What To Expect From Your Orthopedic Surgeon At Your Consultation Appointment
If you have been suffering from chronic debilitating knee pain, then it might be time to schedule an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon to see if you are a candidate for knee replacement surgery. While conservative treatment methods may help provide you with temporary relief from your symptoms, they may not be long-term solutions. Here are some things you can expect from your orthopedic surgeon during your consultation appointment.
Physical Examination And Mobility Testing
After your orthopedic surgeon takes a detailed medical history, they will perform a comprehensive physical examination. During your examination, your doctor will palpate your knee and put your affected leg into various positions to help assess your range of motion.
The physician will also examine your knee for signs of fluid in the joint by gently pressing on and around your kneecap. They will also check for increased warmth and redness over the affected area and for abnormal lumps. Your knee will also be checked for the presence of crepitus, which refers to popping or crunching sensations or sounds. In addition, the surgeon will check your mobility function by asking you to walk so that your gait can be assessed. While walking, your doctor will evaluate you for limping and an unsteady gait.
Diagnostic Tests
During your office visit, your orthopedic surgeon may also take a series of X-rays and an ultrasound to assess your knee joint and surrounding structures such as your ligaments and muscles. They may also attempt to aspirate synovial fluid from your knee joint by using a syringe. If the fluid is aspirated from the joint, your doctor will check its color and consistency.
If the fluid looks pink, it may mean that you are bleeding into the knee joint and if your synovial fluid looks thick, yellowish, or cloudy, it may mean that you have a bacterial infection inside your knee. After your surgeon has made their diagnosis and has determined that you are a candidate for knee replacement surgery, you may need to complete a course of antibiotics to eliminate the bacterial infection before your surgery can be scheduled.
If you suffer from chronic or severe knee pain that has not been responsive to conservative treatments such as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs or mild exercise, make an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon for a consultation appointment. When knee problems are identified early on, your treatment may be more effective and you may be less likely to develop further injury to the other structures of your leg.