Orthopedic FAQ: Your Questions Answered by Gustavel Orthopedics in Boise, Idaho

Dr. Michael Gustavel is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who has been practicing in Boise, Idaho, since 2002. He earned his MD from the University of Washington School of Medicine, completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Oregon Health Sciences University, and finished a fellowship in Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine in San Diego. He has treated thousands of patients, both surgically and non-surgically, and is widely recognized as Idaho's leading expert in arthroscopic surgery.

Yes. Dr. Gustavel is board-certified and holds active memberships in the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the Arthroscopy Association of North America, the Idaho Medical Association, the Ada County Medical Association, and the Idaho Orthopedic Society.

Yes. Dr. Gustavel has served as Team Physician for the San Diego Padres, the Boise State Broncos, and Boise High School.

Non-surgical solutions first. Dr. Gustavel always explores conservative options before recommending surgery. His goal for every patient is efficient, high-quality care and a full return to an active lifestyle.

Mary Ann Ozier, PA-C, is a surgical physician assistant certified by the NCCPA, BLS, and ACLS. She is affiliated with St. Alphonsus Medical Center, St. Luke's Regional Medical Center, and Treasure Valley Hospital. The practice also works with independent physicians who share the same commitment to patient-first care.

1702 W Fairview Ave, Boise, Idaho 83702. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Friday 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM.. You can reach the office at (208) 957-7400. Telehealth appointments are also available.

Gustavel Orthopedics accepts most major insurance plans, including Blue Cross of Idaho and Idaho State Insurance Fund. Call (208) 957-7400 before your first appointment to verify your specific coverage.

It depends on your insurance plan and if we treat the specific condition.

Bring your completed New Patient Registration Form, signed HIPAA Consent Form, photo ID, insurance card, any prior imaging on disc or digital format, and a list of your current medications. If you don't have prior imaging, Gustavel Orthopedics has on-site X-ray and ultrasound, so it can often be done at your visit.

Dr. Gustavel has surgical privileges at Treasure Valley Hospital, St. Alphonsus Medical Center, and St. Luke's Regional Medical Center.

As an independent practice, Gustavel Orthopedics is not owned by a hospital system. This means every treatment decision is made in your best interest, without pressure to favor any particular facility or surgical approach.

The practice treats a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions including shoulder injuries (rotator cuff tears, labral tears, frozen shoulder, instability, impingement), knee conditions (ACL, PCL, MCL and LCL tears, meniscus injuries, osteoarthritis, kneecap dislocation, bursitis), hip problems (labral tears, FAI, bursitis, dysplasia, osteoarthritis), elbow conditions (tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, cubital tunnel syndrome, biceps rupture), foot and ankle fractures, hand and wrist injuries, general fractures, and orthobiologic treatments.

Yes. Dr. Gustavel performs a total knee replacement. He will always evaluate whether less invasive options are appropriate before recommending a replacement.

Yes. He treats patients of all ages, from adolescent athletes to adults managing chronic joint conditions or arthritis.

Common signs include a pop at the time of injury, immediate severe pain, rapid swelling, a feeling that the knee gave out, and difficulty bearing weight. Not all ACL tears require surgery. Dr. Gustavel will evaluate your age, activity level, and the extent of the injury to determine the right approach. Do not delay evaluation, as untreated ACL injuries can lead to secondary damage to the meniscus and cartilage.

The meniscus is the cartilage cushion in your knee joint. Tears are caused by twisting, squatting, or sudden pivots, as well as gradual wear. Symptoms include pain along the inner or outer knee, swelling, stiffness, and a catching or locking sensation. Treatment ranges from rest and physical therapy to arthroscopic surgery, depending on the tear's location, size, and your activity goals.

Total knee replacement is typically considered when knee arthritis severely limits daily activities, pain persists at rest or during sleep, and conservative treatments such as injections and physical therapy have not provided lasting relief. Dr. Gustavel will review your imaging and lifestyle goals before making any recommendations.

Chondromalacia patella is the softening and breakdown of cartilage on the underside of the kneecap, causing a dull ache at the front of the knee that worsens with prolonged sitting, climbing stairs, or squatting. Treatment begins with rest, activity modification, and physical therapy. Injections or arthroscopic debridement may be considered in persistent cases.

The MCL runs along the inner knee, and the LCL along the outer knee. Both stabilize the joint against side-to-side forces. Most isolated MCL and LCL tears heal with rest, bracing, and physical therapy. Complex tears involving multiple ligaments may require surgery.

The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that stabilize the shoulder. Rotator cuff tears cause weakness when lifting or rotating the arm, pain that worsens at night, and difficulty reaching overhead. Partial tears are often managed with physical therapy and injections. Full-thickness tears frequently require arthroscopic repair, which Dr. Gustavel performs using minimally invasive techniques.

Shoulder instability occurs when the structures supporting the joint are torn, allowing the ball to slip out of the socket. A Bankart lesion is a specific tear of the labrum caused by dislocation. A Bankart repair is an arthroscopic procedure in which Dr. Gustavel reattaches the torn labrum to the socket using small anchors, restoring stability and allowing athletes to return to full participation.

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a condition where the shoulder joint capsule thickens and tightens, severely restricting movement and causing pain. It progresses through three stages: freezing (2 to 9 months), frozen (4 to 12 months), and thawing (5 to 24 months). Treatment includes physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and anti-inflammatory medication. Arthroscopic capsular release may be recommended in cases that do not respond to conservative care.

Shoulder impingement occurs when rotator cuff tendons are repeatedly pinched between the arm bone and the shoulder blade during overhead activity. Symptoms include a dull shoulder ache, pain radiating down the back or up the back, and weakness with lifting. Most cases resolve with physical therapy, activity modification, and injections. Surgery is considered only when conservative treatment has been fully exhausted.

A SLAP tear is an injury to the top portion of the shoulder labrum where the biceps tendon attaches. It is common in throwing athletes and overhead workers. Symptoms include deep shoulder pain, a catching or clicking sensation, and weakness with throwing. Mild tears are treated with physical therapy. More significant tears may require arthroscopic labral repair.

Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat problems inside the hip joint, including labral tears, FAI, and cartilage damage. Dr. Gustavel is widely regarded as Idaho's top expert in hip arthroscopy and among the most experienced hip arthroscopists in the Pacific Northwest.

FAI is a condition where abnormal bone formations on the hip joint cause friction during movement, damaging the labrum and cartilage over time. It is common in young athletes involved in soccer, hockey, and martial arts. Symptoms include groin pain during activity, stiffness, and reduced hip range of motion. Dr. Gustavel treats FAI arthroscopically by reshaping the bone and repairing damaged tissue.

The labrum is a ring of cartilage lining the hip socket. A tear in this ring causes groin pain, a locking or clicking sensation in the hip, and pain with prolonged sitting or certain movements. Dr. Gustavel diagnoses hip labral tears using physical examination and MRI, and treats them arthroscopically when necessary.

Hip bursitis is inflammation of the bursa, a small cushioning sac in the hip. The most common type, trochanteric bursitis, causes pain on the outer hip that may radiate down the thigh. Treatment begins with rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. Corticosteroid injections are effective in most cases. Surgery is rarely needed.

Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip socket does not fully cover the ball of the thighbone, leaving the joint partially unstable. Symptoms include hip pain, a limp, and reduced range of motion. Mild cases are managed with physical therapy. More significant cases causing instability or labral damage may require surgical correction.

Tennis elbow causes pain on the outer side of the elbow from overuse of the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle. Golfer's elbow causes pain on the inner side from overuse of the tendons on the medial epicondyle. Both are treated with rest, ice, bracing, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory measures. Injections may be used in cases of resistance. Surgery is reserved for cases that fail to improve after six to twelve months of conservative treatment.

Cubital tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the ulnar nerve at the inner elbow, producing numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers, a weak grip, and inner elbow pain. It is aggravated by prolonged elbow bending. Mild cases improve with activity modification and nighttime splinting. Persistent or severe cases may require surgical nerve decompression.

A distal biceps rupture is a complete tear of the biceps tendon from the elbow bone, usually caused by a sudden, forceful load. A telltale sign is a Popeye-like bunching of the biceps muscle near the shoulder. Surgical repair is recommended for active individuals and yields excellent results when performed within 2 to 3 weeks of injury.

Minimally invasive surgery uses small incisions and a camera rather than large open cuts. Benefits include less tissue damage, reduced post-operative pain, lower infection risk, shorter hospital stays, and faster return to activity. Dr. Gustavel's fellowship training in arthroscopy has made him one of Idaho's leading practitioners of minimally invasive orthopedic surgery.

Recovery varies by procedure. Arthroscopic meniscus repair typically takes 3 to 6 months. ACL reconstruction requires 9 to 12 months to return to sport. Arthroscopic shoulder surgery takes 4 to 6 months. Rotator cuff repair takes 4 to 6 months for smaller tears. Total knee replacement requires 3 to 6 months for daily activities and up to 12 months for full recovery. Hip arthroscopy typically takes 3 to 6 months. Gustavel Orthopedics provides rehab protocols for every procedure and can refer you to physical therapists throughout the Boise area.

Yes. The practice has on-site X-ray and ultrasound, allowing Dr. Gustavel to obtain diagnostic imaging during your visit. MRI scans are ordered at a partner imaging facility when a more detailed evaluation is needed.

Orthobiologics are natural substances such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone grafts used to accelerate healing. Dr. Gustavel uses these treatments to assist in the recovery of bone fractures and soft tissue injuries, with proven results in shortening healing times.

In most cases, yes. Physical therapy is a critical part of orthopedic recovery. Gustavel Orthopedics provides tailored rehab protocols and can refer you to physical therapists throughout Boise. Rehab guides for common procedures are available to download at gustavelorthopedics.com/Rehab-Protocol.

Sports medicine focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries that occur during physical activity. Dr. Gustavel has specialized training in acute sports injuries, overuse injuries, return-to-sport rehabilitation, and non-operative care for athletes. His background as a team physician for professional, college, and high school programs gives him direct knowledge of athletic injury at every level.

Yes. Getting patients back to their active lifestyle is one of Dr. Gustavel's primary goals. He builds a personalized treatment plan with clear return-to-sport milestones for every patient.

Not at all. Gustavel Orthopedics treats everyone from professional athletes to weekend hikers, recreational skiers, and adults who simply want to stay active and move without pain.

Dr. Gustavel treats ACL, PCL, MCL, and LCL tears; meniscus tears; rotator cuff tears; shoulder dislocations and instability; labral tears in the shoulder and hip; tennis and golfer's elbow; stress fractures; ankle sprains and fractures; distal biceps ruptures; and hip impingement.

No. His philosophy is non-surgical solutions first. Surgery is recommended only when it offers a clearly superior outcome that cannot be achieved with conservative treatment.

Gustavel Orthopedics offers physical therapy referrals and rehab protocols, corticosteroid injections, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, bracing and orthotics, guidance on activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, and ultrasound-guided injections using the practice's on-site ultrasound equipment.

Schedule an appointment if you have joint pain that has lasted more than a few weeks despite rest, severe pain or swelling after an injury, an obvious deformity or inability to bear weight, a popping or locking sensation in a joint, joint instability, numbness or tingling in a limb, or pain that is affecting your ability to work, sleep, or exercise. Early evaluation leads to better outcomes.

Yes. Telehealth appointments are available for consultations, follow-ups, and review of imaging results. Call the office at (208) 957-7400 to arrange a virtual visit.

Call (208) 957-7400, fill out the contact form at gustavelorthopedics.com/Contact, or visit us at 1702 W Fairview Ave, Boise, Idaho 83702. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.