What to Expect at your First Appointment
A visit to a Riverside orthopaedic surgeon does not automatically mean surgery. In fact, our physicians use their expertise to determine how surgery can be avoided. While non-surgical treatment certainly isn't possible for every patient, if you are interested in exploring your options — you have come to the right place.
Your orthopaedic surgeon will first determine how serious your injury is and guide you in what treatment course will be most effective including reducing the likelihood of additional injury. For many patients, non-surgical treatment may be all that is needed
What to bring
- A list of your current medications
- Any and all x-rays, MRIs or other imaging films (including written report)
- Information about what treatments and medications have been tried in the past and medical records that you think may be helpful
- List of questions you want to ask your physician
- Insurance information and card
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Referral from your primary care physician, if applicable
What to expect
On your first visit, your surgeon will:
- Discuss your symptoms with you
- Review your records or previous tests
- Assess your arm range of motion, swelling, strength or weakness, and any instability or deformity
- Order more diagnostic tests such as an x-rays of your shoulder in various positions, or MRIs to assess the soft tissues, or a CT scan to examine bones more closely
- Order blood tests depending on your symptoms
Also, your doctor will want to get a sense of how much the pain interferes with your daily living. Then, the two of your will discuss therapy options to restore your shoulder and arm mobility and function.
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