Do you have musculoskeletal health on the brain? If you’ve landed on this page, there’s a good chance that you do. Regardless if you’ve already made your first appointment with an orthopedic surgeon in Victoria, TX, or are still contemplating taking that step, we’re here to help guide you!
At Victoria Orthopedic Center, our skilled and professional team of surgeons has a goal: to ensure you feel safe, comfortable, and informed before you even walk through the door. As such, we’ve put together this guide to prepare you for your initial visit. Take a look!
Documents to Bring with You
To help streamline your first appointment with an orthopedic surgeon, it’s important to bring myriad documents with you, which will allow our team to get a better sense of you, your health, and the appropriate steps on how to move forward.
Specifically, you should consider gathering the following:
- Medical History—Any records of past surgeries, ongoing treatments, and medications you’re currently taking.
- List of Symptoms/Concerns—If you’ve been keeping track of what’s causing you pain or discomfort (i.e. areas of chronic joint pain, a particular injury, etc.), please share this information with the orthopedic surgeon.
- Diagnostic Tests (if available)—If you’ve recently had any X-rays, MRIs, or other imaging done, we ask that you bring these results to your first appointment.
What to Anticipate on Your First Visit
Once you’ve shared the above details with the surgeon, here’s what will generally occur during your first visit:
A Comprehensive Exam
While your medical history will help create a picture of your musculoskeletal health for the surgeon, a comprehensive exam will complete that picture. During this physical exam, which will be similar to an exam with your primary care physician, the orthopedic surgeon will focus on your:
- Range of Motion
- Mobility
- Muscle Strength
- Pain Points
Imaging Tests
If you haven’t had any sort of diagnostic or imaging tests done, or if the surgeon believes the tests are not recent or sufficient enough, you may need one or more of the following:
- X-rays
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scans
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scans
Additionally, at Victoria Orthopedic Center, our surgeons employ the CORI Surgical System, a handheld device that uses image-free smart mapping to create 3D models of your joint.
Diagnosis and Treatment Plans
Based on the information gathered throughout this first exam, your orthopedic surgeon may be able to offer a diagnosis for your condition. If this happens, your diagnosis will be explained in an easy, understandable way, followed by treatment options. Depending on the diagnosis, this may range from non-surgical approaches—such as physical therapy or injections—to orthopedic surgery for more severe cases.
At Victoria Orthopedic Center, a wide range of treatment options for musculoskeletal conditions are available, including non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy, medications, and injections. However, the surgeon may also recommend orthopedic surgery, such as a joint replacement (hip, knee, shoulder), arthroscopic surgery for minimally invasive repairs, or fracture repair and reconstruction.
What to Expect After Your First Visit
After your appointment, you’ll receive a detailed plan outlining the next steps in your treatment. If orthopedic surgery is recommended, your surgeon will explain the procedure, recovery timeline, and what you can do to prepare.
Should non-surgical treatments be appropriate, you’ll work closely with our team to implement the plan, which may include regular follow-ups, physical therapy sessions, or other therapies designed to restore your mobility and reduce pain.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Throughout your first visit with an orthopedic surgeon, you are able—and encouraged—to ask questions at any time. Remember, this appointment is for and about you, so don’t feel embarrassed or afraid to have information clarified or repeated. Remember, our surgeons want you to feel safe, comfortable, and informed.
Questions you may consider asking include:
- What is causing my symptoms?
- Are there non-surgical treatments I should try before considering surgery?
- What are the potential benefits and risks of orthopedic surgery?
- How long will recovery take, and what can I do to speed up the process?
- Are there lifestyle changes or exercises that can help my condition?
Contact Victoria Orthopedic Center Today
At Victoria Orthopedic Center, our surgeons blend exceptional expertise with compassionate care to deliver top-quality treatment. Our modern, state-of-the-art facility is equipped to support everything from initial consultations to advanced orthopedic procedures.
If you could benefit from visiting an orthopedic surgeon, we invite you to contact Victoria Orthopedic Center today. Selecting the right orthopedic surgeon in Victoria, TX, is vital for your long-term health and recovery. Our team is here for you.
