Sports Medicine Oregon

Seeing A Knee Doctor

By Sports Medicine Oregon

What to Expect From An Orthopedic Knee Evaluation

If you do not already have an orthopedic surgeon, this referral will be made by your family physician. When you have an orthopedic knee evaluation, your orthopedic surgeon will usually take a medical history, perform a physical examination, and order x-rays.

Medical History

This consists of questions regarding your general health as well as any symptoms and problems you have been experiencing.

Physical Examination

This is done to evaluate the stability, muscle strength and motion of your knee. Your orthopedic surgeon will also check the alignment of your leg.

General Testing

X-rays may be taken to determine the condition of the bones of your knee. In addition to x-rays, your orthopedic surgeon may order an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) for you. This will give him or her more in-depth information regarding the soft tissues of the knee. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is different from an x-ray. It works by using magnetic sound waves to create an image. In addition to this, your orthopedic surgeon may order some blood tests that will help him or her to know if you have arthritis.

Reviewing Results

Once all of your testing is complete, your orthopedic surgeon will review the results with you and help you to determine what needs to be done to treat your knee problem. Your options may include medications and/or a variety of surgical procedures. Among them may be arthroscopy.

There may be some risks associated with arthroscopy, both during and after the surgery. Your orthopedic surgeon will explain these to you.

Here are some of the signs that you might be a good candidate for arthroscopy: Persistent pain, swelling, knee problems such as catching or giving way. Additionally, if you are simply afraid to do things because you don't trust your knee, you may be a good candidate for this procedure. Furthermore, if you have tried a lot of other options like medications, physical therapy, and knee supports with little or no relief, arthroscopy may be the answer for you.

Arthroscopy patients usually range in age from twenty to sixty. However, this operation has also been used successfully on children under the age of ten and on octogenarians.

What to Do to Prepare for Surgery

Once you have decided to go ahead with arthroscopy, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend that you have a complete physical examination with your regular M.D. This precaution is a way of identifying any potential problems that might complicate your surgical procedure.

Your orthopedic surgeon may request that your M.D. have tests like a cardiogram or more blood tests done. These extra precautions help with the safe planning of your procedure.

Be sure that your orthopedic surgeon knows about any medications or nutritional supplements you are taking. He or she will let you know if you should stop taking them before your surgery.

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