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Patient Information
Practical information to help you prepare for a consultation, understand a planned operation, and know what to expect during recovery.
Preparing for your visit
What to expect at your appointment
What a consultation involves, how long to allow, and what happens after the examination.
Bring your imaging
Any X-rays, MRI or CT scans you already have, along with the written reports. Films or a disc are both fine, as are photographs of the images on your phone.
Bring your records
Previous operation notes, discharge summaries, and a list of your current medication, particularly blood thinners and diabetes medication.
Clinical assessment
Most of the diagnosis comes from the history and the examination rather than the scan. Expect questions about how the problem began, what eases or worsens it, and how it affects sleep, work and daily activity — followed by examination of the joint itself and of the joints above and below it.
Still have a question?
If something here is unclear, or your situation does not fit what is described, please ask before your appointment.