How to Prepare for Your Orthopaedic Surgery Consultation

  • 2024
  • 3 min read

Preparing for an online or physical orthopaedic surgery consultation is essential to ensure that you receive an accurate assessment. Here are some organized steps to consider before your appointment:

  • Medical History: Gather a detailed account of your medical history, including information on past surgeries, current medications, allergies, and chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
  • Symptom Description: Provide a clear and detailed account of the symptoms you are experiencing. Make sure to include factors that may be influencing them, as well as their impact on your daily activities.
  • Physical Examination: Describe any visible issues such as swelling or redness. You may be asked to perform simple movements to assess your range of motion and pain levels.
  • Imaging and Lab Reports: If applicable, have recent imaging (X-rays, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)) and lab reports ready for sharing.
  • Knee Arthroscopy:
    • Knee MRI with description
    • Consultant’s letters
    • Medical records
  • Knee Replacement:
    • Knee X-rays
    • Consultant’s letters
    • Medical records
    • Optional knee MRI with description
  • Hip Replacement:
    • X-rays of hips and pelvis
    • Optional hip MRI with description
    • Consultant’s letters
    • Medical records
  • Arthroscopic Knee Surgery (ACL Reconstruction):
    • Knee MRI with description
    • Consultant’s letters
    • Medical records
  • Shoulder Surgery:
    • Shoulder MRI with description
    • True AP shoulder X-ray
    • Medical records
  • Arthroscopic Hip Surgery:
    • Hip MRI (ArthroMRI with contrast)
    • X-rays of the pelvis with both joints
    • X-ray axial position of the hip
  • Questions: Prepare a list of any concerns or questions you may have about your condition and potential treatments.

Remember, it's important to provide comprehensive information to get an accurate assessment. In cases where documents are missing, a medical interview and relevant X-rays may suffice for the initial evaluation. Make sure to bring along any crucial documents, including X-rays or MRIs, medication list, age, weight, and height.

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Doctometer

2024