Hip surgery consultation involves a comprehensive and thorough examination and evaluation. Your orthopedic surgeon, along with their team, will obtain your personal information and medical history. An initial consultation is an integral part of the surgery process.
Your surgeon will discuss certain aspects during the consultation that will play a major role in hip joint care. They may provide you with patient forms to complete before the initial visit for facilitating your experience.
The goals of a responsible orthopedic surgeon during the visit are to:
- Decrease pain
- Correctly diagnose the problem
- Identify various tests required for diagnosing the problem
- Helping you get back to your desired activities
Southern California Hip Institute (SCHI), led by board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan, provides orthopedic surgery to patients in Los Angeles, Century City, Beverly Hills, CA, and surrounding locations.
Clinical Evaluation
The surgeon will begin the clinical evaluation by discussing the history of your problem, including various signs and symptoms. A physical examination will be performed next for assessing the cause and source of symptoms. X-rays may be required for assessing the hip joint. You may be asked to bring the x-rays during the initial visit.
Other diagnostic tests, such as MRIs can be performed at the hospital or a convenient location. The goal of the initial consultation is to ascertain the cause of joint pain and to develop a customized plan for achieving a comfortable level of health and healing that allows you to live the active lifestyle you desire.
Most patient appointments usually take 1 to 2 hours for gathering medical history, performing the examination, obtaining x-rays, and completing the consultation.
The following tests may be required for a detailed consultation:
- Consultation with a cardiologist
- Blood test
- Infection tests
- Urine tests
Things You Should Consider
It is recommended that you wear comfortable and loose clothing to the consultation, especially shorts or pants that will make it easier to examine your hips. Don’t forget to bring prior MRI imaging scans and x-rays with the typed radiologist report.
Similarly, bring the Operative Note if you have had a hip surgery before. You should bring the Implant Sticker sheet as well if you have had a joint replacement. This can be obtained from the surgeon that performed the surgery.
Insurance Assistance
You should bring the health insurance card to the consultation for insurance information. Your surgeon’s team will try and work with the insurance carrier to make the process easy.
Anesthetist Consultation
You should bring your current treatment prescriptions and all your test results with you. It’s essential to screen for any focus of infections, such as urinary tract infection, dental infection, or sinusitis. In certain cases, your implant may have microbial growth and result in an infection.
Risk Factors Screening
Screening for risk factors can prevent post-operative complications. Subsequent loosening or wear of the implant is crucial too. Common risk factors regarding hip surgery are obesity, diabetes, and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
Board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan of the Southern California Hip Institute (SCHI) receives patients from Los Angeles, Century City, Beverly Hills, CA, and nearby areas for orthopedic surgery.
Contact the Southern California Hip Institute
Dr. Tigran Garabekyan is a board certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip preservation. To learn more about Southern California Hip Institute or to schedule a consultation, click here to contact us or call:
Century City / Los Angeles: 310.595.1030
Serving patients in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Century City, West Hollywood, North Hollywood Encino, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, Burbank, Glendale and other neighboring cities in the greater Los Angeles, California area.
Also visit http://www.drgorthopedics.com/
