Patients who experience bone fractures, sports injuries and other orthopedic issues can now find specialized treatment right here in Eagle Pass from board-certified orthopedic surgeon Andre L. Thomas, MD.
Dr. Thomas moved to the community earlier this year from East Texas to give patients access to services they haven’t had, he says. His goal is to offer advanced treatment that is more consistent with care in larger cities, so patients don’t have to travel out of the area to get the support they need. Since arriving in Eagle Pass, he’s performed a number of orthopedic procedures at Fort Duncan Regional Medical Center. “The hospital and hospital district have been outstanding in terms of helping me and making sure that we provide a good experience for patients with excellent outcomes,” he says.
New "firsts" at Fort Duncan Regional
In just his first few months in Eagle Pass, Dr. Thomas performed Fort Duncan Regional’s first-ever endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery. With this procedure, the surgeon uses a tiny camera and surgical tools inserted into the wrist to treat patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition that can cause pain and numbness in the hand and fingers.
He also conducted the hospital’s first-ever arthroscopic (minimally invasive) rotator cuff and labral repairs to treat conditions of the shoulder. And he’s working with Fort Duncan Regional to bring additional orthopedic procedures to the community.
He notes that non-surgical options are considered first in caring for patients. When surgery is necessary, he uses minimally invasive techniques, if possible, which involve smaller incisions and can support faster recovery. The goal is to ensure safe, effective care and help patients get back to their daily activities as soon as possible.
Supporting athletes and others in the community
On the way to earning his medical degree, Dr. Thomas played football at Howard University in Washington, DC, where he learned firsthand about the challenges and injuries athletes often face. Since becoming a doctor, he has spent a lot of time supporting teams on the sidelines. He plans to continue that kind of support here in the community, he says.
Already feeling at home in Eagle Pass, Dr. Thomas is excited about the opportunity to enhance medical services for area residents. “I’m committed to that, to providing excellence and care to the patient,” he says.
Finding relief from knee pain
Rodolfo L. Barrera
Local resident and business owner Rodolfo L. Barrera spends a lot of time on his feet. When knee pain was causing him trouble earlier this year, his primary care doctor, Sergio Zamora, MD, DO, referred him to Dr. Thomas for specialized orthopedic care.
After ordering an imaging test, Dr. Thomas diagnosed a meniscus tear, which is a tear in the cartilage between the shinbone and thighbone. He recommended that Barrera have a meniscectomy to remove the damaged cartilage.
Barrera had the minimally invasive procedure at Fort Duncan Regional and was released the same day. He recalls that it involved just a small incision and he had relief from his pain right away.
Today he is up on his feet and continues to be pain-free. “I would recommend Dr. Thomas to everyone,” he says. “There is no need to go to San Antonio when you can be taken care of here at home.”
For help finding a doctor for yourself or your family, call our free Direct Doctors Plus® referral service at 866-341-3362.