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Orthopedic Injury Follow Up

Whether it’s back pain, leg pain, knee pain, hand pain, shoulder pain, elbow pain, hip pain or any kind of joint pain, you will improve your access to a quality lifestyle with timely follow ups. Regardless of the type of treatment provider you see, it’s important to follow instructions and use your instincts. You don’t want to miss a step in your beat of timely treatment and knowing when to check in with other medical professionals because delayed treatment may prevent your goals of continued enhancement in your quality of life.

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Metal Hip Implant Recall Alert and Revision Hip Surgery

If you have a Metal Hip Implant, it is advised to visit your primary care physician, orthopedic surgeon, and/or revision hip replacement specialist to identify if your hip implant was involved in a recall; learn what you need to do to reduce the risk of complications, such as monitoring metal levels in your body; and identify candidacy for Revision Hip Replacement Surgery if necessary.

Contact Follow Up Doctors Right Away for Orthopedic Injuries!

Remember that joint injuries and spine injuries are critically important to treat in a timely fashion.  For example, a crushed ankle should not be left without follow up treatment for a week. It is advisable to call the orthopedic surgeon you are referred to immediately following emergency discharge to set up the next appointment.  If you have an insurance policy that requires you contact them prior to receiving follow up treatment, be aware that the employee you speak with may not fully understand the seriousness of your condition. As Peter Whang, Associate Professor, Spine Service, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT reiterates, “Unnecessary delays could result in increased damage to anatomic structures, longer recovery times, and possibly worse outcomes following treatment.” By calling the orthopedic specialist’s office first and explaining your situation, you may be able to prevent the risk of more serious harm.

Secure Your Medical Records!

While at the hospital or your treatment provider’s office, you can ask to have your medical records prepared so you can take them with you. If you are leaving an emergency room, urgent care, or a doctor’s office, this may be impossible to accomplish by the time you leave. Whether you have been in the hospital for a number of days or have been receiving ongoing care, you may be able to secure your medical records within three days. It’s wise to have your records available for other physicians that you may need to see for treatment following discharge or in the years to come.

If you are initially referred to an orthopedic surgeon from a hospital, he or she may be able to access your information through a  linked with  Trauma I and Trauma II Medical Center databases.

List Your Medications and Medical History

When you go to an orthopedic surgeon for an initial follow up appointment, they will be fully prepared to address your needs. It’s also helpful to bring a list of the current medications and supplements that you may be taking. If you require orthopedic surgery and have been taking medications, your orthopedic surgeon may have to take precautions to reduce the risk of complications associated with certain medications.  If necessary, bring a support person along who can help to retain information that you receive from your orthopedic surgeon.

As Dr. Peter Whang, adds “If your condition does not improve or becomes more serious, contact your orthopedic surgeon.  If you receive treatment for more than five to six weeks but do not experience improvement, it is time to consult with an orthopedic surgeon again.”

Next Visit,

Selecting Your Orthopedic Surgeon

Q and A for Your Orthopedic Surgeon 

Selecting Your Back  Pain Doctor

Q and A for Your Back or Neck Doctor

 It is important to recognize that all information contained on this website cannot be considered to be specific medical diagnosis, medical treatment, or medical advice. As always, you should consult with a physician regarding any medical condition.