Thomas L. Tanous, M.D. Fellowship Trained: Lower Extremity Adult Reconstruction and Joint Replacement
Clinical Specialties: Hip and Knee

Dr. Tanous grew up in the Cypress area and graduated from Cypress Falls High School. He went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of North Texas.

• Google Rating

  4.8

  Based on 177 Reviews

• Facebook Rating

  4.9

  Based on 952 Reviews

• Healthgrades Rating

  4.7

  Based on 84 Reviews

Dr. Tanous is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon who is also fellowship trained in Adult Reconstruction. After growing up in Cypress Texas and graduating for Cypress Falls high school, he attended The University of North Texas where he majored in Biochemistry. He then went on to train at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston for his medical degree before heading to UTMB Galveston for his orthopaedic residency. Upon completing his residency, he then completed a fellowship at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, CA in adult reconstruction (hip and knee replacement)

After a short stop in the pacific northwest, Dr. Tanous returned to his hometown of Cypress, TX and joined Advanced Orthopaedic and Sports medicine in 2013 where he has practiced since specializing in Hip and Knee replacement.

In early 2012 he became frustrated with the slow recovery for his hip replacements patients and during his search for a better way discovered the muscle sparing direct anterior hip replacement technique that he then implanted into his practice later that year and refined to the modified bikini incision for better wound healing and recovery. Since 2012, he has performed all his elective hip replacements utilizing the direct anterior approach and has done several thousand through this approach. He also incorporated same day surgery, rapid recovery protocols, and robotic surgery in that time.

During and after his training he was introduced to emerging technologies such as computer navigation and robotic surgery. Robotic joint replacement was just in its infancy, but he became interested in how this could improve joint replacement. This led to utilizing robotics in joint replacement which he began in earnest in 2015 and using full time in 2019 on all joint replacements in his practice. 

While total hip replacement has become a highly successful surgery for the vast majority of patient with minimal dissatisfaction, total knee replacement has lagged is satisfaction. Robotic assisted surgery can make the procedure more predictable, more accurate, and more precise; however, the improvement has been in better alignment and longevity rather than patient satisfaction. Recently, Dr. Tanous became aware of the Jiffy knee which is a muscle sparing approach to knee replacement that can significantly decrease tissue trauma and minimize pain and recovery time. He went to train with the Dr. Manish Patel, the developer of the technique prior to bringing it back to Cypress where he is the only surgeon in the Houston area who performs the Jiffy knee. This allows Dr. Tanous to perform a highly accurate patient customized robotic assisted knee replacement through a muscle sparing approach which can accelerate recovery.

Dr. Tanous is also involved in surgeon education in particular, certifying surgeon in the use of the Zimmer Rosa robotic system for total knee, total hip, and partial knee replacements. 

His professional interests include treatment of all injuries involving the hip and knee. While Dr. Tanous does specialize in surgical treatment of hip and knee problems, he includes a comprehensive patient conservative care model with surgery reserved for those whose symptoms don’t resolve with less invasive methods. Patients who do require joint replacement will benefit from evidence-based clinical pathways resulting in superior outcomes. He strives to get patients back to the previous level of function whether it’s playing with a grandchild or to sports such as tennis, biking, or skiing. For more information about Dr. Tanous or to schedule an appointment, please call 

Getting to know Dr. Tanous

Aside from technical skills, what did you learn during your fellowship training that you’ll take with you through the rest of your career?

One of the things you learn when you focus on doing one particular type of operation and doing it very well, is that people become my patients for life – especially in the case of a joint replacement. My specific specialty is like the primary care of orthopedics. I will see my patients throughout their lifetimes, check up on them, and make sure they are doing well. That gives me the opportunity to develop a relationship with each of my patients and that bond can be incredibly affirming.

How do you see the field of orthopedics changing over the next 20 years?

I think the field of joint replacement will become larger as baby boomers retire. There will be a push for better technology and advancements in care to prevent the development of arthritis or delay its onset. Someday, we will have a biologic replacement for hips and knees as opposed to the metal replacements we use today. Now is an exciting time to be involved in this specialty.

What are the most common injuries you treat?

I focus primarily on arthritis, mainly in the hips and knees, but I also see patients with traumatic injuries like fractures, sprains and strains of the lower extremities. One of the things I like most about my work is having the opportunity to work with patients who have arthritic problems during the earlier stages of onset. That way, I can advise less invasive treatments that help patients return quickly to their lives and daily activities.

Chris Ganious, MPAS, PA-CPhysician Assistants

Christopher Ganious, MPAS, PA-C is a physician assistant licensed by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners and is board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. He graduated from the University of South Dakota where he played running back for the Coyotes. He then graduated from Wichita State University with his Masters in Physician Assistant Studies. Christopher is a member of Physician Assistants in Orthopaedic Surgery and the American Academy of Physician Assistants. He is a native Houstonian who moved back to the city to join Advanced Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine after working with an orthopaedic group in Nebraska. He works with orthopaedic patients in the clinic, hospital, and OR settings. He enjoys outdoor activities, spending time with family and friends, and engaging in new endeavors in his free time. He is excited to be a part of this team and to provide high quality medical care to Houstonians!

Recent Reviews