Fat Loss 4 Idiots Opinion

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Arthroscopy and You

By Dr. Richard Edelson

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.

In your medical history, you will tell the orthopedic surgeon about your general health and answer some questions about the problems you have been experiencing with your knee(s).

He or she will focus mostly on your knees and your legs during the physical examination. It will be necessary to determine the stability and strength of your knee as well as the extent of your ROM (range of motion). Also, the orthopedic surgeon will want to check your legs alignment.

The tests that will be ordered for you will probably include blood tests that will help determine the presence of arthritis. Additionally, your orthopedic surgeon will order x-rays and perhaps an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). The latter will provide more in-depth information about the soft tissues of your knee. The type of images taken by the MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) differ from x-rays in that they are gathered using sound waves.

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.

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.

The orthopedic surgeon may ask your doctor to do some additional tests. These may include such things as a cardiogram and/or more blood tests. The overall purpose is to be absolutely certain that your orthopedic surgeon is completely familiar with your condition before proceeding with surgery.

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. - 17269

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