my knee surgery, requested him once again for arthritis issues on both shoulders. While there are still improvements to be made, I feel I have made progress in a very short time, because of Grant’s knowledge & skills in his field! Most important, he cares about his patients & listens to their needs! In addition, Grant makes sure his staff follows through with his instructions & gives the same great care! Many thanks & appreciation to Grant & his staff at GBO!!
General
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 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 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.

Staff at Great Basin Orthopaedics are so caring.

Healthgrades
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
I was never a patient, but as an intern I enjoyed my time working here. The Doctors who run the practice are top notch. Work environment is structured organized and cheerful. I was offered a position but they couldn't get it approved but they gave me the help I needed to get my degree!
Austin Noriega

Doctor Timothy Dooley is the 'ideal' doctor, someone who validates my pain, listens to my problem and treats me with respect and courtesy and he laughed at my silly jokes. Smile and personality that put me at ease! Thank you for being you.

Rater8
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.

The staff at Great Basin are the best I've ever encountered. I can't pick just one because they all work so well together and step in when needed to complete a task. I really thought it was amazing. AND all were so friendly and interested.

Rater8
KB
K.B.
Thorough, knowledgeable and professional
Jim Gaskill

Dr. Owens is an amazing surgeon. She did a beautiful job on my total knee replacement with a hinged knee. Everything was perfect, I was walking right away no problems no
complications, all this after difficulty walking for over 30 years and recovering from being paralyzed from the waist down. I highly recommend this very skilled surgeon. She goes the extra mile. Everything was explained and informed thru every step of the process, all my questions were answered, I never have been so prepared for a surgical procedure.

Rater8
Very friendly and knowledgeable! Gave detailed information as appointment progressed! Thank you!!!!
Lonnie Shields

Best ortho doc ever! Dr. Owens has exceptional knowledge and takes the time to communicate clearly and answer all questions. I highly recommend her!

Rater8
the staff at Great Basin is excellent from the phone, front desk, nurses and x-ray tech. very pleasant to deal with.
General
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
Amazing office, professional, staff is happy, website is user friendly and the medical expertise is A++! Keep up the great hard work you all do in helping others.
Polly A.
It was super convenient having PT at the same place as my surgery because they worked together to help me focus on my goals, to know what I could and couldn’t do and what my limits were. They were available to answer my questions on the spot, which helped the entire process go faster.
Kiley Cryer
Gracias por toda la ayuda durante la visita.
General
Absolutely positive experience!
Catherine Oppio
I'm very pleased with everything they have done for me.
Betty T.
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.