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Monday, August 31, 2009

Deciding About Arthroscopy

By Dr. Richard Edelson

Orthopedic Knee Evaluation: What is Involved?

When you see your general practitioner regarding your knee problems, you will surely be referred to an orthopedic surgeon. Once there, you may expect three things to happen. You will be given a physical examination. A medical history will be taken. You will be sent for a variety of tests.

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

The main focus of your physical examination will be your knee and your leg. The orthopedic surgeon will examine your knee to evaluate its stability, strength, and ROM (range of motion). He or she will also look at the alignment of your leg.

Your orthopedic surgeon will order a number of tests. Among them will be x-rays, blood tests to determine whether or not you have arthritis, and possibly an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), which will produce a different kind of image than an x-ray. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) gathers images using sound waves. It can give your orthopedic surgeon more detailed information about the soft tissues of your knee.

Once all of your test results have come back, you will meet with the orthopedic surgeon to discuss the results and decide on a course of action. Your options will probably include medication, physical therapy, and a variety of surgical options. Arthroscopy will, no doubt, be explained to you at this time.

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Your orthopedic surgeon will talk to you about the risks involved in arthroscopy - both those that may be encountered during the surgery and afterwards.

Arthroscopy is very likely to be recommended to you. It is the technique of choice under a number of circumstances, including: Exhaustion of options. If you have tried knee supports, medications, physical therapy, and a number of other things without relief, surgery with arthroscopy is a good choice. Additionally, if you are simply afraid to do the things you need to do because your knee hurts constantly, is swollen, gives out on you, catches, and is just generally undependable and painful, arthroscopy could certainly be your answer.

Overall, arthroscopy is a safe and successful procedure that is appropriate for a broad range of people. Patients generally range in age from 20-60; however, this surgery has been successfully used on patients under the age of ten and on those over the age of eighty.

How to Get Ready for Your 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.

Additional testing may be requested at this time. Your orthopedic surgeon may ask that your doctor conduct more blood tests or a cardiogram or any other test that may be beneficial to overall familiarity with your health. All of these precautions work together to ensure that you will have a safe surgical procedure.

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. - 17274

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