Crack The Fat Loss Code Ebook

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Deciding About Arthroscopy

By Dr. Richard Edelson

The Steps of An Orthopedic Knee Evaluation

First things first: See your M.D. for a referral to an orthopedic surgeon. Once you have done this, you will set an appointment for an evaluation of your knee problem. Your orthopedic surgeon will do three things at your initial appointment: Conduct a medical history, complete a physical examination, and order some tests.

Your orthopedic surgeon will ask you about both your specific knee problems and your general health when conducting your medical history.

Your physical examination will mostly be focused on your leg and knee. Your orthopedic surgeon will evaluate the overall alignment of your leg and determine the ROM (range of motion) of your knee as well as its muscle strength and its stability.

Once these steps are done, the orthopedic surgeon will send you for testing. You are likely to have some blood testing done. This will help detect the presence of arthritis. You will probably also have some x-rays as well as an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). It is necessary to get both kinds of images because they provide different types of information. X-rays provide information about bones. The MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) provides information about soft tissues.

The orthopedic surgeon will discuss the results of your testing with you and help you to decide what route to take in dealing with your knee problems. He or she will explain your options. They will probably include medication as well as several types of surgery. Arthroscopy will probably be one of your options.

Click here for more on athletic injuries .

Any risks that may be involved in the procedures available to you will be explained at this time.

If you have tried quite a few different methods of dealing with your knee pain without any relief, you will probably be considered a good candidate for arthroscopy. Additionally, if you are experiencing ongoing pain and swelling or problems with your knee catching or giving out, you will want to consider arthroscopy. If you are having trouble accomplishing your day to day activities because you are afraid your knee will not support you, you will definitely want to consider arthroscopy.

Indeed, it is the answer to a lot of knee problems in a lot of patients. It is usually used on people in the broad range of twenty to sixty years old, but it has been used on very young children and very old seniors with tremendous success as well.

Preparing Yourself for Arthroscopy

Once your decision is made, your orthopedic surgeon will send you back to your physician for a complete physical. By doing this, you will be sure that everything is in good working order, and you will know about anything that may cause complications before your surgery.

Your doctor may do more tests at the request of the orthopedic surgeon. Sometimes a cardiogram is done. Sometimes more blood work is called for. In general, anything that will clarify your general condition so that your treatment can be exactly right for you, will be done.

If you are taking any over-the-counter products such as medications or supplements, remember to let your doctor and your orthopedic surgeon know about it. If you need to discontinue any of these products before surgery, they will inform you. - 17268

About the Author:

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home